Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the most current information on Trulieve’s employee headcount and facility footprint and to correctly state that Trulieve’s Harvest Health acquisition closed in 2021.

Kim Rivers, the CEO of Trulieve TRUL, has been a driving force behind the company’s substantial growth and strategic direction, especially in the context of recent federal rescheduling discussions and the company’s operational optimizations.

With her expected appearance at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in April in Hollywood, Florida, let’s dive into her expertise and what attendees can expect from Rivers at the conference.

Rivers Advocates For Federal Cannabis Reform

Rivers has been vocal about the potential impact of federal cannabis rescheduling on the industry. She highlighted the significant tax burdens cannabis businesses face due to current federal classifications.

Rivers expressed optimism about the Health and Human Services Department’s recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration regarding cannabis rescheduling. This change could significantly alleviate operational challenges for companies such as Trulieve​​​​.

Trulieve’s Operational Growth, Expansion

Under Rivers’ guidance, the company has seen remarkable expansion, evolving from a team of 10 in one state to an operation spanning multiple states with over 5,400 employees as of the end of 2023.

Trulieve has 193 stores nationwide, with 132 of those being in Florida, and a total of 16 cultivation and processing facilities spread across various states. This network includes notable operations in Arizona with 21 dispensaries, Pennsylvania with 20 and emerging markets like West Virginia and Georgia.

2023 marked a year of consolidation for Trulieve, with the company focusing on integrating its existing assets and optimizing operations rather than pursuing new acquisitions. This strategic pause followed a significant expansion phase that saw the acquisition of Harvest Health & Recreation Inc. on Oct. 1, 2021, a move that significantly bolstered Trulieve’s market presence and customer reach.

Trulieve Addresses Overproduction, Market Demand

Rivers also noted Trulieve’s achievements in improving gross margins and managing inventory levels, even in the face of overproduction challenges.

The company’s new 750,000-square-foot facility in Florida produced higher yields and quality than anticipated, showcasing Trulieve’s operational capabilities and commitment to product excellence​​.

Rivers At The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference

Rivers is slated to be a speaker at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in April, where she will likely share more insights into Trulieve’s strategies, market perspectives and vision for the future of the cannabis industry. Her participation underscores her role as a thought leader in the cannabis space, offering valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of the rapidly evolving market.

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is returning to Florida in a new venue in Hollywood on April 16 and 17, 2024. The two-day event at The Diplomat Beach Resort will be a chance for entrepreneurs, both large and small, to network, learn, and grow.

Renowned for its trendsetting abilities and influence on the future of cannabis, mark your calendars — this conference is the go-to event of the year for the cannabis world. Get your tickets now on bzcannabis.com – Prices will increase very soon!

Photo: Courtesy of Kindel Media via Pexels