ILLINOIS (KMOX) — Applications for the next round of adult-use cannabis dispensary licenses are now available.
So far, only current medical marijuana dispensaries have been able to apply — but now new businesses get their turn.
Chris Slaby with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation said those meeting certain criteria will have a leg up as part of the state's social equity report.
"These are individuals who have either lived in areas that have been disproportionately affected by marijuana laws, have the majority ownership of someone who's been convicted of a cannabis-related offense that's eligible for expungement or is an applicant who would have at least 10 full-time employees who live in a disproportionately impacted area," Slaby said.
Up to 75 conditional licenses will be awarded by May 1.