Recreational Cannabis

Cannabis flower grows at a recreational grow facility in Illinois. Sales of recreational marijuana started Illinois Jan 1.

Government, Politics & Issues

Illinois’ First-Year Legal Marijuana Sales Boomed, But Challenges Remain

Eric Schmid

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The state still has to live up to its promises around racial equity.

Have a question about legal marijuana in Illinois or medical marijuana in Missouri? Ask here, and we'll update this guide with answers as we report them out.

Government, Politics & Issues

Missouri Republican Wants Recreational Cannabis Program, No Caps On Dispensaries

Jaclyn Driscoll

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In addition to allowing adults 21 and older to use the drug, Rep. Shamed Dogan, R-Ballwin, said his proposal would be an important step toward criminal justice reform.

Illinois was supposed to award 75 dispensary licenses in May and another 40 craft grower, 40 infuser and an undefined number of transportation licenses in July. The delays put pressure on minority candidates who are trying to diversify an overwhelmingly white industry.

Economy & Business

Marijuana Business License Delays Complicate Illinois’ Goal To Diversify The Industry

Eric Schmid

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Illinois has big goals to build non-white ownership in its new cannabis industry through new business licenses. But those goals are in peril now, because of delays to the licensing process. The longer applicants have to wait, the more money they have to spend to stay viable should they win one.

Government, Politics & Issues

Cities in Illinois Can Now Collect More Taxes On Marijuana Purchases

Eric Schmid

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Municipalities in Illinois that have cannabis dispensaries will start seeing more money from recreational marijuana purchases. Cities, counties and…

Cannabis plants grow inside Ascend Illinois indoor facility in Barry, IL. Ascend owns two existing medical dispensaries and plans to open two additional recreational dispensaries early next year.

Economy & Business

Steady Marijuana Sales Mean Security For Illinois Cities With Dispensaries

Eric Schmid

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Collinsville’s marijuana dispensary is offering the city some insulation from economic damage caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The city can depend on…

A worker trims marijuana plants in Ascend Illinois' growing facility in Barry, IL.

Government, Politics & Issues

The Illinois Cannabis Market Is Strong, But Shortages Will Persist For Months

Eric Schmid

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BELLEVILLE — Illinois’ new recreational marijuana market is off to a hot start even amid the spread of coronavirus. Earlier this week, the state announced…

On March 2, the Green Solution in Sauget became the second dispensary to sell recreational marijuana in the Metro East since Illinois legalized sales on New Year's Day.

Economy & Business

Short Lines, Quick Service On First Day Of Recreational Marijuana Sales In Sauget

Updated at 11:30 a.m., March 3, with comments from Erich Mauff, president of Jushi Holdings Inc., which now owns the dispensary in Sauget.Editor's Note:…