(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has issued the first full adult use cannabis licenses to social equity applicants.
The first social equity applicants to be approved are in Chicago. Ivy Hall on the 1700 block of north Damen is 61% African-American owned.
Green Rose on the 600 block of North Wells is 15% Latino-owned and 2.5% African-American owned.
“With equity as our north star, today marks the first step for retail cannabis operations to begin repairing the devastating harm caused by the failed War on Drugs on communities of color," Governor JB Pritzker in a statement.
The state said nearly 200 more dispensary licenses are expected to be approved in the coming months.
There are currently 192 that have won approval.
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!