Our story
In 2014, we founded Green Thumb with a mission to promote well-being through the power of cannabis. As a national consumer packaged goods company and retailer, we’ve always strived to create the most authentic cannabis brands and consumer experiences while treating people well and giving back to the communities we serve. We’re headquartered in Chicago with operations across 14 markets, serving millions of customers and patients each year. As our company continues to grow, we stay grounded by holding ourselves to the industry’s highest possible standards.
Origins
We’re leaving our thumbprint on the industry
It’s our way of bringing humanity to an industry that’s about helping people first and foremost —
and always has been.
People come first
United by shared values and a passion for the plant’s possibilities, our people create authentic cannabis experiences while giving back to the communities that welcome us.
A family of cannabis brands
Featuring high-quality products cultivated and hand-crafted by the industry’s leading experts, our expansive brand portfolio empowers consumers of all stages on their path to well- being.
Our national retail footprint
As RISE expands into new communities, our retail team remains committed to creating welcoming spaces where all guests and patients from all experiences feel supported in their cannabis journey.
Growing for Good
We acknowledge the complex history of cannabis and strive to take meaningful actions that help right the wrongs of the failed War on Drugs, while shaping a more inclusive, equitable industry.
Lead by example
A trusted voice in the industry
This business is all about innovation and growth—and Green Thumb remains an authentic presence at the forefront of cannabis.
Letter from our Founder
Growing up, my grandfather sparked my imagination and appreciation for puzzles and problem solving. We learned that if one could “remove all assumptions” and stay open to possibilities, it could lead to new ways of thinking and often interesting solutions.
At Green Thumb, we are here because we believe deeply in a new way of well-being. We believe strongly that cannabis can enable that change and that we can achieve it by working together.
Before this business existed, I voted for Prop 215 while going to school in California back in 1996. This was the country’s first ballot initiative to pass and legalize medical marijuana statewide. It was a privilege to be part of this American process.
Since then, the end of cannabis prohibition has fascinated me. I studied the parallels with the repeal of alcohol prohibition in the 1930’s. It became clear that in fact, “history does not repeat, it rhymes.” – Mark Twain. We were entering Prohibition 2.0.
We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to create something important: to provide access to a product that can curb the opioid epidemic, to create jobs, to generate tax revenue to fund underfunded education programs, and most importantly, to help people live happier, healthier, more comfortably.
This progress starts and ends with people. People who believe in change. People who believe in what we do. In short, people like you.
We are grateful to those who have done this hard work before us. They have made it possible for us to exist. They remind us that when others are wary, we can be bold. We can remove all assumptions to do things differently – how would we want to have done it if we’re going to do it forever – and help even more people along the way.
Thank you for joining our journey to well-being.
Ben Kovler
Founder, Chairman, and CEO
