Mr. Frank Perullo reports

AWH FILES DEA REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS FOR STATE-LICENSED MEDICAL CANNABIS OPERATIONS

Ascend Wellness Holdings Inc. has filed applications with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to register certain state-licensed medical cannabis operations under the expedited registration pathway established in connection with the rescheduling of medical marijuana to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.

"This is an important first step for medical cannabis patients and the medical community, while laying the groundwork for broader normalization across the industry," said Sam Brill, chief executive officer and director of AWH. "We remain optimistic about what could come next as the DEA hearing on adult-use cannabis rescheduling gets underway. Further reform will help establish a more level playing field for cannabis operators and could align the industry with more economic opportunities and regulatory frameworks available to traditional businesses."

The applications cover dispensary operations supporting medical cannabis patients across the company's core markets. AWH's footprint spans 51 retail locations across seven states, including partner-owned and operated stores, and includes more than 260,000 square feet of canopy across its six cultivation, processing and manufacturing facilities.

About Ascend Wellness Holdings Inc.

AWH is a vertically integrated cannabis operator with assets in Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

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