23-Oct-19 – River North, as far east as State Street, will avoid the latest exclusion zone prohibiting recreational marijuana sales in downtown Chicago.

Following negotiations between the City Council and Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the exclusion zone north of the Chicago River was narrowed three blocks and now extends from State Street east to Lake Michigan. It was lengthened a few blocks, however, extending from the river north to Division Street.

It covers the Loop as far south as Van Buren Street. Streeterville is entirely within the exclusion zone. (Click on image to view larger version.)

When the new law allowing recreational marijuana use by adults goes into effect on January 1, dispensaries will be allowed to operate in traditional retail areas outside of the exclusion zone but selling pot from a retail storefront will require a zoning change and a special use permit.

42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly worked to get the exclusion zone shrunk in downtown Chicago and was hoping to get a few dispensaries in the Loop. He offered Mayor Lightfoot a compromise that would limit the number of dispensaries in the Central Business District to “three or four” but allow no dispensaries in the Michigan Avenue shopping district.

“Ensuring Chicago’s Central Business District and lucrative commuter corridor have access to this new market is essential to maximizing the economic opportunities created by this emerging industry,” said Reilly.

Announced on October 16, six more medical marijuana dispensaries have been granted approval to start selling recreational marijuana next year, including Cresco Labs, which is based in River North. They have a license to sell recreational pot at five of their medical marijuana dispensaries, including MedMar at 3812 North Clark Street in Lake View.

Prospective neighbors of a recreational marijuana dispensary can stop the state from issuing a license if at least 25 percent of residents of the precinct sign a petition within 90 days of the license application.