Multi-state cannabis operator Cresco Laboratories CRLBF becomes an anchor partner in the Cannabis Innovation Laba venture started in startup house Chicago 1871 Fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the city’s cannabis industry.

Cresco will provide technical support to new licensees just starting out in cultivation, new product development, wholesale and retail.

The initiative aims to promote equity and inclusion in the cannabis industry, informed GMR.

“Part of Cresco Labs’ social justice efforts has always been providing access to capital or capital for new licensees, as well as other forms of support and technical support,” he said Chima EnyiaExecutive Vice President of seed, the social justice initiative of Cresco Labs. “The whole effort here is to solidify Illinois as the hub and headquarters, essentially for cannabis, and as the innovation leader for cannabis across the country.”

“Chicago has become the hub of the cannabis industry,” noted Betty Ziegler, CEO of 1871. “The demand is great. Startups and large corporations are asking for it.”

Cannabis Innovation Lab

The Cannabis Innovation Lab connects cannabis startups looking to scale their business with companies of all sizes. The lab catalyzes mentoring, collaboration and potential investment opportunities.

local media reported The first industry program to focus on supply chain “launched in June with Accenture and World Business Chicago, attracting 40 early stage companies from 13 countries.”

Brad Spiirrison, co-founder of Grown In, a company that provides vendor and compliance training for cannabis workers, will oversee the program including a business accelerator component. Spiirrison hopes to attract startups and existing cannabis companies, as well as consumer goods companies.

The 12 weeks Cannabis Innovation Lab program starts in January and leads to the Cannabis Innovation Summit with panel discussions and networking sessions. There is no fee for startups….