Page 40 - SFHN Feb 2021

CANNABIS Trulieve Opens
Second
BUSINESS Location
in Gainesville
DIRECTORY
page 39
page 34

February 2021

2019 Cannabis Business Award’s Publication of the Year

Cresco Labs to Expand Into Florida Through

Acquisition of Bluma Wellness Inc.

Cresco Labs, one of the largest vertically integrated, multistate cannabis operators in the
United States, and Bluma Wellness Inc., a vertically integrated operator in Florida, announced
they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Cresco Labs will acquire all of
the issued and outstanding shares of Bluma in an all-share transaction that values Bluma at an
equity value of US $213 million.
“Our strategy at Cresco Labs is to build the most strategic geographic footprint possible and
achieve material market positions in each of our states. With Florida, we will have a meaningful
presence in all 7 of the 10 most populated states in the country with cannabis programs – an
incredibly strategic and valuable footprint by any definition. We recognize the importance of the Angie Willoughby
Florida market and the importance of entering Florida in a thoughtful way – we identified Bluma
as having the right tools and key advantages for growth. Bluma is known for having best-in-class
cultivation in the state of Florida, a differentiated retail experience and omnichannel offering Microdosing
with effective delivery, a clear pathway to scale and an incredible management team. We have a
proven track record of integrating assets in strategic states, improving fundamentals, and ampli-
fying operations to take share in the most competitive cannabis markets,” said Charles Bachtell, Charles Bachtell Through
CEO of Cresco Labs. “In 2020, we demonstrated the growth and leverage that can be created by
focusing only on the most strategic markets, executing high-quality cultivation at scale, and marrying it with a targeted, con- Motherhood
sumer-focused model of high-volume retail. In 2021, it’s rinse and repeat. We’re using the same playbook to go deeper in strate-
gic states, including Florida – we look forward to bringing our Cresco Labs brands and our Sunnyside stores to the Sunshine Shame
State!”

BY ANGIE WILLOUGHBY
Cannabis Spotlight Motherhood is a beautiful thing, espe-
cially for those that want it. I was never
one that wanted that experience. So as I
ANDREA ANDERSON lay in the operating room with a sheet
covering my midsection feeling the pull
Canna Crusade Wellness of my impending delivery, the only emo-
tion I could conjure was fear. Fear and
What benefits do you see for patients throughout Florida within this overwhelming guilt, I cried. Tears
space? flowed freely as new life was brought
The benefits in my opinion are almost limitless! As a Florida medical cannabis patient, people from my womb.
have the opportunity to explore the many different ways that cannabis can improve health. Not See the thing with shame is that it is a
only that, but patients are given the opportunity to empower themselves to heal on a more nat- two-fold emotion; usually self imposed
ural level, and therefore regain control over their own health and wellness. As more and more and can also be societally enforced.
states legalize cannabis use, the negative stigma associated with medical cannabis slowly starts Webster's Dictionary defines shame as 'a
to dissipate. There is no denying that even in the past year, with the Covid-19 pandemic full painful feeling of humiliation or distress
flare, cannabis has been deemed essential and more people are opting for plant medicine versus caused by the consciousness of wrong or
the alternative standard of care. Floridians and seasonal residents of all ages have access to some foolish behavior.' Becoming pregnant
incredible knowledge, product, and opportunity for healthier lifestyles. Whether they reduce AND also not knowing that I was preg-
their need for pharmaceuticals, feel relief they could not achieve with traditional treatment or Andrea Anderson nant, doubled down with the lack of
simply experience improved sleep and/or mood, these differences have a profound impact on quality of life. I think it is fair to maternal sensibilities and just the basic
say we all deserve an opportunity for improved quality of life. necessities to care for another human
being was enough to make me feel like
What motivates you to be a part of the cannabis Industry? there was a giant stone on my chest.
One of the biggest motivators for me is educating others. We already know that science and research is constantly revealing At the time I was using cannabis for
more data that supports the healing benefits of plant medicine, however this isn’t something covered in med school. My belief is relief to get high and enjoyed it occa-
that as more people are made aware of the research and data, people will be less anxious about trying this specific form of alter- sionally for the euphoric state to allevi-
native medicine. I look forward to the day when medical cannabis is not considered alternative medicine … as I believe this ate some of the pressure that I felt I was
should be a first-round consideration. Most importantly, my passion is in pediatric medical cannabis treatment. I am the mother under. As I became more involved in
of a pediatric patient; my child has been free from pharmaceuticals for almost 3 years and using only low THC products. I have cannabis I began to question how I
consulted with several Florida families and throughout the globe, who are treating their child with cannabis for Autism, ADHD, could use my cannabis to get from under
Epilepsy, and many other disorders. It is absolutely inspiring to see the success stories of both adults and children who utilize this boulder of shame. Then I found
the various ways of consuming cannabinoids. microdosing!

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