By: Ashmar Mandou

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot introduced an ordinance that establishes cannabis zones citywide, allowing for safer implementation and a way to maximize economic opportunity. The zones will initially cap the number of dispensaries to ensure an equal distribution of dispensaries across the city. Building off the operating system under state law, this new ordinance will permit existing licensed medical dispensaries across the city to sell cannabis for recreational use to residents 21 years or older starting on Jan. 1, 2020 when recreational cannabis becomes legal in Chicago and statewide.  

“This ordinance is the first of several regulatory measures to be undertaken by the City of Chicago establish the safe and responsible implementation of legalized cannabis next year,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “Working with community members, businesses, elected officials, and other partners at the local and state level, we will be ensuring that legalization not only creates new revenues for our city, but also unique opportunities for entrepreneurs from communities victimized by War on Drugs to be at the forefront of developing equity and wealth from this emerging industry.”

These proposed regulations create clear application guidelines to receive zoning approval in the City, and will define distancing requirements to ensure even distribution of dispensaries and consumption sites across the city while also avoiding concentration in certain areas.  The City’s proposed regulations define distancing requirements to ensure sites are not located near sensitive areas. As part of the proposed ordinance, zoning regulations will restrict adult-use cannabis business establishments from opening with 500 feet of a school. Recreational sales in a Residential (R) zoning district will also be prohibited. 

The ordinance will also include an exclusion zone in the Central Business District in which no cannabis sales will be permitted.  Under current state law, the use of cannabis products will be prohibited in all public places citywide and by youth under 21-years-of-age.  “We have a fundamental obligation as city leaders to right the wrongs of our city’s past,” said Alderman Emma Mitts, 37th Ward. “With this new ordinance, we’re taking the first step forward towards ensuring economic opportunities as a result of legalized cannabis are funneled into Chicago’s black and brown neighborhoods that have been disproportionately affected by unjust drug policies for far too long.” The initial cannabis zones include:  

• North District: city limits to the north, Lake Michigan to the east, Division Street to the south and Interstate 90/94 to the west.

• Far South District: 87th Street to the north, Lake Michigan to the east and the city limits to the south and west.

• West District: Division Street to the north, Interstate 90/94 to the east, Interstate 55 to the south and the city limits to the west.

• Northwest District: city limits to the north, Interstate 90/94 to the east, Division Street to the south and the city limits to the west.