WHEELING, W.Va. — A Chicago man is in custody after Wheeling police discovered 103 pounds of marijuana in his car following a traffic stop. Paul Okowinski (Photo/WVRJA) Paul Okowinski, 45, is in the Northern Regional Jail. Wheeling police said Okowinski was speeding heading east on Interstate 70 Saturday when an officer pulled him over. The officer smelled a strong odor of … [Read more...] about Wheeling police take big haul of marijuana in traffic stop
ILLINOIS
Cresco and Columbia Care call off $2 billion cannabis megamerger; Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs deal also scratched
Cresco Labs' flagship Sunnyside recreational marijuana store, a block south of Wrigley Field, is pictured during its grand opening Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. Chicago-based Cresco Labs and Columbia Care called off their $2 billion cannabis megamerger Monday, citing “evolving” market conditions that include falling stock prices, tightening credit and flattening industry sales. The … [Read more...] about Cresco and Columbia Care call off $2 billion cannabis megamerger; Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs deal also scratched
Growing the workforce: Suburban colleges add cannabis studies programs to their offerings
As Illinois' cannabis industry grows, area community colleges are adding programs to prepare students for careers in the field. Oakton College in Des Plaines and Joliet Junior College both have jumped into cannabis studies, offering students certificate programs that equip them for jobs in dispensaries, cultivation centers and supply chain positions. "It's an exploding … [Read more...] about Growing the workforce: Suburban colleges add cannabis studies programs to their offerings
Matteson welcomes new employee-owned marijuana dispensary
MATTESON, Ill. - An employee-owned cannabis dispensary opened its doors Wednesday morning in Matteson. Lux Leaf projects it will make over $10 million in its first year of operation. Matteson requires a 3-percent tax on recreational sales, which would equal out to $300,000 dollars for the village. "We are a diverse group of individuals that are very passionate about cannabis. … [Read more...] about Matteson welcomes new employee-owned marijuana dispensary
Wheeling weed shop wants to allow customers to smoke inside
WHEELING, Ill. - A marijuana dispensary in Wheeling has a new idea to improve the customer experience. "OKAY Cannabis" is the first and only store in the state to combine marijuana and alcohol sales. But now, it wants to allow its customers to smoke inside as well. The owners say rather than the "buy-and-get-out experience" at many dispensaries, the intent is for people to … [Read more...] about Wheeling weed shop wants to allow customers to smoke inside
Illinois has a new weed rival
Illinois is feeling the impact of Missouri’s entry in the legal-weed business. Sales of recreational marijuana to out-of-state residents dropped 10% in February from the same period a year ago, even as overall cannabis sales rose 6%, according to new state data. Missouri dispensaries started selling recreational marijuana last month. H/T: www.chicagobusiness.com You can view … [Read more...] about Illinois has a new weed rival
Can I legally smoke weed in my yard in Illinois?
ILLINOIS (NEXSTAR) – Cannabis consumption has been legal in Illinois since 2020, but many residents still wonder where they can legally partake in it. Like most states in the U.S., the public use of marijuana in Illinois is illegal, with the specifics outlined in the Smokefree Illinois Act. In other words, you can’t smoke or consume your weed in public places or vehicles. Can … [Read more...] about Can I legally smoke weed in my yard in Illinois?
Does racism exist in the Illinois cannabis industry?
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois is conducting a taxpayer-funded study to find out if racial discrimination exists within the state’s recreational marijuana industry. The Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer will conduct a Cannabis Disparity and Availability Study to analyze whether or not discrimination exists in the state’s system or awarding of licenses to … [Read more...] about Does racism exist in the Illinois cannabis industry?
First cannabis store with a bar and a bakery under the same roof opens in Illinois
Ana Cruz, left, and Stephanie Fernandez unpack pastries inside West Town Bakery on Feb. 1, 2023, in Wheeling. West Town Bakery and Okay Cannabis have teamed up as the only establishment in Illinois to have a cafe, cocktails and a cannabis dispensary under one roof. The first store in Illinois to combine marijuana and alcohol sales opened Wednesday in Wheeling, with its owners … [Read more...] about First cannabis store with a bar and a bakery under the same roof opens in Illinois
Chicago’s cannabis industry needs seed money
A flowering cannabis plant is seen through a magnifying glass at a cultivation center in Bridgeview. Photo: John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images After a long court battle over marijuana licensing was resolved last year, Chicago dispensaries and craft growers have finally found footing to start their businesses. One problem: Seed money is drying … [Read more...] about Chicago’s cannabis industry needs seed money