Chicago, Sept. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Green Thumb Industries Inc. (GTI) (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), a national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and owner-operator of the high growth national retail chain RISE™ Dispensaries, today announced the release of special, limited edition “RYTHM for a Cause” vaporizer pens and a partnership with three breast cancer organizations to raise awareness: The Lynn Sage Foundation in Illinois; METAvivor in Maryland; and Living Beyond Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania. The “RYTHM for a Cause” pens will be available at all GTI-owned and operated dispensaries throughout Illinois, Maryland and Pennsylvania, as well as other participating dispensaries during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“Our mission at GTI is to elevate people’s lives through safe, effective and innovative products – and we’re thrilled that our Senior Product Manager Tiffany Vargas and the team developed the ‘Rythm for a Cause’ pens,” says GTI Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Development Jennifer Dooley. “We believe it’s our duty to raise awareness for how cannabis may temporarily relieve pain, ease nausea and restore appetites for people bravely battling cancer. Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month and partnering with like-minded organizations in our communities to achieve this mission is what this is all about.”

The potential uses of medical marijuana for cancer patients are becoming more well-known among patients and oncologists. A study conducted in a state with legalized medicinal and recreational marijuana published in CANCER-- a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society -- found that approximately one-quarter of surveyed patients used marijuana in the past year, mostly for physical and psychological symptoms. Another study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that about half of oncologists recommended medical marijuana to their cancer patients.

Patient Stories

“On pain medication, you’re almost in a zombie state, but medical cannabis provides other choices to get through the day,” says Elnora Johnson, a Stage 3 breast cancer survivor and RISE Erie patient in Pennsylvania. “I can put a patch on instead of taking two to three pills and get the same relief from pain. With medical cannabis, you’re in less pain, you’re less aggravated. Once you can relieve the pain, it makes you happier. You smile a little more. You’re more active and can do more. I feel like I’m getting my life back, little by little. I look forward to seeing more acceptance and education around medical cannabis to help breast cancer patients improve their quality of life like it has mine.”

“I was an active runner in my 30s when they found a walnut-sized lump during a yearly mammogram. I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and was told I had five years to live, but it has been 28,” says Mary Paris, a Clinic Mundelein patient in Illinois. “My cancer has metastasized into my bones. Before, I was using a cane or wheelchair; since using cannabis I can walk again. I feel better with medical marijuana – it has put everything in place for me. Here I am, walking again. I was in a wheelchair and now I am trying to hike.”

“July 13 marked two years since my breast cancer surgery and this October it will be two years since my last radiation treatment,” says Elizabeth Steward, GTI employee and patient in Maryland. “I have scar tissue pain and severe pain from surgery with limited mobility in my arm. I couldn’t even raise my arm above my head without a great deal of pain. When I began using medicinal marijuana, the pain from the scar tissue began to improve and I now have the mobility of my arm back without any pain.”

Partner Organizations

The partner organizations for the “RYTHM for a Cause” breast cancer awareness campaign are:

The Lynn Sage Foundation in Illinois: The Lynn Sage Foundation believes innovative research is key to improving the lives of those diagnosed with breast cancer. Supporting some of the country’s most promising young researchers in the field of breast cancer, The Foundation exclusively funds the Lynn Sage Scholars Program at Northwestern and Rush Universities. Sisters, Laura and Halee, established The Lynn Sage Foundation in honor of their mother, Lynn, who passed away from breast cancer at 39. For more information visit lynnsagefoundation.org.

METAvivor Research and Support in Maryland: A non-profit, charitable organization with the mission to fund stage 4 metastatic breast cancer research to one day end death from the disease and to improve the quality of life of those living with metastatic breast cancer through support, awareness, advocacy and education. Since METAvivor’s founding in 2009, it has funded 45 research grants totaling over $4.2 million. 100% of every donation goes to fund metastatic breast cancer research. For more information visit metavivor.org.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania: Provides programs and services to help people whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer. Their goal is to provide information, community and support that patients can trust, is easy to access and respectful of each person’s situation. All the resources are carefully and frequently reviewed by some of the country’s leading healthcare experts and informed by people living with breast cancer. For more information visit lbbc.org.

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About RYTHM Products:

RYTHM brand is a national cannabis brand with a singular promise: to provide consistent, authentic experiences that empower consumers to live their best lives. Our streamlined product suite and intuitive effect scale simplify the cluttered and confusing universe of cannabis products, while our tireless commitment to innovation in technology and horticulture ensures quality and reliability. For more information visit rythm.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™ dispensaries. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, GTI has eight manufacturing facilities and licenses for 59 retail locations across eight highly regulated U.S. markets. Established in 2014, GTI employs approximately 400 people and serves hundreds of thousands of patients and customers each year. GTI was named a Best Workplace 2018 by Crain’s Chicago Business. For more information visit GTIgrows.com.

Source: Green Thumb Industries

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Linda Marsicano GTI - Media Contact 773-354-2004 lmarsicano@gtigrows.com Jennifer Dooley GTI - Investor Contact 310-622-8257 InvestorRelations@gtigrows.com