Cresco Labs Continues Its Illinois Expansion with Regulatory Approval for Three Dispensaries

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cresco Labs Inc. (“Cresco Labs” or the “Company”) (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), one of the largest vertically integrated multistate cannabis operators in the United States, today announced that it received approval from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) for Cresco’s previously announced acquisitionsof licensed medical cannabis dispensaries MedMar Rockford and MedMar Lakeview, located in the popular Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago. The IDFPR also approved Cresco’s acquisition of PDI Medical, a medical cannabis dispensary located in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, which was purchased by the Company in November 2018. The MedMar dispensaries are Cresco Labs’ fourth and fifth dispensary acquisitions in Illinois bringing the Company’s footprint to five dispensaries in its home state.

“Illinois is at the forefront of our nation’s evolution of the cannabis industry, and with these three dispensary approvals, Cresco has reached the maximum level of dispensaries any single company can own and operate in our home state,” said CEO & Co-Founder Charlie Bachtell. “We have already achieved the highest market share of any operator in Illinois and our prospects for accelerated growth are promising with the recent implementation of the Alternatives to Opioids program that began on February 1st. Illinois has opened access for patients by eliminating the three-month waiting period as well as requirements for fingerprinting and background checks for all patients with any qualifying condition. With a doctor’s approval, a patient can now receive a medical-use cannabis card in just one day.”

In addition to its five dispensaries in Illinois, Cresco operates three cultivation and processing facilities across the state.

About Cresco Labs:

Cresco Labs, based in Chicago, is a leading U.S. cannabis company with experienced management, access to capital and a demonstrated growth strategy. As a differentiated grower, processor and retailer of premium cannabis operating across the United States, the company focuses on entering highly regulated markets with outsized demand potential and strong regulatory structures. Its impressive speed-to-market gives Cresco a distinct competitive advantage as it replicates its model to expand its national footprint. Cresco’s proven ability to execute is complemented by a cutting-edge brand strategy spearheaded by several of the brightest minds in consumer marketing in the nation. Cresco’s products are tailored to all major consumer segments: everyday cannabis, medicinally focused, connoisseur grade, and chef inspired edibles by James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Mindy Segal. Learn more about Cresco Labs at www.crescolabs.com.

Forward Looking Statements

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