Illinois Passes Transformative Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization with Sales Starting in January, 2020

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 provided comments on the legalization of adult-use cannabis in its home state of Illinois. Cresco Labs CEO & Co-Founder Charlie Bachtell served on the Cannabis Legalization Subcommittee of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s transition team as the sole representative for cannabis operators in the state.

“The legislation passed today legalizing adult-use cannabis in the state of Illinois beginning in 2020 represents a thoughtful expansion of access to cannabis in Illinois and we expect it will have a positive impact on both social justice issues and from a tax revenue perspective by expanding the employment and ownership opportunities for cannabis businesses in the state,” said Mr. Bachtell. “As the current market leader in the rapidly expanding medical-use cannabis program in the state, we look forward to also serving what will no doubt represent one of the largest adult-use cannabis customer bases in the U.S. The legalization of adult-use cannabis continues to be strongly supported by voters across the country and the legislation passed in Illinois represents a good model for other states to legalize cannabis by statute rather than developing a program only after a ballot initiative is passed. Cresco Labs fundamentally supports legalized and responsible access to cannabis, as we have seen proof of the resulting societal benefits of lowering crime rates and helping curb opioid addiction and fatalities. We’re very excited about the new opportunities adult-use cannabis will bring to Illinois and we’re also anticipating some very beneficial improvements to the existing medical program as well.”

Mr. Bachtell continued, “This legislation also includes important social equity provisions that are close to our collective heart at Cresco Labs. These provisions will enable a broader segment of our population to pursue employment opportunities in the growing cannabis industry. As the first company in the cannabis industry to introduce a comprehensive national social equity & education initiative (SEED), we are fully committed to supporting the social equity provisions within the current legislation. Our team has already taken the initiative to partner with community organizations to hold expungement events, created educational programs for college students on the fundamentals of the cannabis industry and launched a community impact incubator to assist with funding and support for people wanting to own businesses in this emerging industry.”