Ayr Strategies Provides Latest Update in Response to COVID-19 Developments

TORONTO, March 26, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ayr Strategies Inc. (CSE: AYR.A, OTCQX: AYRSF) (“Ayr”), a vertically-integrated cannabis multi-state operator (MSO) with a presence in the western and eastern U.S., is providing an update on the company’s operations in response to recent COVID-19 developments.

“Our cultivation, manufacturing and retail businesses have been deemed essential services in each state where we operate,” said Ayr CEO Jonathan Sandelman. “This designation allows us to continue meeting the needs of our customers, which have only increased in response to COVID-19. As the current environment evolves daily, our operational teams are expanding business practices to ensure we are appropriately responding and serving the vital health and wellness needs of our customers.

“Ayr’s Nevada stores remain open for both medical and adult-use customers via delivery, which is a very attractive fulfillment model for us. In Massachusetts, our stores remain open for medical patients, with adult-use sales suspended for the two weeks from March 24^th through April 7^th.

“All market data and anecdotal indications we have seen demonstrate that patients and consumers want cannabis more than ever. Our team remains committed to meeting our patients’ health and wellness needs as they cope with heightened anxiety, insomnia and other factors resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Nevada
Speaking on Ayr’s Nevada operations, Sandelman commented: “In Nevada, we have delivery licenses in Clark County (Las Vegas area) and Washoe County (Reno area), and one of only three licenses in Henderson, Nevada’s second largest city. This provides us with the ability to deliver to customers anywhere within these regions.

“We also have the necessary logistics and systems in place to support our transition to delivery. This week, we have secured over 35 vehicles to expedite our delivery program, and we aim to transfer as many of our 250 dispensary employees as possible to new roles supporting this business. On the back-end, we have implemented fulfillment software to convert our online ordering system to a delivery portal. Our e-commerce technology is being enhanced to allow maximum operational flexibility and to be in complete control of our logistics. Additionally, we are maintaining our relationship with Blackbird, Nevada’s largest delivery service, which will continue to fulfill a portion of our deliveries.