MIAMI, Aug. 11, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PRESS RELEASE -- Ayr Wellness Inc., a vertically integrated U.S. multi-state cannabis operator, announces the opening of its 50th Florida dispensary, located in Jacksonville.

“Since acquiring Liberty Health Sciences in 2021, we have rapidly expanded our footprint in Florida, adding an additional 19 retail stores in prime locations,” said Jonathan Sandelman, founder and CEO of Ayr. “We’re proud to deliver on our mission of making high-quality cannabis more accessible to Florida patients by serving 50 local communities throughout the state, with more to come. We’ve invested heavily in the state of Florida because we believe it will be one of the largest cannabis markets in the country, and we’re excited with the progress that our team has made.”

The 50th store spans 4,500+ square feet of retail space and reflects the elevated retail design showcased at the two recently opened AYR adult use dispensaries in Greater Boston and representing the future of the company’s presence in Florida.

The store is located at 8050-1 Philips Highway, conveniently situated southeast of Downtown Jacksonville, minutes from the St. John’s River. Between this newest Jacksonville store and the already operating Jacksonville Beaches store, located just off the beach on A1A at 1222 3rd St., Ayr can now strategically serve Northeast Florida patients, with easy access to Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beaches, University of North Florida and St. John’s Town Center.

“Opening our 50th retail location in Florida is a milestone to celebrate how far Ayr has come in the market, not only with our fresh approach to retail expansion and design, but with our wide variety of product offerings,” said Rhonda Kratz, who leads retail at Ayr. “All 50 of our Florida stores feature Ayr’s full line of concentrates, edibles, vapes, and an evolving selection of high-quality flower, with an evolving omnichannel consumer experience which includes proprietary digital ecosystems, e-commerce, merchandise, and retail stores.”

Following the acquisition of Florida-based Liberty Health Sciences in February 2021, Ayr relocated its U.S. headquarters from New York City to Miami, underscoring the company’s commitment to the region. Since the acquisition, Ayr has expanded its retail footprint by more than 60% and has introduced its full suite of national brands and products to its dispensaries statewide. Today, Ayr Wellness proudly employs more than 680 people across the state of Florida between corporate, retail and field positions.

Florida has more than 740,000 patients enrolled in its medical marijuana program as of Aug. 5, 2022, per Florida OMMU. Florida’s cannabis market ranks fourth in the nation by total legal cannabis sales, per BDSA, and generated over $1.8 billion in medical cannabis revenue in 2021. BDSA expects Florida’s legal cannabis market to generate $3.4 billion per year by 2026.

For more information about Ayr Wellness or to locate your nearest dispensary, please visit https://ayrwellness.com.