Right before the 2020 Pandemic, the Chicago City Council decided against zoning Cannabis Consumption Lounges despite it being legal in Illinois. Citing concerns about illegal cannabis vending, the mismatch of business types, and the disparity in opportunity between the North and the South/West Sides. All of this on top of an unhealthy dose of reefer madness. This has blocked many Chicagoans from opening their dream business: Cannabis Consumption Lounges. 

3 years on, no action has been taken. By legalizing this industry, opportunities to enter the Cannabis Industry denied by limited licensing can be restored. With a substantially lower barrier to entry, we believe that those who have been excluded from the Illinois Cannabis Industry will have another opportunity to enter. We believe this is the best path forward for Chicago.

We ask the Chicago City Council to reconsider, and pass an ordinance for cannabis lounges in the City under the Smoke Free Illinois Act.