The Time Is Now for U.S. Cannabis January 25, 2021

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The Time Is Now for U.S. Cannabis January 25, 2021 Equity Research U.S. Cannabis Industry January The Time is Now for U.S. Cannabis January 25, 2021 Given an attractive growth outlook for both medical and recreational markets in the U.S., improved execution by operators, healthier balance sheets and current Viridian Capital Advisors valuation trends for certain companies, we believe now is an attractive time to invest (or reinvest) in the U.S. cannabis market. The more attractive companies are those www.viridianca.com with established profitable and growing businesses in core markets which are poised for additional state expansion, but are more overlooked by analysts and investors. Jonathan DeCourcey 2020 was an evolutionary year of development for cannabis. In Q1/20, the industry Director Equity Research was nearly a year into a valuation decline which began in Q2/19 and continued [email protected] through the vape crisis with stock prices hitting a five year low in early March. Things began to change in the early days of COVID- 19, with cannabis companies deemed to (781) 724.6869 be essential businesses. Sales accelerated in legal markets at a time when most other retail industries struggled. With initial sales in Illinois and Michigan, recreational cannabis moved beyond the coasts. Five states passed ballot initiatives in November. Some states openly discussed legalization as a tool to offset economic hardship. Cannabis Investment Thesis Capital markets activity improved late in 2020 with the U.S. becoming the focal point • Visible and Profitable of investment and M&A activity. We expect the upswing to continue as capital is Long-Term Industry Growth becoming less costly for companies on improved investor interest (particularly from institutional investors), and increased debt financings. According to the Viridian U.S. Market Becomes Cannabis Deal Tracker, debt financings comprised 37% of all capital raises in 2020, • up from 28% in 2019. M&A activity has returned and the industry will continue to Target for Investors and consolidate going forward. Acquirers We believe 2020 progress was just a start and expect continued expansion and broadening mainstream adoption for cannabis in the US. Unlike in past years, we • Legislative Activity believe operators are in their best position ever to drive sustainable and profitable Progressing Though Not All revenue growth. Execution will translate to outperforming investor returns. State Expansion Forecasting strong growth: In 2021, we forecast more than $20B in cannabis sales, up from $17B in ‘20 and expect sales to exceed $35B by 2025. We anticipate Opportunities are Equal economic hardship caused by COVID-19 will be a key driver of cannabis expansion in certain states with cannabis providing a rare opportunity to generate taxes and jobs. • Capital Markets Rebound Legislative activity progressing: We expect at least 8 states to pass recreational for Investment and M&A cannabis legislation this year. By 2025 we believe 36 states will permit recreational sales (from 11 today). Meanwhile, we believe medical cannabis will be legal in all 50 • Company Execution states by the end of our forecast period. Importantly, we do not anticipate any broad Improves federal legalization is coming. This means well-run operators can carve out defensible and sustainable competitive advantages longer term within individual state markets. • Credit Ratings Strengthen Stronger balance sheets and execution: Operators are now positioned to achieve as Balance Sheets Improve accelerating top line growth, margin expansion and sustainable cash flows. Valuations present opportunities: We believe valuations do not sufficiently reflect the • Attractive Valuations for improved industry outlook while a disconnected premium for larger-cap companies Underfollowed Companies presents an attractive buying opportunity for investors to find well-run, overlooked companies with outperforming growth potential at discounted valuations. Launching research coverage: Over the coming weeks and months, we plan to launch Click the Link to Subscribe to the research coverage on public companies in the space, including both plant touching operators and ancillary service providers. Specifically, we plan to focus on to-date Viridian Cannabis Deal Tracker underappreciated, high-quality names which are poised for outperforming growth and profitable operations. VIRIDIAN CAPITAL ADVISORS • 805 THIRD AVENUE, N.Y., N.Y. 10022 • WWW.VIRIDIANCA.COM Table of Contents Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 The Time to Invest in US Cannabis is Now ............................................................................................................................................ 14 Improved Execution with Established Businesses ................................................................................................................................ 14 Enhanced Capital Position ...................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Best Capitalized Companies ................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Credit Ratios Reflect Improved Quality .................................................................................................................................................. 16 Valuation in Certain Companies Attractive for Investors ............................................................................................................ 17 Unjustified Weighting to Market Cap in Current Valuations ................................................................................................................. 18 Valuations Premiums to State Exposure Numbers ............................................................................................................................... 19 Discount for Most Profitable Operators ................................................................................................................................................. 20 Liquidity Justifies Premium Valuations .................................................................................................................................................. 20 Ancillary Service Providers Offer Discounted Entry Point for Investment ............................................................................................ 20 Upside Potential in Ancillary Service Provider Uplisting ........................................................................................................................ 21 Capital Markets Rebound Benefitting Cannabis Operators, Investors and Acquirers ........................................................................ 22 Capital Raise Activity ............................................................................................................................................................................... 22 Select Private Companies Raise Significant Capital ............................................................................................................................. 24 Top Fund Raising Private Companies in 2020 ...................................................................................................................................... 24 M&A Activity ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 25 US Dominates 2H/2020 M&A Activity ................................................................................................................................................... 26 Shift to Expansion Markets ..................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Largest Operators Getting Bigger Through Acquisitions ....................................................................................................................... 28 Investors Favorable of Large Scale Transactions.................................................................................................................................. 29 Industry Leaders Capitalized for Expansion........................................................................................................................................... 30 Interest in Branded Product Demonstrated in M&A ............................................................................................................................. 30 Real Estate Investment Opportunity ...................................................................................................................................................... 31 Cannabis a Safe Play for Real Estate Investors .................................................................................................................................... 31 SPACs Become a Focus .......................................................................................................................................................................... 32 What to do with Raised Capital?............................................................................................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • CRESCO LABS INC. November 30, 2018 LISTING STATEMENT
    CRESCO LABS INC. November 30, 2018 LISTING STATEMENT - FORM 2A IN CONNECTION WITH THE LISTING OF THE SHARES OF CRESCO LABS INC., THE ENTITY FORMERLY KNOWN AS RANDSBURG INTERNATIONAL GOLD CORP., AFTER THE REVERSE TAKEOVER BY CRESCO LABS, LLC MARIJUANA IS ILLEGAL UNDER U.S. FEDERAL LAW AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF RELEVANT LAWS IS A SIGNIFICANT RISK. Cresco Labs Inc. indirectly holds all the voting interests and an approximate 53% equity interest in Cresco Labs, LLC, the entity through which all of the operating subsidiaries of Cresco Labs, LLC are held. Shareholders are cautioned that at this time, the outstanding Subordinate Voting Shares and Proportionate Voting Shares does not represent all of the equity interest in Cresco Labs, LLC. Cresco Labs Inc. derives a substantial portion of its revenues from the cannabis industry in certain states of the United States, which industry is illegal under United States federal law. Cresco Labs Inc. is indirectly involved (through its licensed subsidiaries) in the cannabis industry in the United States where local state laws permit such activities. Currently, its subsidiaries are directly engaged in the manufacturing, possession, use, sale or distribution of cannabis in the recreational and/or medicinal cannabis marketplace in the States of Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nevada, Arizona and California and will begin such activities in New York, Massachusetts and Maryland in the near term. The United States federal government regulates drugs through the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 811 (the "CSA"), which places controlled substances, including cannabis, in a schedule. Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug.
    [Show full text]
  • CCB 2021 0322.Pdf
    INDEMAND JOBS: Here are the 10 hottest well-paying careers in Illinois. PAGE 12 CONVENTIONS: What Chicago must do to win them back. PAGE 3 CHICAGOBUSINESS.COM | MARCH 22, 2021 | $3.50 MANUFACTURING As the ‘engine Socially conscious investing gains currency as investors seek to improve sustainability of the economy’ and bene t the social good while still making money. PAGE 15 heats up again, tech advances are accelerating ahead of a lagging labor FACTORIES FORWARD force. PAGE 15 FACTORIES FORWARD FIND THE COMPLETE SERIES ONLINE ChicagoBusiness.com/CrainsForum ZAC OSGOOD ZAC How Chicago became Herd immunity: the Silicon Valley of pot Kayvan Khalatbari, a cannabis A moving target Early obstacles helped consultant from Denver who turn local marijuana advised Cresco on its original li- Threshold for stopping COVID is higher in some areas cense application. companies into giants In the six years since Illinois BY STEPHANIE GOLDBERG issued its rst licenses to grow MINDING THE GAP: Why so many health care workers are BY JOHN PLETZ and sell marijuana for medical As COVID-19 inoculations use, GTI, Cresco, Verano and accelerate, a weary public waits still unvaccinated. PAGE 3 Call Chicago the capital of Big privately held PharmaCann have anxiously for vaccines to reach 70 Weed. emerged as industry giants, win- BOEHM R. JOHN percent of the population, a level tration in areas that have been e city is home to three of the ning or acquiring licenses across Cresco CEO Charlie Bachtell widely associated with “herd im- hit harder during the pandemic. ve biggest public companies in the country as legalization took munity.” In other words, vaccinating any the United States that grow and o .
    [Show full text]
  • Cresco Labs Announces Opening of Sixth Sunnyside in Illinois and First Cannabis Dispensary in Danville
    CRESCO LABS ANNOUNCES OPENING OF SIXTH SUNNYSIDE IN ILLINOIS AND FIRST CANNABIS DISPENSARY IN DANVILLE Cresco Labs increases national retail footprint to 16 operating stores and widens Sunnyside’s reach in eastern Illinois Cresco Labs’ Sunnyside dispensary in Danville is the first adult-use only store in eastern Illinois CHICAGO – May 27, 2020 — Cresco Labs (CSE:CL) (OTCQX:CRLBF) (“Cresco” or “the Company”), one of the largest vertically integrated multistate cannabis operators in the United States, announced today the opening of its sixth Illinois dispensary located at 369 Lynch Dr. in the city of Danville. As the first cannabis retail store to open in eastern Illinois, near the Indiana border, Sunnyside Danville is ideally positioned to introduce its portfolio of owned brands to the tens of thousands of people living in the region. “We’re excited to bring the Sunnyside retail experience and introduce our house of brands to people living in eastern Illinois. This is our sixth store in Illinois and with additional cultivation from our recent expansion coming online throughout Q3, we are set to generate significant operating leverage and demonstrate the value of going deep,” said Charlie Bachtell, Cresco Labs’ CEO and Co-founder. Cresco completely renovated the adult-use only Danville location to showcase the Sunnyside retail concept. Designed to offer an educational and welcoming shopping experience with bright light, natural wood tones and sunny accents, the store has 4,800 square feet of space with over 10 points of sale and products divided by form and function. Sunnyside Danville’s store hours are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, seven days a week starting May 27th.
    [Show full text]
  • CRESCO LABS OHIO LLC Application ID 470
    Ohio Medical Marijuana Dispensary Application CRESCO LABS OHIO LLC Application ID 470 Demographic Information(Business Contact) A-1.1 Business Name, as it appears on the Applicant’s certificate of incorporation, charter, bylaws, partnership agreement or other legal business formation documents Cresco Labs Ohio LLC A-1.2 Other trade names and DBA (doing business as) names No response provided by applicant A-1.3 Business Street Address 6545 Market Avenue North, STE 100 A-1.4 City North Canton A-1.5 State OH A-1.6 Zip Code 44721 A-1.7 Phone 6144408589 A-1.8 Email [email protected] Demographic Information(Primary Contact/Registered Agent) A-2.1 Please select: Primary Contact, or Registered Agent for this Application PRIMARY CONTACT A-2.2 First Name Christopher A-2.3 Middle Name Thomas A-2.4 Last Name Schrimpf A-2.5 Street Address 113 South Ardmore A-2.6 City Bexley A-2.7 State OH A-2.8 Zip Code 43209 A-2.9 Phone 6144408589 A-2.10 Email [email protected] Demographic Information(Applicant Organization and Tax Status) A-3.1 Select One Limited Liability Company A-3.1A If other, explain No response provided by applicant A-3.2 State of Incorporation or Registration OH A-3.3 Date of Formation 05/22/2017 A-3.4 Business Name on Formation Documents Cresco Labs Ohio, LLC A-3.5 Federal Employer ID number This response has been entirely redacted A-3.6 Ohio Unemployment Compensation Account Number No response provided by applicant A-3.7 Ohio Department of Taxation Number (if Applicant is currently doing business in Ohio) No response provided by applicant A-3.8 Ohio Workers’ Compensation Policy Number (if Applicant is currently doing business in Ohio) No response provided by applicant A-3.9 The Applicant attests that workers’ compensation insurance will be obtained by the time the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy determines the Applicant to be operational under the Act and regulations.
    [Show full text]
  • Q4 2019 Your Cannabis Investment Resource
    THE CANNIN REPORT | Q4 Q4 2019 Your Cannabis investment resource. THE CANNIN REPORT | Q3 Risks Disclosures If you are considering investing in a company that is connected to the marijuana industry, be aware that marijuana-related companies may be at risk of federal, and perhaps state, criminal prosecution. The Department of Treasury recently issued guidance noting: “[T]he Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”) makes it illegal under federal law to manufacture, distribute, or dispense marijuana. Many states impose and enforce similar prohibitions. Notwithstanding the federal ban, as of the date of this guidance, 20 states and the District of Columbia have legalized the certain marijuana-related activity.” Fundamental Analysis Sections p. 11 | CuraLeaf Holdings Inc. p. 15 | Planet 13 Holdings Inc. p. 18 | MJardin Group p. 21 | Innovative Industrial Properties p. 25 | KushCo Holdings Inc. p. 29 | Harvest Health and Recreation Inc. p. 32 | Green Thumb Industries p. 37 | MedMen p. 41 | TILT Holdings p. 45 | Acreage Holdings p. 49 | Trulieve Cannabis Corp. p. 53 | Cresco Labs Inc. 9 THE CANNIN REPORT | Q3 Cresco Labs Inc. Fundamentals Profile: HQ: Chicago, IL, USA Founded: 1990 Facilities: Chicago, Joliet, Lincoln, Fall River, Salome, Las Vegas, San Luis Obispo, Mendota, others Symbol: CRLBF (OTC); CL (CSE) Focus: Strong As a top-quality cannabis producer, processor and retailer operating in seven US states, the company focuses on entering highly regulated markets with excessive demand potential and high barriers to entry. Cresco has elevated everyday cannabis through its THC-forward products available in flower, vape pens, and multiple forms of extracts. Cresco plans to leverage the success in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nevada, California, and Arizona to expand into legalized cannabis markets in other states, while focusing on compliance, control, efficiency, and product performance in the medicinal or adult-use cannabis industry.
    [Show full text]
  • 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance Report
    2021 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT PUBLISHED JUNE 7, 2021 2021 IIP ESG REPORT LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN We are delighted to present to you Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc.’s (IIP) inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance Report. From its founding in December 2016, IIP has focused on supporting the high-growth, rapidly evolving regulated cannabis industry in the United States. We recognized an opportunity to apply our team’s extensive real estate experience to this new sector and help bring the benefits that our capital provides to as wide an audience as possible. At the same time, we recognized that our role extends beyond simply being an investor in real estate. As a team, we are also committed to sound environmental management, collaborative community engagement, and strong corporate governance principles, evolving and strengthening our actions in these areas as we grow as a company. Most importantly, we recognize that our operations, and those of our tenants, have the potential to transform thousands of lives in the communities where our properties are located. Many of these communities have experienced significant hardships, most notably losses in jobs and commerce due to industry disruption and migration to other geographies. However, together with our tenant partners, we have demonstrated the ability to bring back good jobs, economic activity and much needed benefits to the people of these communities, in addition to key tax revenues that drive reinvigoration of local services, schools and healthcare. We are excited to bring even more transparency to how we operate with this report. While we are in the early stages of reporting on our environmental, social and governance journey, we are committed to improving the disclosures we make year over year and exploring additional opportunities where we can make a positive, lasting, meaningful impact for all of our stakeholders: our stockholders, tenant partners, employees and communities.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Information Form
    Annual Information Form For the year ended December 31, 2017 Dated March 11, 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 1 CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION ............................. 1 MARKET DATA AND INDUSTRY FORECASTS ............................................................................................... 2 CORPORATE STRUCTURE .................................................................................................................................. 2 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS ............................................................................................. 2 DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS ................................................................................................................... 10 RISK FACTORS ..................................................................................................................................................... 58 DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS ................................................................................................................... 84 DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE..................................................................................................... 84 MARKET FOR SECURITIES ............................................................................................................................. 102 CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION ............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Choice Consolidation Corp. Investor Presentation February 1, 2021
    Choice Consolidation Corp. Investor Presentation February 1, 2021 This document is for information purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security. This document does not constitute an offering memorandum or an offer or solicitation in any province or territory in Canada or other jurisdiction in which an offer or solicitation is not authorized. A copy of the preliminary prospectus dated January 22, 2021 containing important information relating to the securities described in this document has been filed with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada, except Québec. A copy of the preliminary prospectus, and any amendment, is required to be delivered with this document. The preliminary prospectus is still subject to completion. Copies of the preliminary prospectus may be obtained from www.sedar.com. There will not be any sale or any acceptance of an offer to buy the securities until a receipt for the final prospectus has been issued. No securities regulatory authority has expressed an opinion about these securities and it is an offence to claim otherwise. The preliminary prospectus constitutes a public offering of the securities only in those jurisdictions where they may be lawfully offered for sale and, in such jurisdictions, only by persons permitted to sell such securities. This document does not provide full disclosure of all material facts relating to the securities offered. Investors should read the preliminary prospectus, the final prospectus and any amendment for disclosure of those facts, especially risk factors relating to the securities offered, before making an investment decision.
    [Show full text]
  • Building America's Largest Cannabis Company
    BUILDING AMERICA’S LARGEST CANNABIS COMPANY APRIL 2019 DISCLAIMER This presentation contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, ‘may,’ ‘will,’ ‘should,’ ‘could,’ ‘would,’ ‘expects,’ ‘plans,’ ‘anticipates,’ ‘believes,’ ‘estimates,’ ‘projects,’ ‘predicts,’ ‘potential’ or ‘continue’ or the negative of those forms or other comparable terms. The Company’s forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward- looking statements, including but not limited to those risks discussed under "Risk Factors" in the company’s CSE Listing Statement filed with SEDAR; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Because of these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking statements. No assurances are given as to the future trading price or trading volumes of Cresco’s shares, nor as to the Company’s financial performance in future financial periods.
    [Show full text]
  • Renewal Application – Cresco HHH
    Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Marijuana Product Manufacturer General Information: License Number: MP281361 Original Issued Date: 04/12/2019 Issued Date: 05/13/2021 Expiration Date: 06/08/2022 ABOUT THE MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENT Business Legal Name: Cresco HHH, LLC Phone Number: 774-226-7749 Email Address: [email protected] Business Address 1: 100 Summer Street Business Address 2: Business City: Boston Business State: MA Business Zip Code: 02110 Mailing Address 1: 1 West St. Mailing Address 2: Mailing City: Fall River Mailing State: MA Mailing Zip Code: 02720 CERTIFIED DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (DBES) Certifed Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs): Not a DBE PRIORITY APPLICANT Priority Applicant: yes Priority Applicant Type: RMD Priority Economic Empowerment Applicant Certifcation Number: RMD Priority Certifcation Number: RPA201894 RMD INFORMATION Name of RMD: Cresco HHH, LLC Department of Public Health RMD Registration Number: PCR Only Operational and Registration Status: Applied for Certifcate of Registration, decision by DPH is pending To your knowledge, is the existing RMD certifcate of registration in good standing?: yes If no, describe the circumstances below: PERSONS WITH DIRECT OR INDIRECT AUTHORITY Person with Direct or Indirect Authority 1 Percentage Of Ownership: 3.66 Percentage Of Control: 10 Role: Executive / Ofcer Other Role: Chief Executive Ofcer, Co-Founder, Board Member First Name: Charles Last Name: Bachtell Sufx: Gender: Male User Defned Gender: Date generated: 05/24/2021 Page: 1 of 18
    [Show full text]
  • CRESCO LABS OHIO LLC Application ID 617
    Ohio Medical Marijuana Dispensary Application CRESCO LABS OHIO LLC Application ID 617 Demographic Information(Business Contact) A-1.1 Business Name, as it appears on the Applicant’s certificate of incorporation, charter, bylaws, partnership agreement or other legal business formation documents Cresco Labs Ohio LLC A-1.2 Other trade names and DBA (doing business as) names No response provided by applicant A-1.3 Business Street Address 6545 Market Avenue North, STE 100 A-1.4 City North Canton A-1.5 State OH A-1.6 Zip Code 44721 A-1.7 Phone 6144408589 A-1.8 Email [email protected] Demographic Information(Primary Contact/Registered Agent) A-2.1 Please select: Primary Contact, or Registered Agent for this Application PRIMARY CONTACT A-2.2 First Name Christopher A-2.3 Middle Name Thomas A-2.4 Last Name Schrimpf A-2.5 Street Address 113 South Ardmore A-2.6 City Bexley A-2.7 State OH A-2.8 Zip Code 43209 A-2.9 Phone 6144408589 A-2.10 Email [email protected] Demographic Information(Applicant Organization and Tax Status) A-3.1 Select One Limited Liability Company A-3.1A If other, explain No response provided by applicant A-3.2 State of Incorporation or Registration OH A-3.3 Date of Formation 05/22/2017 A-3.4 Business Name on Formation Documents Cresco Labs Ohio, LLC A-3.5 Federal Employer ID number This response has been entirely redacted A-3.6 Ohio Unemployment Compensation Account Number No response provided by applicant A-3.7 Ohio Department of Taxation Number (if Applicant is currently doing business in Ohio) No response provided by applicant A-3.8 Ohio Workers’ Compensation Policy Number (if Applicant is currently doing business in Ohio) No response provided by applicant A-3.9 The Applicant attests that workers’ compensation insurance will be obtained by the time the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy determines the Applicant to be operational under the Act and regulations.
    [Show full text]
  • Cannabis Workers Want Respect! More and More Workers Are
    For Immediate Release February 3, 2021 Cannabis Workers Want Respect! More and more workers are choosing to join the growing IL Cannabis Union! Des Plaines, IL - Cannabis workers continue to fight to improve working conditions in the cannabis industry as companies report billions in sales. Local 881 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) has recently filed petitions for Union elections at two dispensaries, including, Windy City Cannabis/Curaleaf in Chicago and Ascend Cannabis Dispensary in Springfield, Illinois. The National Labor Relations Board has announced that the workers at Windy City will participate in a mail-in election, with votes scheduled to be counted in late March. Workers at these two dispensaries understand that it is up to the employees to improve working conditions in the cannabis industry. The workers realize they cannot afford to wait for corporations to address the rampant issues in the workplace. These two locations may be located in very different parts of the state, but they share a common goal of converting cannabis ‘jobs’ into real sustainable careers with the respect they deserve. The Windy City Cannabis/Curaleaf and Ascend workers are organizing to gain: • Better wages and benefits • A safer workplace, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic • A voice at the table to create clear policies and procedure and the ability to address workplace issues • A grievance structure • Respect in the workplace “We spoke up when our hours were cut. We spoke up when our paid holidays were taken away. We spoke up about safety concerns, COVID protections, and clarity when someone in our building tests positive.
    [Show full text]