![]() Today's lottery for existing dispensaries marks the first step in standing up legalized cannabis in Chicago. “We’re not satisfied with the current state of equity in the cannabis industry, and we won’t stop until we see meaningful change in it.” “Today’s lottery for existing dispensaries marks the first step in standing up legalized cannabis in Chicago,” she said. Those who employ the formerly incarcerated, or people from economically disadvantaged areas, would be allowed to the front of the line.Īfter the lottery, Mayor Lori Lightfoot tweeted that she is not satisfied with the “state of equity” in the industry. “Ownership can bring true economic salvation to the community,” said Ervin, referring to the criteria for social equity applicants, who, if qualified, would pay half of the $5,000 license application fee. In order for true equity to be achieved, said Ervin, the individuals involved at the ownership level must resemble the people in the communities where they wish to set up shop. “Again, there are no African-Americans in this mix and so we will continue to push forward an outright ban until social equity applicants come in.” “I think the biggest challenge is that there are only seven locations that remain for any other applicants,” said Ervin, who plans to introduce an ordinance to postpone marijuana sales until July so that equity concerns could be addressed. The absence of African-American owners in the room was also alarming, he said. ![]() Jason Ervin (28th), chairman of City Council’s Black Caucus. Noting that operators who participated in Friday’s lottery chose to open recreational dispensaries in largely black neighborhoods on the Southeast and Far South Sides last or not at all alarmed Ald. That leaves seven licenses remaining for dispensaries not part of Friday’s lottery - three in Southeast and four in the Far South. Cresco, Mission Chicago and Windy City Cannabis took four slots in the Southeast, while Greenhouse Group, Marabis and Elevele took three. The Southeast and Far South slots were chosen last. Because four of the medical dispensaries are in the North zone, only three recreational licenses remain for other operators.Ĭresco Labs, an outfit that owns 22 dispensaries across the country, including five in Illinois, was one of the big winners at the drawing, opting to open four dispensaries in four districts.Īs the lottery names were called, the Central, West, North and Northwest slots were taken first. 1, those locations are not subject to the lottery, but they do affect the amount of remaining licenses. Once a dispensary company’s name was called, owners could choose to take one of seven licenses from one of seven city districts: North, Northwest, Central, West, Southwest, Southeast and Far South.īecause the 11 medical dispensaries currently operating in the city will be able to sell recreational weed Jan. 8 deadline and held a state-issued license. ![]() In order to be eligible for the lottery, 19 companies registered by the Nov. This picture is telling a whoooole story - Antonia Hylton November 15, 2019
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