Item 9 Labs, a Phoenix-based vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator producing award-winning cannabis products, announced this week that it expects to increase operating staff this year in order to meet rising product demand. These new hires will be across multiple areas of the company.

“Seeing so many in our community face hardship and uncertainty strikes a nerve,” said Bryce Skalla, Item 9 Labs president. “We’re seeking ways to support their overall wellness beyond our products, starting with employment opportunities that provide financial stability for local families.”

Over the past two months, many cannabis businesses were able to re-assign their field employees to cultivation departments – both to keep jobs and help with increased orders during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Item 9 Labs CEO Andrew Bowden said, “Rather than shift team members around, we were able to create new job openings and expand our marketing efforts.”

In the past year, Item 9 Labs added more than two dozen people to its roster, nearly doubling the existing team with additions to cultivation, marketing, sales, and corporate leadership.