Verano Targets Industry’s Fastest-Growing Categories with Expansion of Savvy™ and (the) Essence™ Product Portfolios in Leading Cannabis Markets

Rhea-AI Summary

Verano Holdings (OTCQX: VRNOF) has announced a major product expansion targeting the cannabis industry's fastest-growing categories. The company is launching several new products across key markets, including:

• Extra Savvy 2-gram vape cartridges with high potency oil
• Savvy Strut 2-gram all-in-one vapes with USB-C compatibility and NFC chip technology
• Savvy 100 Proof diamond-infused barrel-style pre-rolled joints
• (the) Essence J's barrel-style pre-rolled joints

The larger-format vape category grew over 400% in 2024. Extra Savvy White Widow became the top-selling vape in Illinois last month. The products will be available at Verano's Zen Leaf™ and MÜV™ locations, along with third-party dispensaries in select states including Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, Arizona, with planned expansion to Pennsylvania, Florida, and Connecticut.

Positive

• Launch of new products in fastest-growing cannabis categories (vapes and pre-rolls)
• Extra Savvy White Widow achieved #1 vape sales position in Illinois
• Leveraging automation technology to increase production efficiency
• Expanding product availability across multiple major markets

Negative

• None.

Extra Savvy, Savvy Strut, Savvy 100 Proof and (the) Essence J’s feature large-format vapes with built-in digital engagement and barrel-style pre-rolls that deliver quality, convenience and affordability

CHICAGO, March 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verano Holdings Corp. (Cboe CA: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF) (“Verano” or the “Company”), a leading multi-state cannabis company, today announced the launch of a wave of new product innovation across the fastest-growing categories in key markets, including Extra Savvy 2-gram vape cartridges; Savvy Strut 2-gram all-in-one vapes; Savvy 100 Proof diamond-infused barrel-style pre-rolled joints; and (the) Essence J’s barrel-style pre-rolled joints.

Pre-rolled joints and vapes represent the fastest-growing categories in the industry, and the larger-format vape category specifically grew more than 400% in 2024¹. Demonstrating Verano’s focus on innovation, automation and differentiation, the Company is moving with speed and agility to meet consumer demand by leveraging in-house talent and cutting-edge manufacturing technology that exponentially increases production efficiency and output while preserving quality.

“As consumer appetite for differentiated cannabis products increases, particularly in the vape and pre-roll categories, we are excited to unleash a wave of innovation across our Savvy and (the) Essence portfolios featuring unique styles, experiences and engagement,” said David Spreckman, Verano Chief Marketing Officer. “Following the initial rollout of (the) Essence J’s and Extra Savvy 2-gram vape carts in some of the nation’s largest cannabis markets, Extra Savvy White Widow was the top-selling vape in Illinois last month¹, and with Savvy 100 Proof pre-rolls and Savvy Strut 2-gram all-in-one vapes also launching in key states, we are well-positioned to further elevate our strong market positions in the fastest-growing categories.”

The full suite of new Savvy and (the) Essence products will be available for purchase at Verano’s Zen Leaf^™ and MÜV^™ locations, along with third-party dispensary partners, in select states.

• Extra Savvy 2-gram vape cartridges: Stacked with high potency oil and tasty terps to hit harder, last longer and stretch cash. Perfect for seasoned consumers who value potency, longevity and consistency in their vapes. Extra Savvy is currently available in five strains: Sour Tangie, White Widow, Bacio Gelato, Rainbow Belts and GMO. Now available in Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland and Arizona; coming soon to Pennsylvania, Florida and Connecticut.
  
• Savvy Strut 2-gram all-in-one vapes: The 2-gram all-in-one that delivers big clouds and bold flavors. Built to max out and make every drop count, with its USB-C compatibility, lit oil window and dynamic airflow for trouble-free vaping, Savvy Strut is perfect for consumers who value portability, longevity and consistency in their vapes. Each device includes an embedded NFC chip, which allows users to simply tap their smartphone to get plugged into exciting deals and promotions. Savvy Strut is currently available in six strains: Juicy Mango, Summer Melon, Peaches & Cream, Pineapple Mimosa, Fresh Berry and Rainbow Sherbet. Now available in Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland and Arizona; coming soon to Pennsylvania and Florida.
  
• Savvy 100 Proof diamond-infused barrel-style pre-rolled joints: Locked and loaded for a heavier hit, Savvy 100 Proof is crafted by blending pre-ground small bud flower with superfine, isolated THCa diamonds. This infusion process ensures a seamless blend of beloved Savvy strains with the THCa diamonds, delivering a uniquely potent experience. Now available in Illinois and New Jersey.
  
• (the) Essence J’s barrel-style pre-rolled joints: Tapping into the industry’s fastest-growing category, (the) Essence J’s harness the power of cutting-edge manufacturing innovation that exponentially increases output while incorporating a unique yet recognizable barrel-style shape, delivering consumer affordability without sacrificing quality. Now available in Illinois and New Jersey; coming soon to Florida.
  

Product images are available for media use and download here (credit “courtesy of Verano”): Savvy and (the) Essence new product images

About Verano
Verano Holdings Corp. (Cboe CA: VRNO) (OTCQX: VRNOF), one of the U.S. cannabis industry’s leading companies based on historical revenue, geographic scope and brand performance, is a vertically integrated, multi-state operator embracing a mission of saying Yes to plant progress and the bold exploration of cannabis. Verano provides a superior cannabis shopping experience in medical and adult use markets under the Zen Leaf^™ and MÜV^™ dispensary banners, including Cabbage Club^™, an innovative annual membership program offering exclusive benefits for cannabis consumers. Verano produces a comprehensive suite of high-quality, regulated cannabis products sold under its diverse portfolio of trusted consumer brands including Verano^™, (the) Essence^™, MÜV^™, Savvy^™, BITS^™, Encore^™, and Avexia^™. Verano’s active operations span 13 U.S. states, comprised of 15 production facilities with over 1.1 million square feet of cultivation capacity. Learn more at Verano.com.

Media Contact:
Verano
Grace Bondy
Director, Communications
Grace.Bondy@verano.com

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company’s beliefs regarding future events, plans, strategies, or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. Generally, such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “future”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “projects,” “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases, or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “will continue”, “will occur” or “will be achieved”. Forward-looking statements involve and are subject to assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual events, results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future events, results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements herein, including, without limitation, the risk factors described in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except as may be required in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice regarding forward-looking information and statements.

---

¹ Source: BDSA data

FAQ

What new products did Verano (VRNOF) launch in March 2025?

Verano launched Extra Savvy 2-gram vapes, Savvy Strut 2-gram all-in-one vapes, Savvy 100 Proof diamond-infused pre-rolls, and (the) Essence J's barrel-style pre-rolls.

How much did the larger-format vape category grow in 2024 for VRNOF?

The larger-format vape category grew more than 400% in 2024 according to BDSA data.

Which states will have access to Verano's (VRNOF) new vape products?

The products are available in Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, and Arizona, with planned expansion to Pennsylvania, Florida, and Connecticut.

What special features does the Savvy Strut vape from VRNOF include?

Savvy Strut features USB-C compatibility, lit oil window, dynamic airflow, and an embedded NFC chip for smartphone connectivity to access deals and promotions.

How did Extra Savvy White Widow perform in the Illinois market?

Extra Savvy White Widow became the top-selling vape in Illinois in the month prior to the announcement.