[co-author: Diana Arroyo]
As a result of recent legislation in Illinois, beginning January 1, 2020, recreational cannabis will be legal for those 21 years or older. An existing Illinois cannabis dispensary may apply for a Primary License to sell cannabis at their current medical cannabis location or a Secondary License to sell cannabis at a new location, or both.
License Overview
- Licenses Issued By: The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- Deadlines: Application may be submitted beginning on or around November 1, 2019.
- Approximate Costs:
- Application: $30,000
- If Approved: Completion of a Social Equity Inclusion Plan. This requirement is an effort to reduce barriers for those impacted by the enforcement of Cannabis-related laws and an investment by a cannabis business of at least $100,000.
- Renewal: $30,000 (annually after March 31, 2021).
- Licenses Valid Until: March 31, 2021
- In Addition, for Primary License Only:
- Cannabis Business Development Fee equal to 3% of the organization’s sales between June 1, 2018—June 1, 2019 or $100,000, whichever is less.
- License issued within 14 days of receipt of application.
- In Addition, for Secondary License Only:
- Cannabis Business Development Fee of $200,000.
- Contingent on a successful inspection of site.
Application Requirements
- Proof of good standing.
- Identification of all officers and board members, who must be 21 years or older.
- Name and current primary site address or proposed address of secondary site.
- The secondary site must be in the same BLS Region as the primary site, but not within 1,500 feet of the primary site or of another dispensary.
- BLS Regions: Bloomington; Cape Girardeau; Carbondale-Marion; Champaign-Urbana; Chicago Naperville-Elgin; Danville; Davenport-Moline-Rock Island; Decatur; Kankakee; Peoria; Rockford; St. Louis; Springfield; Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan; West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan; East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan; South Illinois nonmetropolitan.
- Copy of the current local zoning and ordinances for the designated real estate.
- Commitment to completing a Social Equity Inclusion Plan.
