Franchising, Meet Cannabis: Unity Rd. Leads May 2020 Issue of Franchise Times

DENVER – Cannabis and franchising had never been successfully combined in the United States before Unity Rd. Acting as a bridge, connecting the two complex worlds together and helping them understand each other, the dispensary franchisor is featured as the leading story in the May 2020 issue of Franchise Times in an article titled, “Unity Rd.’s race to win the weed business.”

The six-page spread in the industry-leading publication digs deep into the founding story of Unity Rd., tracking CEO Christian Hageseth’s entrepreneurial career and entrance into Colorado’s cannabis scene more than a decade ago. The article goes on to explore the challenges the team has faced as it paved the path for franchising in cannabis and follows along on a tour of the grow and dispensary Hageseth founded.

Unity Rd. Vice President of Franchise Development Justin Livingston told Franchise Times, “There’s been nothing this massive in franchising, since the beginning of the Golden Arches. There have been tweaks along the way, but cannabis is new—scratch new—with numbers that are so far above any other industry. You’re talking about numbers that will change people’s lives.”

With industry projections expecting to reach $30 billion by 2025, the highly-regulated sector boasts alluring possibilities for those savvy enough to break into the business, but the obstacles between getting started and opening a store are challenging. Unity Rd. mitigates those hurdles by offering franchisees the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to compliantly and profitably operate a dispensary.

Currently, Unity Rd. has multiple agreements signed with more than 10 entrepreneurial groups across the United States for development in Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, Massachusetts and Ohio, among other states. The marijuana franchise partners with industry newcomers, existing multi-unit franchisees who are looking to diversify their franchise portfolio as well as existing dispensary owners or operators. Total investments range from $1 million to $2.5 million, including a $100,000 franchise fee for a single unit or $250,000 for three units. Those interested in becoming a Unity Rd. franchisee should have access to a minimum $1 million in liquid capital. Franchisees may be owner-operators or passive owners with a designated, experienced manager running operations.

ABOUT UNITY RD.

Unity Rd., the retail brand of ONE Cannabis Group, is bridging the two previously disconnected worlds of cannabis and franchising. The industry trailblazer is the first to bring the cannabis dispensary franchise model to the United States—with duality of prowess in both industries to back it up. Built up from the legacy of Green Man Cannabis and infused with decades of franchise experience, the company helps eager operators enter the complex industry with ease. The marijuana franchise pioneer offers its partners the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to compliantly and profitably operate a dispensary. Unity Rd. is powered by ONE Cannabis Group, which is a Colorado-based, vertically integrated cannabis company. Recently, it was named one of the top cannabis retail leaders in the nation by MJBizDaily magazine. It also recently became the first cannabis business to earn a Franchise Times Dealmakers award – a recognition presented to the boldest players driving mergers and acquisitions in franchising.

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