Cannabis Firms Push Back Against Proposed Zoning Change

Chicago cannabis companies have pushed back against a proposed ordinance that they fear would further restrict where they can set up shop.

The ordinance aims to grant more power to local alderpersons in determining the locations of marijuana dispensaries. Under this policy, cannabis firms would no longer require special-use approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals, a process criticized for its cost and time consumption, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

The new process would require approval from both the local alderperson and the Zoning Committee, which is on par with the norm of giving Council members authority over zoning decisions within their respective wards. However, this proposal has faced resistance from industry leaders.

Chicago NORML co-founder Edie Moore believes it could work if it’s amended to allow pot shops to open in areas with the B-3 zoning code, allowing large commercial properties.

“Eliminating the B-3 properties eliminates thousands of available properties on the South and West sides in particular,” she told the outlet.

Moore acknowledged that while the approval process needs to be sped up, she still believes the zoning board is best equipped to handle matters related to cannabis shops.

Alderman Brian Hopkins of the Second Ward defended the proposal, saying that it gives alderpersons more control over their wards. He highlighted the burdensome nature of the Zoning Board of Appeals’ process, which often requires dispensaries to hire zoning attorneys and maintain them for months.

While acknowledging that this change may result in some wards having no dispensaries, Hopkins argued that accountability should lie with the aldermen rather than the Zoning Board of Appeals, which is less familiar to the average resident.

Fellow downtown Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward supported the shift of cannabis license approval from the unelected Zoning Board of Appeals to the Zoning Committee, citing past instances where the ZBA made decisions against the wishes of local aldermen and communities.

However, Alderman Andre Vasquez of the 40th Ward expressed concerns that such changes could hinder cannabis revenue growth and impose stricter regulations on marijuana businesses compared to alcohol retailers. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the public has a voice in the decision-making process regarding cannabis dispensaries in their neighborhoods.

— Quinn Donoghue