Chicago, IL – Verano Holdings Corp. (Cboe CA: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF), a leading multi-state cannabis operator, has announced a significant exclusive partnership with Award-Winning Arizona Cannabis Operator Grow Sciences. This collaboration is set to introduce Grow Sciences’ Best-In-Class Products to the burgeoning Illinois market, offering consumers access to a highly regarded portfolio of premium cannabis flower and extract products.
Launching Premium Craft Cannabis in Illinois
The launch of Grow Sciences products in Illinois is scheduled to commence on June 21, 2025. Initially, these premium offerings will be available exclusively at Verano’s ten Zen Leaf dispensaries located across the state. This initial phase allows for a focused introduction of the brand to Illinois consumers through Verano’s established retail footprint.
Following the exclusive retail period at Zen Leaf locations, the partnership includes plans to subsequently expand to include additional third-party dispensaries in Illinois. This phased approach aims to maximize initial brand impact and controlled distribution before broadening availability across the state’s licensed retail network.
Introducing Grow Sciences: A Reputation for Quality
Grow Sciences has cultivated a strong reputation since its inception in Arizona in 2017. The company has distinguished itself through its specialized approach to cannabis cultivation and production. Grow Sciences is particularly known for its focus on cultivating elite genetics and producing high-quality solventless products, adhering to a craft cannabis format. This emphasis on genetic selection and solventless extraction methods underscores their commitment to producing premium, flavorful, and potent cannabis products.
The term “craft cannabis” often implies a hands-on, artisanal approach to cultivation and processing, prioritizing quality and attention to detail over mass production. “Solventless” extraction methods, such as using ice and water to separate trichomes, are favored by many connoisseurs for producing clean concentrates that preserve the plant’s natural terpene and cannabinoid profiles without the use of chemical solvents.
Initial Product Offerings
The initial product lineup being introduced to the Illinois market under this partnership is comprehensive, catering to various consumer preferences. The selection includes premium flower eighths, ideal for traditional consumption; 1-gram flower joints, offering convenient, ready-to-consume options; live hash rosin cartridges, providing a high-quality vape experience derived from solventless extraction; hash rosin extracts, for consumers who prefer dabbing or vaporizing concentrates; and live rosin fruit chews, an edible option utilizing solventless concentrate.
A key highlight of the launch is the introduction of Thirteen specific elite cannabis strains. This carefully curated selection aims to showcase the genetic diversity and quality that Grow Sciences is known for. Among the specific strains being introduced are popular and distinctive varieties such as Prickly Pear, Florida Jack, and Jelly RTZ. The availability of a wide array of specific, well-regarded strains from launch is expected to appeal to experienced cannabis consumers seeking unique and high-quality genetic profiles.
Strategic Implications for the Illinois Market
This partnership represents a significant strategic move for both Verano and Grow Sciences. For Verano, it bolsters its product portfolio in a key market with premium, award-winning offerings, potentially attracting discerning consumers and reinforcing its position as a leading retailer and operator in Illinois. Leveraging its ten Zen Leaf dispensaries for the initial exclusive launch provides a powerful platform to introduce the brand directly to its existing customer base.
For Grow Sciences, the collaboration provides a vital entry point into the expansive and regulated Illinois cannabis market. Partnering with an established operator like Verano allows Grow Sciences to scale its brand presence efficiently and effectively, reaching a new consumer demographic outside of its home state of Arizona. The focus on premium flower and solventless extracts aligns with growing consumer demand for high-quality, craft-style cannabis products in mature markets.
The introduction of Grow Sciences’ products is anticipated to enrich the variety of premium options available to Illinois medical and adult-use cannabis consumers, further developing the state’s diverse cannabis landscape.
The launch on June 21, 2025, will mark the official availability of these products, starting exclusively at Verano’s Zen Leaf locations, before expanding to a broader network of dispensaries throughout Illinois.
