Vertically integrated franchisor and operator’s leader to serve on retail committee of one of the industry’s top organizations for cannabis policy and change

Item 9 Labs Corp. (“the Company”) (OTCQX: INLB)—a vertically integrated U.S. cannabis franchisor and operator—announced today that its Chief Executive Officer Mike Weinberger has been appointed to serve on the National Cannabis Industry Association’s (NCIA) Retail Committee as a new member for the 2023-2025 term. Item 9 Labs Corp. and its brands initially joined the leading cannabis organization in February 2022.

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Since 2018, Mike Weinberger has been instilling his franchise knowledge into the cannabis space and vice versa, meanwhile paving the path for bringing the franchise business model to the complex U.S. cannabis market. Through launching the Unity Rd. dispensary franchise opportunity, he has opened the doors to local cannabis entrepreneurship in communities across the country. (Photo: Business Wire)

In November 2022, Weinberger was promoted from Chief Franchise Officer to Chief Executive Officer at Item 9 Labs Corp., parent company to the first national cannabis dispensary franchise, Unity Rd., and award-winning Arizona cannabis product brand, Item 9 Labs. Weinberger has 20-plus-years of experience in franchising, focused on growing emerging concepts into nationally recognized brands. Since 2018, he has been instilling his franchise knowledge into the cannabis space and vice versa, meanwhile paving the path for bringing the franchise business model to the complex U.S. cannabis market.

Through launching the Unity Rd. dispensary franchise opportunity, he has opened the doors to local cannabis entrepreneurship in communities across the country. The marijuana franchise has grown to four dispensaries across three states and has multiple agreements signed with entrepreneurial groups who are developing the brand across 10-plus states. The Company is also approaching the completion of its transformational acquisition of Sessions Cannabis, one of Canada’s largest cannabis retail franchisors, with 45-plus locations across the province of Ontario and 15 multi-unit franchisees in its franchise network.

“It is such an honor to be chosen to serve as a member on the NCIA’s Retail Committee this term and aid the organization in its mission to ensure small cannabis businesses are always at the helm of the evolving industry,” said Weinberger. “Our Company was created to fuel entrepreneurs’ dreams of entering cannabis and is proactively leading the charge alongside industry advocates like NCIA who continuously believe and instill confidence in the benefits of cannabis for all.”

NCIA is the oldest, largest, and most inclusive trade association representing legal cannabis businesses. The leading industry organization is composed of hundreds of cannabis-related businesses dedicated to ensuring that their voice is heard regarding pivotal movements in cannabis legalization, regulation, and policy. The NCIA is leading the charge to protect the legal cannabis industry, defend state laws and advance federal policy reforms favorable to the industry as a whole. The organization works with its members to create more opportunities for small businesses in the sector.

As a member on NCIA’s Retail Committee, Weinberger is collaborating with like-minded individuals to share best practices on all aspects of opening and operating a retail storefront in the cannabis industry. The committee members will continue to work towards finding solutions to fundamental industry issues, including improving public perception, setting up a framework for new and existing businesses as cannabis inches towards equal banking, and descheduling and creating successful social equity programs.

For more information on Item 9 Labs Corp. and its brands, visit item9labscorp.com. For more information about the NCIA, visit thecannabisindustry.org.

ABOUT ITEM 9 LABS CORP.

Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) is a vertically integrated cannabis operator and dispensary franchisor delivering premium products from its large-scale cultivation and production facilities in the United States. The award-winning Item 9 Labs brand specializes in best-in-class products and user experience across several cannabis categories. The company also offers a unique dispensary franchise model through the national Unity Rd. retail brand. Easing barriers to entry, the franchise provides an opportunity for both new and existing dispensary owners to leverage the knowledge, resources and ongoing support needed to thrive in their state compliantly and successfully. Item 9 Labs brings the best industry practices to markets nationwide through distinctive retail experience, cultivation capabilities and product innovation. The veteran management team combines a diverse skill set with deep experience in the cannabis sector, franchising and the capital markets to lead a new generation of public cannabis companies that provide transparency, consistency and well-being. For additional information, visit item9labscorp.com.

ABOUT UNITY RD.

Unity Rd. is the first national cannabis dispensary franchise model in the U.S. Since launching in 2018, Unity Rd. has always had one mission and vision in mind for the cannabis industry: to inspire confidence in the benefits of cannabis for all. From consumers to entire communities and investors, Unity Rd. was founded on the belief that everyone has a place in the budding $28 billion industry. The result is high-quality cannabis products guests can rely on that are sold in shops run by local entrepreneurs who are backed by Unity Rd.’s collective 200 years of legal cannabis and franchising experience. An industry pioneer, Unity Rd. is the retail franchise from Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB). The franchise has been named one of the top cannabis retail leaders in the nation by MJBizDaily, became the first concept of its kind to become a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and was named one of the “Best Cannabis Companies to Work For” in the dispensary category of Cannabis Business Times’ 2023, 2022 and 2020 lists. Unity Rd. currently has four shops open and multiple agreements signed with 20-plus entrepreneurial groups who are developing the brand across 10-plus states. For more information, visit unityrd.com.

ABOUT ITEM 9 LABS

Item 9 Labs cultivates the highest quality cannabis products while providing transparency, consistency and well-being for an enhanced cannabis experience. With more than 30 podium finishes in Arizona marijuana competitions, Item 9 Labs is a trusted source for premium cannabis products. Starting with intentionally grown flower, the Item 9 Labs product catalog spans across five core categories, including several active cannabis strains, cannabis vape products, premium concentrates and Orion vape technology. For additional information, visit item9labs.com.

ABOUT NATIONAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is the largest cannabis trade association in the U.S. and the only one representing small cannabis businesses at the national level. NCIA promotes the growth of a responsible, sustainable, and inclusive cannabis industry and works for a favorable social, economic, and regulatory environment for that industry throughout the United States.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks and effects of legal and administrative proceedings and governmental regulation, especially in a foreign country, future financial and operational results, competition, general economic conditions, proposed transactions that are not legally binding obligations of the company and the ability to manage and continue growth. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include the introduction of new technology, market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents we file from time to time with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to revise or update such statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

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"Our Company was created to fuel entrepreneurs’ dreams of entering cannabis and is leading the charge alongside industry advocates like NCIA."