8-15-2024 10:27am

Timonium's Curio Expands

Curio Wellness and Ascend Wellness Announce Manufacturing and Distribution Partnership

Leading cannabis companies partner to leverage existing IP and brand value in new markets across Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri and New Jersey

Curio Wellness ("Curio"), a cGMP-certified, vertically integrated cannabis company and market-leading innovator of health and wellness products, today announced a strategic manufacturing and distribution partnership with Ascend Wellness Holdings, ( "Ascend" ) (CSE: AAWH-U.CN) (OTCQX: AAWH), a multi-state, vertically integrated cannabis operator. Under the partnership, Ascend will manufacture and distribute Curio Wellness' industry-leading products in Illinois, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, and Curio will manufacture and distribute Ascend's Ozone products in Maryland and Missouri.

This partnership is a strategic collaboration designed to be mutually beneficial for both Curio and Ascend, leveraging each other's strengths and assets to expand market reach and product offerings. The capital-light approach enables both operators to utilize their existing IP and brand value in new markets without deploying meaningful capital.

"We are thrilled to join forces with a nationally trusted partner such as Ascend and mark a significant moment for Curio Wellness. By combining our award-winning, scientifically derived products with Ascend's extensive manufacturing, sales, and distribution network, we will bring our targeted effects-based and patented cannabis solutions to three of the largest markets in the U.S.," said Michael Bronfein, CEO of Curio Wellness. "Moreover, this partnership represents a forward-thinking approach to operational strategy, demonstrating how collective efforts can expand market reach and create a greater return from brand development investments."

"Collaboration is a driving force that allows the cannabis industry to grow and flourish, and we are proud to work alongside a mission-driven company such as Curio," said John Hartmann, CEO of Ascend. "This partnership is mutually beneficial and broadens Ascend's market exposure, without the need to invest significant incremental capital. Through Curio's manufacturing capabilities, we will gain production and distribution leverage in Missouri and Maryland. Together, we will improve consumer access and continue to pave the way for the future of cannabis health and wellness."

About Curio Wellness
Founded in 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland, Curio Wellness is a cGMP-certified, vertically integrated cannabis company and trusted healthcare partner. Recognized as the leading wellness brand in cannabis by BDS Analytics, Curio is committed to developing safe, effective, and reliable cannabis-based medicine. For more information, visit https://curiowellness.com.

About Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.
AWH is a vertically integrated operator with assets in Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. AWH owns and operates state-of-the-art cultivation facilities, growing award-winning strains and producing a curated selection of products for retail and wholesale customers. AWH produces and distributes its in-house Common Goods, Simply Herb, Ozone, Ozone Reserve, and Royale branded products. For more information, visit www.awholdings.com.