Skokie Retail Sales of Cannabis FAQs
When did the State of Illinois pass recreational cannabis?
Answer: In a March 2018 advisory referendum, nearly 70 percent of Illinois residents approved legalizing recreational cannabis. As a result of the overwhelming support, in late June 2019, Illinois became the 11th state to legalize recreational cannabis.
Why did Skokie allow retail sales of cannabis?
Answer: In a series of public hearings, the Skokie Plan Commission, and then the Skokie Village Board of Trustees approved the sale of recreational cannabis in order to control the location and operation of these facilities. If the Village were to not allow the sale of recreational cannabis, surrounding municipalities could allow these facilities on Skokie’s borders, with rules and regulations in which the Village would have no say and that may not be in the best interest of Skokie residents or businesses.
How many recreational cannabis dispensaries are allowed in Skokie?
Answer: Only two recreational cannabis dispensaries are allowed within the Village of Skokie. These facilities must be 1,000 feet from schools, childcare centers and public parks, and at least 1,500 feet from another recreational cannabis dispensary. In Skokie, recreational cannabis dispensaries must be located in a standalone building in a business zoned area. These regulations greatly limit the number of locations where a dispensary can locate within the Village.
How is a recreational cannabis dispensary approved in Skokie?
Answer: The Mayor serves as the Cannabis Commissioner who approves and oversees all licenses in Skokie.
What is the age limit to purchase cannabis in Skokie?
Answer: Individuals must be at least 21 years of age to enter and purchase cannabis at a dispensary (unless accompanied by a guardian or in possession of a medical marijuana license).
Who sets the hours of operation for a cannabis dispensary and what are they?
Answer: The Village of Skokie sets the hours of operations for a recreational cannabis dispensary. These hours are Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Can clients consume cannabis at a dispensary?
Answer: No one may consume any form of cannabis at a dispensary or in its parking lot. Additionally, a recreational cannabis dispensary is not allowed to provide samples or tastings of any form of cannabis.
Can the Village of Skokie revoke the license of a recreational cannabis dispensary?
Answer: Yes, if the recreational cannabis dispensary is found breaking Skokie ordinances, the Village may revoke the facility’s license and its ability to operate within the community.
Are there currently any recreational cannabis companies interested in opening in Skokie?
Answer: A number of groups have expressed interest in potentially opening a recreational cannabis dispensary in Skokie. Greenhouse Group, a recreational cannabis dispensary company that already operates a number of medical cannabis dispensaries in Illinois, is developing plans to open a dispensary at the former bank building at the northwest corner of Old Orchard Road and Skokie Boulevard. No formal approvals for a recreational license have been received or granted, but the site does conform to the Zoning Ordinance allowing this use at the location.