Verano Essence

Summary
Vertically-integrated cannabis powerhouse delivering premium products nationwide
Description

Verano's active operations span 13 states, comprising 157 dispensaries and 15 cultivation and processing facilities with more than 1.1 million square feet of cultivation capacity. The company operates as a fully vertically-integrated cannabis enterprise, controlling every aspect from seed to sale.Verano offers a superior cannabis shopping experience in medical and adult use markets under the Zen Leaf™ and MÜV™ dispensary banners, including Cabbage Club™, an innovative annual membership program offering exclusive benefits for cannabis consumers. Their diverse brand portfolio includes Verano™, MÜV™, Savvy™, BITS™, Encore™, and Avexia™, plus (the) Essence™ and other specialized lines.Verano ensures each plant is organic, local, and exceptionally effective, entrusting their cannabis experts alone to cultivate each exceptional strain. With precision and pride, they verify the dosage and cannabinoid quality of every product, from sleep gummies to body balm. Their operations include everything from premium flower and concentrates to innovative edibles and topicals, all produced under strict quality standards.

Our story

Verano was founded in 2014 by George Archos, strategically positioned at the beginning of the U.S. cannabis boom. The company established itself as one of the three largest multistate cannabis operators in the United States through ambitious expansion and strategic acquisitions.Verano's meteoric rise can be traced back to the beginning of Illinois' experiment with medical marijuana, where Archos previously partnered with influential cannabis consultant Ross Morreale to launch Ataraxia, which became the first firm licensed in Illinois to start legally cultivating weed in July 2015. The new company launched in October 2018 with $120 million in private funding, taking control of the grow operation and Archos' Zen Leaf dispensary brand.Key milestones include going public on the Canadian Stock Exchange in 2021 and completing strategic acquisitions like Arizona and Virginia subsidiaries of The Cannabist Company in 2024. Through savvy M&A activity and operational excellence, Verano has evolved from a regional Illinois operator into a national cannabis leader with $879 million in revenue for 2024.

Mission

Verano Holdings Corp. is a vertically integrated, multi-state operator embracing a mission of saying Yes to plant progress and the bold exploration of cannabis. For years, we were told to just say no – Verano is rewriting the narrative. We say yes to plant progress, to the bold exploration of cannabis.Verano believes in decriminalizing and democratizing cannabis for all, including granting cannabis clemency to nonviolent offenders. Through The Weldon Project's Mission Green, they lead clemency, expungement, and pardons for persons currently or formerly incarcerated due to nonviolent cannabis-related charges.At their cannabis dispensaries, they're lavish with their top-tier focus on hospitality, premium ingredients, and those who put their trust in them. All are welcome here. Whether you're a newcomer or a cannabis connoisseur, they're honored to share their expertise with you, creating an inclusive environment where cannabis curiosity thrives.

Why we love this brand

At Calm Effect, we're impressed by Verano's commitment to true vertical integration – they control every step from cultivation to retail, ensuring consistent quality and competitive pricing for deal-seekers. Their innovative bodega-style dispensary format at Zen Leaf Cave Creek provides visitors with a unique opportunity to browse, interact with, and choose their favorite items throughout the store, revolutionizing the traditional cannabis shopping experience.What sets Verano apart is their diverse brand portfolio that caters to every consumer segment. BITS edibles are the everyday cannabis consumable, containing a gentle blend of cannabinoid ratios and adaptogens, while Savvy offers high-quality cannabis flower and mindset-driven vapes in large quantities at wallet-friendly pricing. Their Cabbage Club membership program offers exclusive benefits, monthly credits, and members-only events, providing exceptional value for frequent consumers.Verano's scale and operational efficiency translate to better deals and broader product availability across their 157 dispensaries nationwide.

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