-
Dispensaries Grow Nearly 50-Percent as Illinois Nears One-Year Anniversary of Legal Recreational Cannabis Sales
Since Illinois launched recreational marijuana sales a year ago Friday, the amount of dispensaries across the state have nearly doubled. When legal recreational marijuana sales began on Jan 1, 2020, there were 43 dispensaries across the state, now there are 78, according to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Through November, total recreational marijuana sales in Illinois reached…
-
CEO of Chicago-Based Cresco Labs Talks Legal Marijuana Industry Challenges
Demand for marijuana products in U.S. states where they are legal in some form has been resilient this year, despite the pandemic. In California and other states that account for most of the retail sales of marijuana for recreational use, sales are up 8.5% from a year ago, according to data from industry tracker Headset. Charlie Bachtell, CEO and co-founder…
-
A Long Road: Marijuana Goes on Sale Years After Approval in Maine
Mainers are getting their first opportunity to legally buy marijuana for adult recreational use, but a supply shortage is a potential buzzkill. Retailers blame the pandemic and a limited number of licensed manufacturers for reducing the variety of products available on Friday, the opening day. Licenses were issued only a month ago. That didn’t dampen Matt Bourgeois’ enthusiasm for...
-
Recreational Cannabis Sales Begin in Naperville
Recreational marijuana sales are underway in one of Chicago’s biggest suburbs. NBC 5’s Chris Coffey reports
-
Illinois Revises Marijuana License Process After Protests, Pritzker Announces
After weeks of protests and claims that Illinois’ process for recreational marijuana licenses is unfair, Gov. JB Pritzker announced the process is changing. NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern reports.
-
‘Blues Brothers'-Themed Weed Being Sold at Illinois' Largest Marijuana Dispensary
You’ll definitely want your sunglasses on for this one. Illinois’ largest marijuana dispensary, which just opened up in suburban Skokie Thursday, has launched a “Blues Brothers”-themed strain called “Blues Brothers Bubba Diagonal.” The strain is described as having a “relaxed, euphoric” effect and can help you sleep, according to its description., which also lists its flavors as “skunk, spicy,...
-
Illinois' Largest Marijuana Dispensary Opens in Skokie
The Greenhouse marijuana dispensary in Skokie, currently the largest pot store in Illinois, opened Thursday in a redesigned bank. NBC 5’s Kye Martin reports.
-
See Inside Illinois' Largest Marijuana Dispensary in Skokie
The Greenhouse marijuana dispensary in Skokie, currently the largest pot store in Illinois, opened Thursday in a redesigned bank. The owner of Greenhouse said he hired 50 employees at the dispensary, which boasts 15,000 square feet of retail space, a sleek design and technology-driven displays. Grassroots Cannabis, owner of the Greenhouse brand, partnered with actor Jim Belushi on a cannabis collaboration,…
-
Naperville City Council Votes to Approve Recreational Marijuana Sales
After more than a year of debate, the Naperville City Council has voted to allow recreational marijuana sales in Illinois’ third-largest city. NBC 5’s Alex Maragos has the story.
-
Illinois Reports April Pot Sales Top Previous 2 Months
The legal sale of marijuana during Illinois’ first full month of lockdown due to the coronavirus surpassed sales in two previous months, state officials announced Monday.
-
Cannabis Dispensaries in Illinois Remain Open, Change Protocols During COVID-19 Pandemic
As most of Illinois stays at home to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, cannabis dispensaries remain open in Illinois because the industry is considered essential. NBC 5’s Chris Coffey has the story.
-
Meeting Set to Consider More Recreational Cannabis Dispensaries in Chicago: Report
The Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals is expected to look at applications for potential new dispensaries to sell recreational weed, according to Block Club Chicago.
-
High Expectations: NBC 5 Breaks Down Cannabis in Illinois in New Podcast
NBC 5 Investigates spent months unpacking information about the upcoming legalization of recreational cannabis and is unleashing that research in a new podcast
-
Photos: Some of the First Legal Marijuana Sales in Illinois
Recreational cannabis became legal in Illinois on Jan. 1, 2020 with several dispensaries opening as early as 6 a.m.
-
Watch the First Legal Pot Sale at Chicago's Wrigleyville Dispensary
Jackie Ryan was the first person to make a purchase as doors opened at the Sunnyside Cannabis Dispensary on Chicago’s North Side.
-
Immigration Attorneys Urge Caution With New Marijuana Law
Recreational marijuana will be legal in Illinois within weeks, but legal experts on Wednesday urged immigrants to exercise caution as marijuana use or cannabis-related jobs could mean repercussions including deportation.
-
NBC 5 Breaks Down Cannabis in Illinois in New Podcast
NBC 5 Investigates spent months unpacking information about the upcoming legalization of recreational cannabis and is unleashing that research in a new podcast. Phil Rogers reports.
-
Cannabis Experts Answer Questions With Legalization Weeks Away
NBC 5 brought a panel of cannabis experts together Friday to answer viewers’ questions ahead of the Jan. 1 legalization date for recreational marijuana.
-
Evanston to Use Marijuana Sales Tax Proceeds For Reparations Fund
With recreational marijuana sales in Illinois set to become legal on Jan. 1., the city of Evanston plans to use sales tax revenue from purchases to help fund a reparations program. NBC 5’s Christian Farr reports.
-
Evanston to Use Marijuana Sales Tax Proceeds For Reparations Fund
With recreational marijuana sales in Illinois set to become legal on Jan. 1., the city of Evanston plans to use sales tax revenue from purchases to help fund a reparations program. The program will focus on helping the city’s black community thrive by fighting the effects of slavery and discrimination while also providing job training and other benefits, said 5th...