emerging industry

Company executives to highlight how combining the Unity Rd. dispensary franchise with premium Item 9 Labs cannabis products can accelerate national growth.

PHOENIX — Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) (“Item 9 Labs” or the “Company”), a vertically integrated cannabis dispensary franchisor and operator that produces premium award-winning products, today announced that the Company will participate in the A.G.P. Spring Consumer Cannabis Conference and the Benzinga Global Small Cap Conference in May 2021.

“The U.S. cannabis market is poised for substantial growth,” said Item 9 Labs CEO Andrew Bowden. “Our Unity Rd. dispensary franchise model, combined with our premium Item 9 Labs products, positions us to benefit both financially and geographically. At these conferences, we will discuss how franchising is the most viable national expansion strategy for our Unity Rd. dispensary brand with greatly reduced capital expenditures, resulting in accelerated scale.”

One-on-One Virtual Meetings at the A.G.P. Spring Consumer Cannabis Conference

–          Date: Tuesday, May 4, 2021
–          Interested Investors: Please contact your A.G.P. registered representative

Bowden, Chief Strategy Officer Jeffrey Rassás and Chief Franchise Officer Mike Weinberger will be meeting with investors in one-on-one sessions. The conference features up to 30 select companies in the cannabis industry and will be attended by approximately 200 qualified institutional investment funds from around the world.

Presentation at the Benzinga Global Small Cap Conference

–          Date: Thursday, May 13, 2021
–          Time: 10:10 a.m. EDT
–          Registration Link: https://www.benzinga.com/events/small-cap/global/

Bowden and Weinberger will provide an overview of the Company, including its award-winning Item 9 Labs products, expansion of its cultivation site and other key initiatives. They will also speak in-depth on the value of the recently completed acquisition of ONE Cannabis Group (OCG Inc.) and its dispensary franchise brand Unity Rd., including how the combined offerings can fast-track the Company’s growth in the current favorable regulatory climate.

Designed to bridge the gap between small-cap publicly traded companies, investors and traders, the Benzinga Global Small Cap Conference enables executive leadership of small-cap companies to network and communicate with a broad and diverse global investor base in a virtual setting.

Dispensary Franchise Seeks to Share Industry Expertise & Clarity as Dispensary Licenses Outnumber Dispensary Shops; Invites Both Industry Newcomers & Existing Dispensary Owners to Join the Unity Rd. Franchise Network; Entrepreneurs Maintain Full Ownership of Their Business & License While Gaining Direct Access to Resources, Reliable Supply Chain & More.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Unity Rd., the first cannabis dispensary franchisor in the nation, announced today its franchise expansion plans for the state of Oklahoma. The brand’s growth strategy is twofold and includes both helping interested entrepreneurs enter the complex industry while also partnering with existing dispensary owners via its Local Alliance Program. The expansion is a key function of Unity Rd.’s mission to keep dispensary ownership – and the wealth that comes along with it – local.

Bursting at the seams with potential, Oklahoma’s cannabis industry continues to grow year after year – more than doubling its 2019 medical cannabis sales to reach a record $831 million-plus in 2020. As of February 7, 2021, the state had registered over 370,000 active patient licenses – roughly 10% of the population. However, it’s clear there’s still hesitancy and confusion around compliant dispensary ownership, as the state has licensed thousands of cannabis businesses, yet only 2,090 dispensaries are open and operational to serve the ever-growing patient population.

Unity Rd. offers the safest route for local cannabis entrepreneurs looking to stake their claim in the fast-growing, complex industry. In addition to offering the franchise opportunity to entrepreneurs who may be new to the industry, Unity Rd. also partners with existing dispensary owners via its Local Alliance Program, providing access to the buying power, resources and supportive network normally reserved for multi-unit operators. Additionally, the dispensary franchisor’s time-tested Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and veteran team guide franchise partners through every operational function of the business, whether it be assisting with cash flow, product selection or changing regulations.

“We’re keeping dispensary ownership local and thriving with the backing of a franchise system,” said Unity Rd.’s VP of Franchise Development Justin Livingston. “The Local Alliance Program allows us to help existing dispensary operators learn from the experiences and best practices we’ve developed throughout our collective 120 years in cannabis. We’re offering the supportive network and tools they need to reach new heights and achieve their business goals.”

Unity Rd. is initially targeting Oklahoma City, Stillwater and Tulsa for Oklahoma franchise expansion with at least 15 shops available across the state. The dispensary franchise is seeking partners who would benefit from the systems, process and ongoing support the franchise offers. Currently, Unity Rd. has multiple agreements signed with 13 entrepreneurial groups, who are in various stages of development nationwide.

“As part of the Unity Rd. network, our partners can operate their dispensaries more efficiently – resulting in more time to focus on growing the business rather than managing it,” added Livingston. “It’s all part of our overarching goal to inspire confidence in the benefits of cannabis for all. We truly believe franchising will be the vehicle to help drive the cannabis industry forward – all while arming entrepreneurs across the country with the tools they need to be successful so that ownership and revenues stay local.”

Unity Rd. franchise partners receive even more resources and supply chain connections as the brand was recently acquired by Item 9 Labs Corp., an award-winning cannabis operator. The combination of the Unity Rd. cannabis retail franchise and premium Item 9 Labs products makes Item 9 Labs Corp. one of the first vertically integrated cannabis franchise companies in the nation. Known for its impressive catalogue of products, Item 9 Labs currently offers 75 active cannabis strains and 150-plus differentiated cannabis vape products as well as premium concentrates. As Unity Rd. grows its franchise network, Item 9 Labs plans to develop or partner with cultivation facilities in states where Unity Rd. franchise partners open cannabis retail shops. This move will give Unity Rd. operators front-of-the-line access to a reliable product supply chain.

Despite economic challenges brought on by the pandemic, the demand for cannabis products surged to unprecedented levels with nearly every state experiencing record sales throughout 2020. The year ahead is poised to be big for cannabis law reform on both the state and federal levels – opening opportunities for the industry to explode, with projections to top $24 billion by year-end.

To learn more about the Unity Rd. franchise opportunity or its Local Alliance Program, contact partners@unityrd.com, call 480-542-9420, or visit unityrd.com

Cannabis Industry Pioneer and Retail Franchise from Item 9 Labs Corp. Invites Existing Dispensary Owners to Join the Unity Rd. Franchise Network; Entrepreneurs Maintain Their Existing Business & License Ownership While Gaining Direct Access to Resources, Expertise, Ongoing Support, Reliable Supply Chain & More.

PHOENIX — Unity Rd., the cannabis dispensary franchise of Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB), has rolled out its highly anticipated Local Alliance Program. Existing cannabis dispensary owners and dispensary license holders now have the opportunity to partner with Unity Rd. to gain direct access to the tools, expertise and ongoing support necessary to compliantly and successfully operate a dispensary – all while maintaining full ownership of their cannabis business and license.

Unity Rd. offers the safest route for cannabis entrepreneurs looking to claim their stake in the fast-growing, complex industry. Through the Local Alliance Program, existing owners with a dispensary in operation or dispensary license now have access to the buying power, resources and supportive network normally reserved for multi-unit operators. Additionally, the dispensary franchisor’s time-tested Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and veteran team guide franchise partners through every operational function of the business, whether it be assisting with cash flow, product selection or changing regulations.

“We’re keeping dispensary ownership local and thriving with the backing of a franchise system,” said Unity Rd.’s VP of Franchise Development Justin Livingston. “The Local Alliance Program allows us to help existing dispensary operators learn from the experiences and best practices we’ve developed throughout our collective 120 years in cannabis. We’re offering the supportive network and tools they need to reach new heights and achieve their business goals.”

Currently, the marijuana franchise has signed multiple agreements with more than 10 entrepreneurial groups across the country. Unity Rd. is initially seeking Local Alliance partners in Colorado and Oklahoma, among other existing new and mature U.S. cannabis markets.

“As part of the Unity Rd. network, our Local Alliance partners can operate their dispensaries more efficiently – resulting in more time to focus on growing the business rather than managing it,” added Livingston. “It’s all part of our overarching goal to inspire confidence in the benefits of cannabis for all. We truly believe franchising will be the vehicle to help drive the cannabis industry forward – all while arming entrepreneurs across the country with the tools they need to be successful so that ownership and revenues stay local.”

Unity Rd. franchise partners receive even more resources and supply chain connections as the brand was recently acquired by Item 9 Labs Corp., an award-winning cannabis operator. The combination of the Unity Rd. cannabis retail franchise and premium Item 9 Labs products makes Item 9 Labs Corp. one of the first vertically integrated cannabis franchise companies in the nation. Known for its impressive catalogue of products, Item 9 Labs currently offers 75 active cannabis strains and 150-plus differentiated cannabis vape products as well as premium concentrates. As Unity Rd. grows its franchise network, Item 9 Labs plans to develop or partner with cultivation facilities in states where Unity Rd. franchise partners open cannabis retail shops. This move will give Unity Rd. operators front-of-the-line access to a reliable product supply chain.

Despite economic challenges brought on by the pandemic, the demand for cannabis products surged to unprecedented levels with nearly every state experiencing record sales throughout 2020. The year ahead is poised to be big for cannabis law reform on both the state and federal levels – opening opportunities for the industry to explode, with projections to top $24 billion by year-end.

To learn more about the Unity Rd. Local Alliance Program, contact partners@unityrd.com or 480-542-9420, or visit unityrd.com.

ABOUT ITEM 9 LABS CORP.:
Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) is a vertically integrated cannabis operator and dispensary franchisor, delivering premium products from its large-scale cultivation and production facilities in the United States. The award-winning Item 9 Labs brand specializes in best-in-class products and user experience across several cannabis categories. The company also offers a unique dispensary franchise model through the national Unity Rd. retail brand. Easing barriers to entry, the franchise provides an opportunity for both new and existing dispensary owners to leverage the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to thrive in their state compliantly and successfully. Item 9 Labs brings the best industry practices to markets nationwide through distinctive retail experience, cultivation capabilities, and product innovation. The veteran management team combines a diverse skill set with deep experience in the cannabis sector, franchising, and the capital markets to lead a new generation of public cannabis companies that provide transparency, consistency, and well-being. Headquartered in Arizona, the company is currently expanding its operations space by 650,000+ square feet on its 50-acre site, one of the largest properties in Arizona zoned to grow and cultivate flower. For additional information, visit item9labscorp.com.

Company executives to showcase their award-winning cannabis products and value-creation with the addition of franchising capabilities through its cannabis dispensary franchise, Unity Rd.

PHOENIX — Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) (“Item 9 Labs” or the “Company”), a vertically integrated cannabis dispensary franchisor and operator that produces premium products, today announced that CEO Andrew Bowden, Chief Strategy Officer Jeffrey Rassás and Chief Franchise Officer Mike Weinberger will present at the Sequire Cannabis Conference held on April 20, 2021. The virtual event brings together a select group of U.S. institutional investors with leading industry participants in the cannabis space.

Item 9 Labs Presentation at the 2021 Sequire Cannabis Conference

–          DATE: Tuesday, April 20, 2021
–          TIME: 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time / 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time
–          Registration Link: https://cannabis-conference.mysequire.com/

The Item 9 Labs team will provide an overview of the Company, including its award-winning products and franchising capabilities, expansion of its cultivation site and other key initiatives. They will also speak in-depth on the value of the recently completed merger with ONE Cannabis Group (OCG Inc.) and its dispensary franchise brand Unity Rd., and how the combined offerings can accelerate the Company’s growth in the current favorable regulatory climate.

“With consistent, positive advancements in the cannabis industry, the U.S. market is poised for substantial growth,” Bowden said. “We believe our dispensary franchise concept coupled with our premium products positions us to benefit both financially and geographically.”

As the Unity Rd. franchise network expands, Item 9 Labs plans to develop or partner with cultivation facilities in states where Unity Rd. franchise partners open cannabis retail shops. This move will give Unity Rd. operators front-of-the-line access to a reliable product supply chain and eases barriers to entry for Item 9 Labs products in new markets, allowing for increased revenue in product licensing, wholesale, and franchise royalties.

Bowden added, “Franchising is the most viable method for dispensary brands to expand nationally because of greatly reduced capital expenditures, resulting in accelerated scale. Traditional multi-state operators need to fund all business development and expansion, while franchise brands can scale more rapidly at a lower cost because shops are locally owned and operated by their franchisees.”

Unity Rd. Accelerates Northeast Development as Industry is Poised for Substantial Growth with Legalization.

NEWARK, N.J. — Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB), a vertically integrated cannabis company, today announced its dispensary franchise, Unity Rd., has signed agreements with three entrepreneurial groups for expansion into New Jersey. Each team will be pursuing at least one dispensary license to open a Unity Rd. shop in the state.

Ahead of legalization, the $INLB and Unity Rd. teams are guiding the partners through the dispensary license process. The garden state is expected to generate as much as $950 million in annual retail sales by 2024, and is expected to open dispensary license applications as early as late 2021.

As more and more states across the country move to legalize medicinal or adult-use cannabis, Unity Rd. is actively seeking franchise partners in the Northeastern region of the United States.

Unity Rd. offers the safest route for entrepreneurs looking to enter an industry that boasts high growth potential, helping franchise partners confidently enter the complex cannabis space. Its veteran team passes on their knowledge and trusted resources, as well as provides the ongoing support needed to compliantly and successfully operate a dispensary. With a collective 120-plus years’ experience in the legal cannabis industry, Unity Rd.’s time-tested Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) guide franchise partners through every operational function of the business.

“The more access you have to industry knowledge, resources and connections in cannabis, the better – and those things are not easy to come by,” shared Ed Carpezzi, who recently signed an agreement to open a Unity Rd. dispensary in New Jersey. “I was originally hesitant to join a franchise – a bit unwilling to give up certain freedoms – but I quickly realized how critical it is to have an ally in this industry, and that’s Unity Rd. This industry is changing every day at an almost unbelievable pace, which is exciting, but makes it difficult to navigate. I look to the Unity Rd. team to help me with operations, which will allow me to focus on building the business.”

Unity Rd. franchise partners stand to receive even more resources and supply chain connections as the brand was recently acquired by Item 9 Labs Corp., an award-winning cannabis operator. The combination of the Unity Rd. cannabis retail franchise and premium Item 9 Labs products makes Item 9 Labs Corp. one of the first vertically integrated cannabis franchise companies in the nation. Known for its impressive catalogue of products, Item 9 Labs currently offers 75 active cannabis strains and 150-plus differentiated cannabis vape products as well as premium concentrates. As Unity Rd. grows its franchise network, Item 9 Labs plans to develop or partner with cultivation facilities in states where Unity Rd. franchise partners open cannabis retail shops. This move will give Unity Rd. operators front-of-the-line access to a reliable product supply chain.

“We want to empower local owners so they can confidently and successfully contribute to their communities – it all goes back to our overarching goal to inspire confidence in the benefits of cannabis for all,” explained Unity Rd.’s Chief Franchise Officer, Mike Weinberger. “The cannabis industry is notoriously complex, which is why we launched the Unity Rd. franchise opportunity in the first place. We are already fielding an incredible amount of interest and inquiries in New Jersey, and we’re often in talks with prospective franchise partners months, if not years, ahead of state-level legalization. But it’s not too late to get into the industry. In fact, now’s the perfect time to get your foot in the door before the industry accelerates forward.”

Despite economic challenges brought on by the pandemic, the demand for cannabis products surged to unprecedented levels with nearly every state experiencing record sales throughout 2020. This year will be no different; In fact, it’s expected to be a big year for cannabis law reform on both the state and federal levels – opening opportunities for the industry to explode, projected to top $24 billion by year-end, with New Jersey’s top-line sales forecasted at $740 million for the first complete year of sales.

Currently, Unity Rd. has signed multiple agreements with more than 10 entrepreneurial groups across the country. The total investment ranges from $1 million to $2.5 million, including a $100,000 franchise fee for a single unit or $250,000 for three units. Those interested in becoming a Unity Rd. franchise partner should have access to a minimum $1 million in liquid capital. Franchise partners may be owner-operators or passive owners with a designated, experienced manager running operations.

To learn more about Unity Rd. franchise opportunities, contact franchise@unityrd.com or 720-923-5262, or visit unityrd.com. For additional information on Item 9 Labs Corp., visit item9labscorp.com.