10 cannabis centers are opening up in Chicago today for adult-use sales. Dozens will be opening across the state of Illinois. As the launch of recreational cannabis in Michigan in December went, Illinois’ launch will be both positive and negative. Buying cannabis legally is a blessing, but cannabis shortages across the state will leave customers frustrated.
Shortages are an unavoidable feature in a market with such high demand. Americans have been waiting for legal cannabis for decades. Illinois has had an illegal weed market for decades. Lines will be long, but the consumer can decide whether or not cannabis is worth the wait.
Among the centers to offer adult-sale cannabis in Chicago are The Herbal Care Center, Dispensary 33, and Midway. ABC has provided a complete list of Chicago dispensaries offering adult-sales here.
According to the Chicago Tribune, 14 percent of those with recreational licenses are unable to open due to cannabis shortages. Even before sales start, the shortage is apparent.
Flying With Illinois’ Recreational Cannabis
While most stoners have had to ditch weed while entering the airport, O’Hare has made clear that cannabis will not be a priority for their police in 2020. While it remains federally illegal, even if the federal employes find cannabis on a passenger, they will refer them to the local courts. In 2020, Chicago airports will not treat those with cannabis punitively as long as they respect the legal limits. Other airports throughout the state will decide their own policies around recreational cannabis.
What Happening With Midwestern Cannabis?
Recreational cannabis is officially here. Illinois contains the biggest city in the region. It’s becoming a viable industry in this part of America, and it would be in the best interest of all Midwestern cannabis industries to learn from one another. Rec won’t be easy to get settled as a traditional industry, but once it’s established it’ll be a worthy battle.
