Item 9 Labs Corp. to Acquire Colorado Dispensary, Kickstarts National Acquisition Growth Plan

By Samantha Herron.
Updated Oct 11, 2021

Item 9 Labs Corp. to Acquire Colorado Dispensary, Kickstarts National Acquisition Growth Plan
Franchisor of Cannabis Dispensary Franchise, Unity Rd., to Aggressively Expand by Converting Cannabis Retail Stores into Unity Rd. Shops; Company Seeks to Keep Dispensary Ownership Local by Providing Turnkey Investment Opportunities for New and Existing Unity Rd. Franchise Partners

PHOENIX (Oct. 7, 2021) – Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) (the “Company”)—a vertically integrated cannabis dispensary franchisor and operator that produces premium, award-winning products—today announced it has signed an Asset Purchase Agreement (“APA”) for an existing dispensary license and storefront in Adams County, CO.

This will be the first corporate-owned shop under its cannabis dispensary franchise brand, Unity Rd., and is anticipated to open within the next 4-6 months. Currently, the Company is awaiting regulatory approval by Colorado’s Marijuana Enforcement Division (“MED”).

This APA is part of an overarching acquisition strategy that is intended to accelerate national expansion by creating turnkey investment opportunities for Unity Rd. franchise partners. The Company plans to convert acquired dispensaries into Unity Rd. shops, operate them internally and sell them to an existing or future franchise partner. This offers an expedited solution for entrepreneurs seeking immediate entry into cannabis. The Company’s dispensary acquisition program spans the entire state of Colorado, initially seeking opportunities in Denver, front range and compelling mountain towns.

“Our eyes are set on Colorado and building up the Unity Rd. brand to become one of the main players in the market,” said the Company’s Chief Strategy Officer, Jeffrey Rassas. “We’re in multiple ongoing negotiations with other Colorado dispensaries to become Unity Rd. shops. Here’s to the first of many.”

Item 9 Labs Corp. is also targeting the Arizona, Montana and Oklahoma markets as part of these development efforts. Through its Unity Rd. dispensary franchise, the Company is focused on building a national community of local dispensary owners who open their doors each day compliantly and with confidence because of the tools, products, systems and training their team provides.

“With Unity Rd., we’re keeping dispensary ownership local and thriving with the backing of a franchise system, Rassas added. “This growth plan ultimately keeps dispensary ownership in the hands of the local entrepreneur. They hire local and keep the wealth cannabis offers within their community.”

More Information on Item 9 Labs Corp. and Unity Rd.: 
Visit https://investors.item9labscorp.com/

Cannabis Operators Interested in Selling Their Dispensary License:
Contact Mark Busch at acquisitions@item9labs.com

Colorado Cannabis Market Continues to Shatter Sales Records
Initially, the Company plans to operate the Adams County shop and utilize it for tours with prospective franchise partners, franchise partner and team member training and more. The shop is primed for immediate success as Colorado’s cannabis sales recently hit the highest point the state has ever seen, bringing in $2.2 billion in 2020 – $714.9 million of those sales were from the Denver market alone. 2021 is poised to be an even more lucrative year for the Colorado cannabis market, which has already clocked in more than $1.1 billion in sales through June.

“While Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational cannabis seven years ago, the state is still ripe with opportunity,” explained Unity Rd.’s Chief Franchise Officer, Mike Weinberger. “In the industry, we refer to states like Colorado as mature cannabis markets, and there are plenty of perks to operating a dispensary in one. For instance, several members of our team have owned or led cannabis companies within the state – we know what it takes, are familiar with state regulations and have a deep understanding of the consumer. We’re confident that our team can create some incredible investment opportunities for prospective operators, which is all part of our mission to keep dispensary ownership in the hands of the local business owner.”

Unity Rd. offers the safest route for cannabis entrepreneurs interested in staking their claim in an industry that’s bursting with potential. The dispensary franchisor’s time-tested Standard Operating Procedures (“SOPs”) and veteran team, with a combined 120+ years of cannabis experience, guide franchise partners through every operational function of the business, whether it be securing a license or assisting with cash flow, product selection or changing regulations.

The cannabis franchise is actively seeking qualified franchise partners throughout Colorado and the United States who would benefit from the systems, processes and ongoing support the franchise offers. As it stands, Unity Rd. currently has multiple agreements signed with more than 15 entrepreneurial groups who are in various stages of development nationwide.