More than $324 million worth of medical marijuana sold last year in Illinois.
But those sales occurred at only 55 dispensaries statewide. A majority of the retailers are located in Chicago, presenting a challenge for downstate and suburban consumers.
“They are so far apart that some people have to drive 20 or 30 miles,” said David Scott, an owner of Vertical Dispensary in Cary, Illinois.
For people like Olivia Shea, it’s worth the time.
“The card helps me save money – a lot of money honestly,” she said.
A River North resident, Shea said she often drives to Lakeview — Passing closer stores on the way — To find a dispensary that sells medical marijuana. As a cardholder, she pays less in state taxes.
Scott’s store is not one of the 55 dispensaries that sell medical marijuana.
Instead, he offers some of those customers a discount “in order to compete.” Doing so, he said, cost his company an estimated $60,000 since last summer.
Under legislation proposed by state Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), he would no longer have to dig into his own pocket. If passed, Senate Bill 3941 would expand the number of dispensaries permitted to sell medical marijuana.
“I think there are concerns that they [may] not have the proper products for people that may need the medical marijuana,” Fine said. “But nobody is pushing back against this.”
It’s unclear if Fine’s bill will be voted on this week.
The last medical marijuana license was issued six years ago.
“We support increased access to medical cannabis for patients and are working with legislators to craft a balanced plan that takes into consideration the regulatory differences between the state’s medical cannabis program and the adult-use cannabis program,” said Tiffany Chappell Ingram, Executive Director of the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois, in a statement.
“We must ensure any changes are made in a way that is fair to all operators,” she added.