ACE Venture Completes 51% Acquisition of Vireo Health, Launches House‑of‑Brands Ecosystem
On May 5, 2026, ACE Venture LLC, a New York‑based MWBE‑certified cannabis holding company, announced the completion of its 51 % stake purchase in Vireo Health of New York. The transaction combines Vireo’s established medical‑cannabis license and operational infrastructure with ACE Venture’s cultural vision, creating a house‑of‑brands platform that aims to blend corporate scale with community credibility.
The deal was unveiled in a press release distributed via PRNewswire, which noted that the partnership aligns with New York State’s equity‑focused cannabis framework—a program championed by Governor Kathy Hochul to ensure that ownership opportunities reach historically underserved communities.
Building a Culturally Anchored Cannabis Platform
Steven Acevedo, founder and CEO of ACE Venture, emphasized that the venture was driven by shared values rather than purely financial motives. “I needed a partner that stood on the right side of New York’s equity program from the beginning,” Acevedo said. “Our ownership includes justice‑involved members, and today one of us holds a seat at the table helping shape culture and commerce in this industry.”
The acquisition provides ACE Venture with a fully licensed medical‑cannabis operation in New York, enabling the company to support emerging brands with cultivation, processing, and distribution capabilities. By combining Vireo’s regulatory foundation with ACE Venture’s network of cultural creators, the house‑of‑brands model seeks to offer partners both operational scale and authentic storytelling.
Introducing Boukét: New York’s Flagship Cannabis Lifestyle Brand
Alongside the acquisition, ACE Venture launched Boukét, its flagship cannabis lifestyle brand. The name draws from Harlem’s jazz‑era underground during Prohibition, where “bouquet” served as a codeword for cannabis. Boukét’s philosophy centers on “give yourself your flowers,” positioning cannabis as a complement to intentional living rather than a means of escape.
Boukét’s initial product line includes signature premium indoor strains, pre‑rolls, and limited‑edition “Frequency” drops, now available at select dispensaries across New York State. The brand plans a broader rollout across retail, experiential, and digital channels later in 2026. Boukét is notable as the first minority‑owned cannabis brand in New York to receive MWBE certification, a distinction that underscores the company’s commitment to equity and representation.
Partnerships with Rohan Marley, Kareem “Biggs” Burke, and Gee Roberson
To anchor its house‑of‑brands, ACE Venture enlisted three figures whose careers are deeply intertwined with New York’s creative fabric:
- Kareem “Biggs” Burke – launching RËDO96, a brand inspired by the meticulous craftsmanship that built Roc‑A‑Fella Records and the legacy of Reasonable Doubt.
- Rohan Marley – introducing Lion Order, a lifestyle line rooted in culture, wellness, and community, which debuted on April 20, 2026.
- Gee Roberson – serving as Cultural Creative Partner, bringing his expertise at the intersection of music, fashion, and lifestyle to shape Boukét’s creative vision and voice.
Each partner highlighted a shared intention to honor the plant’s cultural roots while delivering high‑quality products. Burke described RËDO96 as “creating a classic product…the same way Reasonable Doubt was built with intention, patience, and no shortcuts.” Marley emphasized Lion Order’s mission to “build with intention, to bring quality, and to stand for something deeper than commerce.” Roberson’s role focuses on translating the brand’s heritage into a cohesive visual and experiential identity.
About ACE Venture and Vireo Health
ACE Venture LLC is a New York‑based holding company founded by Steven Acevedo. The firm is MWBE‑certified and concentrates on acquiring, incubating, and scaling brands at the intersection of culture, community, and commerce. Its portfolio now includes Boukét, as well as emerging ventures in hospitality, wellness, and experiential entertainment.
Vireo Health of New York, founded in 2014, has been a pioneer in the state’s medical‑cannabis sector, focusing on patient care, employee welfare, and community engagement. Under the new partnership, Vireo’s licensed infrastructure provides the operational backbone for ACE Venture’s expansion plans.
For additional details on the acquisition, brand launches, and partnership initiatives, refer to the original announcement.
