About Parallel

Who We Are

At Parallel, we are driven by the transformative potential of cannabis to enhance lives. From soothing CBD tinctures to invigorating high-THC pre-rolls, we champion this plant's capacity for healing, relaxation, and responsible enjoyment. In the face of historical misconceptions, our mission is clear: to revolutionize access to wellness for our patients and customers, challenging and reshaping perceptions through dedicated education and advocacy.

As a forward-thinking multi-state operator, our commitment to innovation, quality, and social equity positions us at the forefront of the industry. We're more than a company; we're a community of passionate individuals—associates, customers, and neighbors—united in our pursuit of well-being. Our inclusive culture values diverse experiences and perspectives, driving our growth and reinforcing our role as industry leaders.

Offering a curated selection of high-quality and innovative cannabis brands and products, we promise our customers an experience that's as exceptional as it is consistent. Our experienced leadership team is deeply invested in nurturing talent across all facets of our operations, from cultivation to retail. Because at Parallel, we understand that to lead in the cannabis industry, we must live our values, embrace diversity, and always prioritize well-being.

Timeline

2000

November
  • Nevada voters legalize medical cannabis.

2012

November
  • Massachusetts voters legalize medical cannabis.

2014

June
  • The Florida Legislature enacts the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014, allowing for low-THC medical Cananbis.

2015

September
  • First sale of medical cannabis in Western Massachusetts at NETA Northampton.
November
  • Surterra Wellness awarded 1 of Florida's 5 medical cannabis licenses.
December
  • The Apothecary Shoppe opened its doors in Las Vegas, Nevada.

2016

February
  • NETA Brookline opens as a medical dispensary.
October
  • First Surterra Wellness store opens in Tampa, Florida.
November
  • Massachusetts and Nevada voters legalize recreational cannabis.

2017

May
  • Surterra Texas receives conditional approval for 1 of 3 medical cannabis licenses in Texas.
December
  • Surterra Texas obtains medical cannabis license for pediatric epilepsy.

2018

November
  • NETA Northampton opens for Adult Use cannabis sales.
December
  • The Apothecary Shoppe joins forces with Surterra Wellness.
  • Surterra Texas launches "Tranquil", it's first product for patients with intractable epilepsy.

2019

January
  • Surterra Wellness and NETA join forces.
March
  • Smokable flower approved by the Florida Legislature.
  • NETA Brookline opens for Adult Use customers.
June
  • Surterra Wellness partners with Intrexon to advance technology, science and R&D in cannabis.
October
  • Parallel is born! (4 states - FL, MA, NV, TX) and 3 retail brands (Surterra Wellness, NETA and The Apothecary Shoppe.
  • MA CultivatED program, the nation's first jobs program in the cannabis industry is announced with NETA as one of the founding members.
November
  • Float brand launched.

2020

March
  • All states adapted business models to COVID-19.
August
  • Parallel / goodblend wins Pennsylvania medical license and announce R&D Partnership with the University of Pittsburgh.
  • Florida DOH allows for production of edibles.
September
  • Surterra Texas launches the state's first edibles.

2021

April
  • Parallel expands into Illinois cannabis market with agreement to acquire Windy City Cannabis
  • Launched goodblend Texas retail brand and broke ground on state-of-the art cultivation, processing and retail facility in San Marcos, Texas

Corporate Social Responsibility

Community and Social Impact

At Parallel, we're more than just a presence in the cannabis industry; we're part of a community. We know we're in a unique position, and with that comes a genuine responsibility to make real and impactful changes.

Rooted in this ethos, we're steadfast in our dedication to advancing social equity, and we do so through purposeful actions and strategic partnerships that make a tangible difference. In every market we step into, our emphasis revolves around creating economic opportunities, championing diversity, and fostering inclusivity. This is evident in our initiatives that span job fairs, skills enhancement workshops, fellowships, and social equity programs, to name a few.

We've joined hands with some incredible groups that share our vision. Together with the Minority Cannabis Business Association, BCB Mastermind, Let's Talk Weed, and Minorities for Medical Marijuana, and others, we're rolling up our sleeves and getting to work.

It's not just about business for us. It's about the people, the stories, and the communities we touch. We're in this journey together, aiming to make the cannabis world a bit brighter, fairer, and more inclusive for everyone. Because at the end of the day, it's the collective effort that truly drives change.

01

Big Cannabis Should Make a Big Impact

A few years ago, we acknowledged we had not been doing enough to help the cannabis industry be a model for social equity and inclusivity. We pledged to work to make the industry more equitable by committing resources to advocate for fundamental changes while at the same time using our resources to directly bring about those changes in meaningful ways.

We are committed to creating more pathways in our industry for entrepreneurs of color. After years of state lead legalization, minority ownership in the industry still hovers near 4%. This is alarming considering all the talk of social equity that preceded legalization debates around the country.

We took an important step forward in 2022 by collaborating with BCB Mastermind to create the CEO Intensive. This national education series intends to not only increase minority ownership in the cannabis industry but to provide tools, resources, and education that create longevity and success. Since its inception two years ago, the CEO Intensive has reached over 150 cannabis entrepreneurs across the country.

By working with advocates and activists to expand the industry in an equitable fashion we’ve begun to develop the next phase of an industry that will create real opportunities for economic empowerment for underserved communities, foster innovation, and expand access to a plant we all believe can create a paradigm shift in health and wellness around the world.

02

We Got You!

At Parallel, we see beyond the plant; we see a community. Born from a fundamental belief that everyone is entitled to medical relief, our journey has grown richer and our commitment deeper. With each step we take, our goal remains clear: make wellness accessible to all.

Navigating the path to medical cannabis can often be laden with obstacles, namely the cost of certification and finding a certifying physician.  To bridge this gap, we've allied with pioneering organizations like Minorities for Medical Marijuana, paving the way for over 500 Floridians to receive free medical marijuana certifications in a familiar community setting. Similarly, in Texas, our partnership with Leafwell has transformed lives, granting an additional 100 individuals’ access to wellness without the hefty cost.

Our mission, however, goes beyond these collaborations. We're fervent advocates of Home Grow, championing the right of every individual to cultivate their own source of wellness. To us, Home Grow is more than just sowing seeds; it symbolizes independence, a deeper bond with one's health.

Our dedication to community and wellness takes a special turn when we think of our nation's veterans. Recognizing the invaluable sacrifices they've made; we ardently believe in the transformative power of plant-based medicine for them. In all our markets we offer everyday discounts for veterans and partner with local advocacy organization to increase veteran access to cannabis. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is simple: to stand by you, to champion wellness for all, and to remind everyone, from our partners to our veterans, that on this journey towards better health and well-being, "we got you."

Culture of Compliance and Performance

Parallel seeks to build a leading well-being company through attracting the best talent, focusing our values, expanding our trusted and recognized brands, investing in science and technology-based innovation, and a relentless commitment to execution and continuous improvement.  

We hold ourselves to the highest standards of compliance in everything we do, while also finding efficient and innovative solutions to set new standards and drive the industry forward. All of this allows us to better serve our customers with the products they rely on for well-being.

Advancing Cannabis Science

We seek to improve our consumers well-being and quality of life through a diverse portfolio of high-quality, proprietary consumer brands in a variety of formats today, while at the same time we aim to continue to innovate through science, technology and R&D to support new product development going forward.

Parallel engages in advanced cannabinoid research, partnering with renowned domestic and international research institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, one of the leading medical research schools in the world, to address biological research and drug discovery. The research partnership with University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine will initially focus on clinical trials evaluating the impact of medicinal cannabis on chronic pain patients as well as on various symptoms of sickle cell disease.

Through our internal R&D arm, Parallel Biosciences, we conduct cutting-edge cannabis research, leveraging novel delivery platforms and the unleashed potential of rare cannabinoids to create next generation products. Our R&D activities take place in our facilities in Massachusetts, Florida, Texas, and through an exclusive partnership also at a facility in Budapest, Hungary.

Everyone is
welcome here.

At Parallel we’re fueled by a diverse tapestry of talent, each thread unique, each story valuable. This mosaic of individuality is our strength. By celebrating the diversity of thought, experience, and perspective, we tap into the power of collective genius. It's in this inclusive atmosphere that innovation flourishes, paving the way for both personal and professional growth. And in this space, where everyone feels seen and valued, the boundaries of what we can achieve together expand.

Our commitment is twofold: to consistently elevate the standards of our industry and to serve our customers with products that enhance their well-being. We pride ourselves on our unwavering integrity, always acting with a sense of responsibility that befits our position as an industry leader. Collaboration is in our DNA, ensuring the right knowledge reaches the right hands, fostering alignment with our shared vision and goals. With intentionality at our core, every step we take is purpose-driven, propelling our mission forward.

Accountability is not just a word to us; it's a promise. A promise to make informed decisions that benefit both our customers and the industry at large. And in this ever-evolving landscape, agility becomes our compass, guiding us to seize opportunities with zeal and adapt with finesse.

As we continue our journey, we're on the lookout for individuals who resonate with our values. With numerous positions open across various locations, we invite you to be a part of this exciting journey. At Parallel, equal opportunity isn't just a policy; it's a foundational principle.

Leadership

Meet the minds shaping the industry.

PHIL HARRIS
BARRY JONES
PHIL HARRIS
Chief Legal Counsel

Phil has over 30 years of legal practice and general counsel leadership experience.

BARRY JONES
Chief Financial Officer

Barry is approaching three decades of experience in public accounting, investment banking and as a CFO in financial services, industrials and consumer products.