On May 30, Trulieve Cannabis Corp., based in Florida, announced the acquisition of two medical cannabis dispensaries in Ohio from Harvest of Ohio LLC as part of a litigation settlement. This move comes ahead of Ohio’s anticipated launch of adult-use cannabis sales next month.

Details of the Acquisition

Trulieve will acquire retail facilities in Columbus and Beavercreek. A third dispensary in Athens will be transferred to Harvest of OH CEO Ariane Kirkpatrick and rebranded as Mavuno. Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers expressed excitement about the resolution and expansion in Ohio.

Impact and Future Plans

Beavercreek, which currently has a cannabis moratorium set to expire in June 2024, highlights the regulatory complexities facing the industry. Despite the moratorium, Trulieve aims to serve both medical patients and adult-use customers once permitted. The company also plans to support the Ironton production facility through service agreements.

Historical Significance

Harvest of OH, a Black woman-owned and family-operated company, has been a pioneer in Ohio’s cannabis industry, achieving full vertical integration. Ariane Kirkpatrick emphasized the company’s role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry.

Local Support and Future Prospects

Athens County, known for its cannabis-friendly stance, is home to Kirkpatrick’s remaining dispensary. The region showed strong support for adult-use legalization in the November 2023 election. Mavuno, under Kirkpatrick’s leadership, is poised to thrive in this supportive environment.

This acquisition marks a significant step for Trulieve in expanding its footprint in Ohio’s evolving cannabis market, aligning with the state’s move towards adult-use legalization. The collaboration between Trulieve and Harvest of OH highlights ongoing efforts to create a diverse and inclusive cannabis industry.