This Know Your Brand feature highlights Galaxy Labs. The Galaxy Labs brand was founded in 2020 by Rick Ringold and launched in Illinois in January 2024.

Galaxy Labs was the first independent/social equity craft grower to go live in Illinois.

“Our owners are from Illinois and grew up in impacted areas and have overcome many challenges,” said a Galaxy Labs spokesperson. “Over 96% of Galaxy is owned by minorities and women (82.50% Black; 51% Veteran-owned, 33.25% Women and 11% Hispanic). The Galaxy team is committed to community and economic development as well as being examples of how social equity inclusion can be a win for everyone.”

According to the Illinois craft brand, Galaxy Labs is committed to redefining high-quality craft cannabis product through strategic small batch harvests of the finest cultivars paired with proven industry-leading best practices and expertise to enhance the consumer appreciation and experience of their distinctive and desired products that all can enjoy. Driven by passion and shared values, Galaxy Labs promotes economic empowerment in a disproportionately impacted area through training, development, job creation, and serve as a partner to the local community through service, philanthropy, and educational initiatives while maintaining transparency and profitability for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Galaxy Labs cultivars include Apple Fritter, Dosi Trop, Garlic Cocktail 7, Gary Payton, Motor Breath 15,  Jealousy, Permanent Marker, Cap Junky, Interstellar, Dante’s Inferno, Lemon Fresh, Grape Bubblegum, Hypnotik, Pineapple Donut, Sweet Tartz, Garlic Totz, Ouzos, Dark Matter, Alien DNA, Cosmic Nebula, Chilled Cherries, Brioche French Toast, Guava Bars, Le’Moon Cake, Supernova, and Grape Pie 4.

Galaxy Labs is committed to positively engaging with the community, including specifically the underserved and disproportionately impacted areas most affected by the war on drugs. This includes targeted hiring events, job training, educational seminars, charitable donations, and philanthropy. Galaxy Labs also is actively engaged with several local community colleges within the area, including Olive-Harvey College’s cannabis studies program. As part of these engagements, Galaxy offers program and curriculum advisory support, donation of various supplies and equipment, offering presentations on industry topics, and direct engagement through hands on learning sessions with the students.

Galaxy Labs can be found on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram @galaxyatmosphere.

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