Sources:
- Company press releases from The Cannabist Company
- Brand partnership announcements from Old Pal
- Industry reporting from MJBizDaily and Cannabis Business Times (contextual)
A Major Expansion for Two Leading Cannabis Brands
The Cannabist Company, one of the most established cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, and retailers in the United States, has announced a major expansion of its partnership with Old Pal, a nationally recognized cannabis brand best known for its accessible, high-quality flower.
The expansion brings Old Pal flower products to medical cannabis patients in West Virginia, marking a significant milestone for both companies as they continue growing their multi-state footprint and diversifying product offerings in emerging medical markets.
This expanded partnership builds on a strong existing relationship between the two companies in multiple regulated cannabis states. For West Virginia patients, it means greater choice, trusted quality, and access to a brand widely known for consistency and value.
Who Is The Cannabist Company?
Formerly operating under the Columbia Care umbrella, The Cannabist Company is one of the oldest and most professionally managed cannabis operators in the U.S. The company oversees:
- large-scale cultivation facilities
- multiple processing and manufacturing centers
- a national retail network across dozens of states
- partnerships with leading consumer cannabis brands
As a vertically integrated multi-state operator (MSO), The Cannabist Company has a long history of cultivating premium flower, developing advanced manufacturing processes, and providing a diverse medical cannabis menu to patients across the country.
Source: The Cannabist Company corporate background & multistate operations. SITE: CannabistCo.com READ MORE: Cannabis News Florida
Old Pal: A Brand Rooted in Simplicity and Value
Old Pal has made a name for itself in the cannabis industry by promoting accessible, affordable flower with a nostalgic, community-focused brand identity. The company is known for:
- consistent quality
- clean, simple packaging
- strain options that prioritize approachability
- strong performance in established cannabis markets such as California and Nevada
Old Pal’s slogan — “It’s just weed, man” — reflects its emphasis on making cannabis friendly, easy to understand, and available at an honest price point.
Source: Old Pal product and brand history SITE: OldPal
Why West Virginia?
West Virginia’s medical cannabis program has grown steadily since its official launch in 2021. While patient access and the number of licensed operators remain more limited compared to mature markets, demand for high-quality and reliably produced flower continues to rise.
The Cannabist Company operates cultivation and retail facilities in the state, making it well positioned to introduce third-party brand partners like Old Pal.
Key reasons the companies targeted West Virginia include:
- Rapid patient enrollment growth
- Increasing demand for quality flower
- Limited brand diversity in early-stage markets
- A strong medical patient base with evolving product preferences
This expansion gives patients access to additional flower options and strengthens the state’s medical cannabis infrastructure.
Source: State medical cannabis program updates via West Virginia Office of Medical Cannabis.
What West Virginia Patients Can Expect
Patients will now find Old Pal-branded flower on shelves at Cannabist retail locations across West Virginia, including:
- Indica, sativa, and hybrid strains
- Pre-packaged flower options
- Old Pal’s signature strain lineup, adapted to the state’s regulations and supply chain
The flower will be cultivated and processed through The Cannabist Company’s West Virginia production facilities, ensuring compliance with all state medical standards and quality assurance protocols.
Because Old Pal uses standardized product specifications, West Virginia patients can expect:
- consistent potency results
- clearly labeled strain types
- uniform packaging
- reliable quality control
The launch helps bring West Virginia’s medical market closer to the level of product quality and choice available in more established cannabis states.
Strengthening a Growing Partnership
The Cannabist Company and Old Pal already collaborate in several other regulated markets. Their expanded partnership reflects strong mutual alignment in:
- product philosophy
- quality standards
- consumer accessibility
- focus on compliance
- national scalability
Benefits of the expanded partnership include:
- Broader multi-state presence for Old Pal
- Diversified product portfolio for Cannabist
- Increased brand loyalty and consumer recognition
- Greater market stability in emerging states
Both companies have emphasized their commitment to making cannabis accessible and trustworthy for consumers — particularly medical patients who rely on flower for routine symptom relief.
Industry Implications
The addition of Old Pal to The Cannabist Company’s West Virginia product lineup demonstrates a continued trend in the cannabis industry:
national brand expansion into developing medical markets.
As multi-state operators evolve and patient demand increases, leading brands are competing for early-stage market share while refining their regional distribution strategies.
For the West Virginia medical cannabis market, this partnership signals:
- growing product availability
- more competitive retail environments
- higher brand visibility
- improved product consistency statewide
These developments benefit patients seeking high-quality, standardized cannabis products.
Source: Cannabis industry brand-expansion trends reported by MJBizDaily
Looking Ahead
Both The Cannabist Company and Old Pal have indicated that this expansion is not the end of their collaboration. Additional product categories — including pre-rolls, infused products, or vape offerings — could follow based on patient demand and state regulatory timing.
As West Virginia’s medical cannabis system continues to mature, the arrival of nationally recognized brands like Old Pal will help elevate quality expectations and diversify available product options for patients.
More Choice
The Cannabist Company’s expansion of its partnership with Old Pal marks a meaningful moment for West Virginia’s medical cannabis community. By bringing Old Pal’s trusted flower products to the state, the companies are offering patients more choice, more consistency, and better overall access to reputable cannabis options.
As multi-state partnerships continue shaping the future of regulated cannabis markets, West Virginia stands to benefit from stronger supply chains, recognizable brands, and improved consumer confidence.