Prairie State Wire

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) have announced the issuance of 35 additional Conditional Adult Use Dispensing Organization Licenses to applicants from the Social Equity Criteria Lottery (SECL). The issuance of these licenses is a significant step towards ensuring equity in the cannabis industry in Illinois.

Governor JB Pritzker emphasized the importance of equity in the cannabis industry, stating, “Today’s announcement is yet another success story for Illinois placing equity at the forefront of legalizing cannabis.” The Governor highlighted the impact of providing opportunities for communities that have been disproportionately affected by the war on drugs.

IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr., expressed pride in the department's efforts, stating, “As part of the Pritzker Administration, IDFPR is proud of its hard work in making sure the process for dispensary licensure in Illinois results in ownership that reflects the diversity of our great state.” The department is committed to working with the newly selected license holders to ensure they have the support needed to obtain full licensure.

The applicants who have been issued conditional licenses now have a period of 365 days to build their dispensaries and obtain final approval from IDFPR for their Adult Use Cannabis Dispensing Organization License. They also have the option to apply for a 180-day extension if needed. Dispensaries can only commence adult use cannabis sales once they have received their full license from IDFPR.

Despite the issuance of 35 new licenses, seven applicants from the SECL were unable to meet the licensing criteria. IDFPR will be reaching out to the next applicants in line to submit proof of meeting the social equity criteria for obtaining a conditional license.

Currently, Illinois has 202 adult use cannabis dispensaries, including 92 social equity dispensaries that are already operational. Many applicants from previous lotteries are still in the process of working towards obtaining their full dispensary licenses. IDFPR will continue to issue full adult use cannabis dispensary licenses as more applicants fulfill the final licensing requirements.

Further updates regarding the Direct Forgivable Loans for conditional dispensary license holders will be provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

This latest round of licenses marks a continued effort by the Pritzker Administration to promote equity and diversity in the cannabis industry in Illinois.