Advocates call for more equity in Illinois recreational cannabis industry
The activists said the state needs to cut red tape and lower barriers to entry.
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The activists said the state needs to cut red tape and lower barriers to entry.
Of those selected, 41% are majority Black-owned.
The artist is launching "93 Boyz" this weekend.
"The $1.5 billion in sales of adult-use cannabis in Illinois translates into significant tax revenue with a portion of every dollar spent being reinvested in communities that have suffered for decades."
The state issued 149 retail licenses on Friday, more than doubling the number of pot shops statewide.
Applicants have to finish their compliance checks before they can get their licenses.
"Black and Brown entrepreneurs are just sitting on the sidelines watching," said Akele Parnell, who won one of 185 new marijuana dispensary licenses being issued by the state after a lengthy court battle.
Despite promises of equity, legal red tape has crushed some Illinois marijuana businesses before they've even started. CBS 2's Charlie De Mar reports.
Despite promises of equity, legal red tape has crushed some businesses before they've even started.
"For us not to be open on this 4/20 is extremely frustrating."
CBS 2's Marie Saavedra talked with festival organizer Abigail Watkins.
The marijuana-friendly Waldos Forever Festival is set for Saturday – marking the first time it has been held since marijuana has been legal in Illinois for recreational use. CBS 2's Marie Saavedra talked with organizer Abigail Watkins.
April 20 may be just another day for some, but for others, it's 4/20 – an homage to marijuana.
The State of Illinois made $131 million last month alone in legal weed sales – but none of that marijuana was grown or produced by new state license winners trying to break into the industry.
The State of Illinois made $131 million last month alone in legal weed sales – but none of that marijuana was grown or produced by new state license winners trying to break into the industry. CBS 2's Tara Molina reports.
CBS 2's Tara Molina talked to two cannabis license winners who have been held up waiting to open their own businesses.
This St. Patrick's Day, the State of Illinois released an update on another kind of green – the billions of dollars in legalized weed sold in Illinois without one new license winner cleared to open in more than two years.
This St. Patrick's Day, the State of Illinois released an update on another kind of green – the billions of dollars in legalized weed sold in Illinois without one new license winner cleared to open in more than two years. CBS 2's Tara Molina talked to two entrepreneurs who remain in limbo.
Nearly $2.5 billion has poured into Illinois since recreational marijuana became legal in 2020, and with every sale, part of the tax goes to help fund community organizations.
This story is about a lottery winner – but it doesn't involve little white balls or scratch-off tickets.
Recreational marijuana sales continue to break records in Illinois, but the same companies have continued to cash in – until now.
Starting Monday, an activist group plans to stage a weeklong sit-in outside a marijuana dispensary, demanding reparations for ex-convicts who were put away for a drug that has now been made legal.
The contents of an evidence table tweeted out by the Cook County Sheriff's police on Wednesday seemed to show an assortment of packaging for familiar candy you might have received at Halloween as a kid – Nerds, Jolly Ranchers, Sweet Tarts, Starburst, Skittles. But take a closer look.
It has been more than a year since Illinois legalized and not one new operator has been given the green light to open up shop.
Marijuana sales in Illinois topped out at more than $108 million between recreational and medical dispensaries last month, state officials said Monday.
