GTI's Flagship Rise Paterson Store Marks Major Expansion Into New Jersey Market

Green Thumb Industries, one of the nation’s most prominent cannabis consumer packaged goods retailers, is set to expand its operational footprint in the Northeast with the launch of Rise Paterson on December 21. This milestone represents GTI’s entry into New Jersey’s rapidly growing medical cannabis sector and underscores the company’s aggressive retail expansion strategy.

Strategic Entry Into New Jersey’s Cannabis Marketplace

The opening of Rise Paterson on December 21 arrives at a pivotal moment for the state’s medical cannabis industry. As the first operational location among 2018 license award recipients, Rise Paterson signals GTI’s confidence in New Jersey’s market potential. The facility will operate alongside GTI’s recently approved cultivation and processing operation in the same city, positioning the company as a vertically integrated player in the state’s emerging cannabis landscape.

The New Jersey medical marijuana program has already attracted substantial patient interest, with over 63,000 registered patients currently enrolled. The program includes participation from more than 1,000 physicians and recognizes 17 qualifying conditions, including opioid use disorder, anxiety, chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Rapid Store Expansion Reflects Market Confidence

Rise Paterson marks GTI’s 37th location nationwide and represents the fourth Rise™ branded store opening within a single month. This accelerated expansion demonstrates the company’s momentum in capturing market share across multiple U.S. jurisdictions. The Chicago-headquartered retailer now operates across 12 states with licenses for 96 retail locations.

Community Integration and Public Opening

GTI has scheduled a community open house and ribbon cutting ceremony for December 20, running from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., enabling residents and local officials to tour the facility before cannabis products arrive. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh and New Jersey Assistant Commissioner of Health Jeff Brown will serve as special guests at the event.

“We believe this is just the tip of the iceberg for jobs and financial benefits for our residents connected to the medical cannabis industry,” noted Mayor Sayegh, reflecting local government enthusiasm for the investment and employment opportunities GTI’s presence brings to the community.

GTI Founder and CEO Ben Kovler emphasized the company’s commitment: “We look forward to being active, involved members of the community and are honored to bring jobs and tax revenue to Paterson and to New Jersey.”

Store Details and Operations

Located at 196 3rd Ave. in Paterson, Rise Paterson will operate with the following schedule: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About Green Thumb Industries’ Portfolio

GTI manufactures and distributes multiple cannabis brands including Beboe, Dogwalkers, Dr. Solomon’s, incredibles, Rythm, and The Feel Collection. Beyond Rise™, the company also operates Essence retail locations. With over 1,300 employees and 13 manufacturing facilities, GTI serves thousands of patients and customers annually across its growing national network. The company was recognized as a Best Workplace 2018 by Crain’s Chicago Business.