Curaleaf's Dual Expansion: Balancing Medical And Recreational Markets While Emphasizing Social Equity (CORRECTED)

Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to reflect that Curaleaf is headquartered in New York City.

Curaleaf CEO Matt Darin told Benzinga at the Cannabis Capital Conference in Miami that the company has recently increased its presence in New York.

The New York City-based company enhanced its retail spaces to serve both medical and adult-use cannabis markets.

“In many states, we’ve navigated the transition from medical to adult use,” Darin noted. The strategy focuses on ensuring uninterrupted product supply for medical patients while accommodating a surge in new customers.

Darin also highlighted the success of the company’s first co-located medical and adult-use store in Newberg, Hudson Valley, expressing excitement about upcoming store openings.

Commitment To Social Equity

Curaleaf’s commitment to social equity, particularly in its hiring practices, is a major factor in its operations. The company strives to hire at least 10% of its workforce from communities disproportionately affected by past drug policies.

“We have a robust corporate social responsibility program,” Darin emphasized, underscoring the importance of partnerships and initiatives like their collaboration with Bernard Noble and Fab Five Freddy in New York.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to integrate and contribute to the communities they serve, showcasing Curaleaf’s dedication to making a positive difference.

Global Perspectives On Cannabis

At the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, Darin expressed his enthusiasm for the networking opportunities presented by the gathering of industry leaders and investors.

“It’s encouraging to see a record number of attendees and continued interest in the industry,” he said, highlighting the importance of community and connections.

Reflecting on the discussions from the panel he participated in, Darin mentioned the increasing global interest in cannabis legalization.

“There is a growing awareness that cannabis legalization is happening globally, not just in the U.S.,” he explained. This perspective is essential as Curaleaf considers its future growth opportunities, particularly in Europe.

Curaleaf, under Darin’s leadership, continues to strengthen its market presence while focusing on community engagement and global expansion.

The company’s efforts to balance patient care with market demands in New York serve as a model for its operations in other states and potentially worldwide.

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Image: Curaleaf/Linkedin