By Definitive Agreement Signed
JARS Cannabis and Sonoran Roots have signed a definitive agreement for JARS to acquire Sonoran Roots. Financial terms for the transaction were not disclosed to the public. The deal is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
This timeline is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
The acquisition will combine the two companies into a single entity. This new structure will create the largest cannabis dispensary network in Arizona. The combined retail network will consist of 27 locations across the state.
This expansion significantly increases JARS’ physical footprint in the market.
Sonoran Roots operates eight Ponderosa Dispensary locations in Arizona. These stores are located in Chandler, Flagstaff, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Tempe, and Tucson. All eight locations will be added to the JARS retail network.
The Ponderosa dispensary brand will transition to the JARS Cannabis name following the closing.
Leadership and Brand Strategy
Michael O’Brien currently serves as the CEO of Sonoran Roots. He will become the chief strategy officer of JARS Cannabis after the deal closes. In this new role, O’Brien will help guide the combined organization through strategic growth initiatives.
He will work alongside JARS executive leadership on the development of the company’s multistate platform.
Michael O’Brien stated that JARS “understand the value” of what the Sonoran “team has built,” according to a statement. He added that the company sees the same opportunity “to take it even further.” O’Brien emphasized that they are preserving their brands and relationships. He noted they are expanding on what they do best while pairing it with a larger retail organization.
The Sonoran Roots family of brands will remain part of the combined organization. JARS plans to invest in and expand upon Sonoran Roots’ production operations. The company will also grow the wholesale presence and sales and distribution services.
Market Position and Transition
Together, JARS and Ponderosa placed seven dispensaries among Leafly’s Top 20 U.S. Dispensaries of 2025. This group included three of the top six and the No. 1-ranked dispensary in the country.
The two retailers also accounted for 10 of Arizona’s 20 dispensaries in Leafly’s Top 100 U.S. Dispensaries of 2025. These rankings highlight the strong market position of the combined entity.
Ronnie Kassab, CEO of JARS Cannabis, said the acquisition is “not scale for scale’s sake” in a press release. He stated that the combination brings together complementary strengths. Kassab noted that JARS has built a powerful retail platform.
He added that Sonoran Roots has built an exceptional brand, product portfolio, and vertically integrated operation.
The transition of the eight Ponderosa locations to the JARS brand will be phased. This process will occur store-by-store after the transaction closes. Customers, employees, vendors, and community partners will receive detailed information before changes take effect.
This information will cover store conversions, loyalty programs, customer accounts, and transition timing.
