Green Thumb Industries’ Dogwalkers Cannabis Brand Partners with Animal Rescue Organizations to Raise Awareness

CHICAGO, Dec. 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Green Thumb Industries Inc. (GTI) (CSE:GTII) (GTBIF), a national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and owner-operator of the high growth national cannabis retail chain RISEâ„¢, today announced its Dogwalkers brand has partnered on an awareness campaign with four animal rescue organizations: Foundation for TJO Animals in Massachusetts; TAPS No-Kill Shelter in Illinois; the Nevada SPCA in Nevada; and PetConnect Rescue in Maryland.

“Dogwalkers was inspired by leisurely walks with our own pets – those moments to just be present and enjoy the journey,” said GTI Founder & Chief Executive Officer Ben Kovler, whose own pup Bailey is a frequent visitor at the GTI office. “We believe we have an opportunity to return the favor. Helping animals in need by supporting local animal advocacy organizations is part of our core value to inspire impact in the communities we serve.”

According to the Humane Society of the United States:

• An estimated 6-8 million animals are currently homeless and seeking refuge.
• Each year, nearly 3 million animals are euthanized due to overpopulation.
• Nearly 4 million dogs and cats are adopted from shelters each year.
• 70 percent of animal abuse cases involve dogs.

Dogwalkers are mini, pocket-sized cannabis pre-rolls and can be purchased at dispensaries located in Massachusetts, Illinois and Maryland. Each tin of Dogwalkers purchased benefits local animals in need.

The organizations that will benefit are:

Foundation for TJO Animals in Massachusetts: Founded in 2007, the Foundation for TJO Animals is a 501(c)(3) organization that raises much needed funds to support and enhance the medical services and programs of the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center. The Foundation is made up of a volunteer Board of Directors dedicated to helping animals in shelter receive the care needed to help them on to their forever homes through fundraising, special events and donor appeals. For more information visit www.tjofoundation.org.

TAPS No-Kill Animal Shelter in Illinois: Tazewell Animal Protective Society, commonly referred to as TAPS, is a non-profit organization and no-kill animal shelter with no time or age restrictions on the animals we help. TAPS exist to provide humane sheltering and high quality medical care for stray, unwanted, abused, and neglected animals and to find loving, lifelong homes for orphaned pets. Visit www.tapsshelter.org for more information.

Nevada SPCA in Nevada: The Nevada SPCA, a nonprofit organization, operates a no-kill animal sanctuary, promotes humane education, makes referrals for lower-cost spay/neuter and vaccination services, and challenges people to be the best possible guardians for the companion animals in their care. For more information visit www.nevadaspca.org.

PetConnect Rescue in Maryland: Founded in 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, PetConnect Rescue has evolved into a vibrant, well-respected animal rescue organization, the largest one based in Montgomery County, Maryland. PetConnect Rescue is dedicated to saving dogs and cats at high risk of euthanasia. Compassionate volunteers and staff find loving homes for all the animals that come into their care and provide ongoing support throughout the adoption process and beyond. PetConnect is committed to ensuring a highly positive rescue experience for adopters and to raising awareness of the plight of abandoned animals through community education. Visit www.petconnectrescue.org for more information.

About Dogwalkers:

Dogwalkers are the perfect pack. Unconditionally there whether you want to sit, stay or play, these mini pre-rolls are pocket size and always made with premium flower. Inspired by long walks with our loyal four-legged friends, Dogwalkers gives back to organizations that help animals in need. Play with Dogwalkers on Instagram and Facebook. For more information, visit Dogwalkersprerolls.com.

About Green Thumb Industries:

Green Thumb Industries (GTI), a national cannabis cultivator, processor and dispensary operator, is dedicated to providing dignified access to safe and effective cannabis nationwide while giving back to the communities in which it serves. As a vertically integrated company, GTI manufactures and sells a well-rounded suite of branded cannabis products including flower, concentrates, edibles, and topicals. The company also owns and operates a rapidly growing national chain of retail cannabis stores called RISE™. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, GTI has eight manufacturing facilities and licenses for 60 retail locations across eight highly regulated U.S. markets. Established in 2014, GTI employs over 450 people and serves thousands of patients and customers each year. GTI was named a Best Workplace 2018 by Crain’s Chicago Business. More information is available at GTIgrows.com.