Three Chicago-Evanston Area Dispensaries Seeking To Set Up Shop In Six Block Span
As legalization spreads across the United States, the sight of dispensaries can soon go from novelty to run-of-the-mill and possibly even oversaturation. The trend is on display in legal and unlicensed markets. The most talked about unlicensed example these days is in New York City.
The trend is also underway in the legal space, particularly in markets like Chicago, Illinois. With numerous players vying for several spots in a small radius, the Chicago-Evanston border could find itself with several prominent pot names opening shop.
Three dispensaries submitted proposals for retail locations across a six-block stretch. The companies include:
Okay Cannabis, owner of three locations
Perception Cannabis, a Black-owned business seeking to open its first location
Zen Leaf, a major player in the state
Zen Leaf will relocate its Rogers Park dispensary as part of its plan. This is Zen Leaf's second attempt to relocate the property after a previous bid to move to a location on Sheridan Road was rejected.
As part of their proposal, Okay Cannabis seeks a hybrid dispensary-bakery-cafe license with their partner, bakery West Town. The unique license certainly could pique public interest.
However, expectations were somewhat dampened, as the license would not allow the sale of cannabis-infused products or on-site consumption.
All three proposals remain under review, with Zen Leaf and Perception Cannabis having community meetings in mid-March.
Responding to reporter Joe Ward (hell of a last name) of Block Club Chicago, operators appear comfortable with the idea of several cannabis shops in close proximity. And rightfully so. Most marketplaces are going to experience growth, leading to close competition. The applicants in the area likened the situation to what other markets, like restaurants, experience regularly. In most markets, if not all legal spaces, this is the nature of market competition.
The rise of close competition marks the further normalization of retail cannabis. There's undoubtedly room for critique of the so-called corporate cannabis culture. But the fact is that whether it's a major player, a growing brand or a startup equity venture, seeing more cannabis shops shows the progress we've made so far.
This can also signify cannabis deserts created by neighboring communities banning cannabis sales. So, it isn't always as positive as it may seem. It takes a bit of digging to see the situation in each market.
Want to get more on the situation from Chicago cannabis consumers? Discover what Chicagoans are saying with reviews right here on Chronicle.