Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
McHenry could be getting closer to bringing in a medical marijuana dispensary with the support of local residents.
"Bringing something like this into McHenry County is going to make the whole state realize that this is not a voodoo thing," McHenry resident Judy Gee said. "It's important, it's medical, and the use of this for people who have the conditions is absolutely amazing in what it does."
The McHenry Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing Wednesday evening to consider allowing the construction of a medical marijuana dispensary on Route 31. The hearing allowed the public to share their thoughts on the proposed dispensary that is seeking permission to open at 618 S. Route 31 in McHenry.
"I think it's a fantastic addition to the community," McHenry resident Dave Trost said. "And I think it's something that is very well-needed. ... By the way, I think it will be good for more tax money coming into the city."
Wonder Lake couple Amie and Lance Kennedy also came out Wednesday to voice their support of the city potentially getting a medical marijuana dispensary on Route 31. About 10 years ago, Lance was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system.
"My husband suffers from chronic pain and has been one of those people who has taken many, many medications over the years with little success," Amie Kennedy said.
After learning more about the benefits of medical marijuana, Amie Kennedy said her husband is living a better life now. However, she said they still have to drive an hour to a dispensary in Addison to get the medicine.
"That's one of the reasons that we support it. But I also think there's a lot of people in the community that could benefit from this," Amie Kennedy said.
The dispensary is requesting a use variance and any other variances required to allow the medical marijuana dispensary's construction on Route 31 under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act. The act — which became effective Jan. 1, 2014, and is in place until July 2020 — permits up to 60 dispensaries in the state and one dispensary in McHenry County. Dispensary applications are approved on a rolling basis.
The application for McHenry was submitted by applicant Jamil Taylor on behalf of Justice Grown.
"The perception is changing in the state," Taylor said. "More people are starting to see it as a medicine, which it is."
Justice Grown operates a medical marijuana cultivation center in Edgewood and is seeking permits for dispensaries in other locations, including DeKalb. The company is owned by Jon Loevy, Michael Kanovitz and Richard Silverstein, according to state records.
Justice Grown would occupy three corner units of the property located across from Centegra Hospital — McHenry. Property owner Garrett Forester already has given permission of the pending medical marijuana dispensary, according to city documents. Taylor said the business likes the proposed location because it's an area near the hospital and medical facilities.
"A lot of individuals who have these qualified conditions are individuals with serious illnesses," Taylor said. "So making an hour trip to and from can be very daunting and challenging. But if they have one near McHenry, Crystal Lake, Algonquin, etc., they can get what they need quickly and safely."
Other advantages of this location include its large space, plenty of parking, its location near local law enforcement, the moderate traffic Route 31 provides and the fact it is in the rear of the building, so patients can have some privacy.
As for security, Justice Grown would plan to install cameras and sensors around the building that would operate 24/7 and cover every space of the dispensary.
After hearing Justice Grown's presentation and listening to the community's comments, the commission unanimously voted in recommendation of the proposed dispensary. The measure will go to the city council down the line.
McHenry County has had some failed attempts in the past with getting a dispensary or cultivation center in the county. In 2014, members of the McHenry City Council looked at allowing Phoenix Farms of Illinois LLC to open a marijuana cultivation center at 1515 Miller Parkway. Even though it was approved by the city, the cultivation center never was granted a license by the state.
Woodstock also was considering a marijuana dispensary back in 2015. The dispensary would have been located at 2300-2312 S. Eastwood Drive and served about 10 to 12 people a day. Although it was approved by the city, the operator wasn't able to fulfill the state requirements, said Joe Napolitano, Woodstock building and zoning department director.
In some possible competition for the McHenry proposal, the Algonquin Village Board approved a medical marijuana dispensary that would be located at 1154 N. Main St. on Feb. 7. Algonquin Community Development Director Russ Farnum said the applicant, ILDISP III LLC, is waiting for potential state license approval.
Since it started accepting applications in 2014, the Illinois Department of Public Health has approved applications for about 19,660 qualifying patients. As of April 30, the number of licensed medical cannabis dispensaries in Illinois is 53, and total retail sales since November 2015 is more than $60 million.
The state's pilot medical marijuana program makes people with one of more than 40 conditions, such as glaucoma, post-traumatic stress disorder and Crohn's disease, eligible to possess and use marijuana with a prescription.
Illinois lawmakers also have recently been considering legalizing recreational marijuana in the state. The proposed legislation would allow possession of up to an ounce of marijuana by individuals who are at least 21 years old.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Community shows support of medical marijuana dispensary in McHenry | Northwest Herald
Author: NATE LINHART
Contact: Contact Northwest Herald | Northwest Herald
Photo Credit: Sarah Nader
Website: Daily, local and breaking news for McHenry County, Illinois | Northwest Herald
"Bringing something like this into McHenry County is going to make the whole state realize that this is not a voodoo thing," McHenry resident Judy Gee said. "It's important, it's medical, and the use of this for people who have the conditions is absolutely amazing in what it does."
The McHenry Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing Wednesday evening to consider allowing the construction of a medical marijuana dispensary on Route 31. The hearing allowed the public to share their thoughts on the proposed dispensary that is seeking permission to open at 618 S. Route 31 in McHenry.
"I think it's a fantastic addition to the community," McHenry resident Dave Trost said. "And I think it's something that is very well-needed. ... By the way, I think it will be good for more tax money coming into the city."
Wonder Lake couple Amie and Lance Kennedy also came out Wednesday to voice their support of the city potentially getting a medical marijuana dispensary on Route 31. About 10 years ago, Lance was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system.
"My husband suffers from chronic pain and has been one of those people who has taken many, many medications over the years with little success," Amie Kennedy said.
After learning more about the benefits of medical marijuana, Amie Kennedy said her husband is living a better life now. However, she said they still have to drive an hour to a dispensary in Addison to get the medicine.
"That's one of the reasons that we support it. But I also think there's a lot of people in the community that could benefit from this," Amie Kennedy said.
The dispensary is requesting a use variance and any other variances required to allow the medical marijuana dispensary's construction on Route 31 under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act. The act — which became effective Jan. 1, 2014, and is in place until July 2020 — permits up to 60 dispensaries in the state and one dispensary in McHenry County. Dispensary applications are approved on a rolling basis.
The application for McHenry was submitted by applicant Jamil Taylor on behalf of Justice Grown.
"The perception is changing in the state," Taylor said. "More people are starting to see it as a medicine, which it is."
Justice Grown operates a medical marijuana cultivation center in Edgewood and is seeking permits for dispensaries in other locations, including DeKalb. The company is owned by Jon Loevy, Michael Kanovitz and Richard Silverstein, according to state records.
Justice Grown would occupy three corner units of the property located across from Centegra Hospital — McHenry. Property owner Garrett Forester already has given permission of the pending medical marijuana dispensary, according to city documents. Taylor said the business likes the proposed location because it's an area near the hospital and medical facilities.
"A lot of individuals who have these qualified conditions are individuals with serious illnesses," Taylor said. "So making an hour trip to and from can be very daunting and challenging. But if they have one near McHenry, Crystal Lake, Algonquin, etc., they can get what they need quickly and safely."
Other advantages of this location include its large space, plenty of parking, its location near local law enforcement, the moderate traffic Route 31 provides and the fact it is in the rear of the building, so patients can have some privacy.
As for security, Justice Grown would plan to install cameras and sensors around the building that would operate 24/7 and cover every space of the dispensary.
After hearing Justice Grown's presentation and listening to the community's comments, the commission unanimously voted in recommendation of the proposed dispensary. The measure will go to the city council down the line.
McHenry County has had some failed attempts in the past with getting a dispensary or cultivation center in the county. In 2014, members of the McHenry City Council looked at allowing Phoenix Farms of Illinois LLC to open a marijuana cultivation center at 1515 Miller Parkway. Even though it was approved by the city, the cultivation center never was granted a license by the state.
Woodstock also was considering a marijuana dispensary back in 2015. The dispensary would have been located at 2300-2312 S. Eastwood Drive and served about 10 to 12 people a day. Although it was approved by the city, the operator wasn't able to fulfill the state requirements, said Joe Napolitano, Woodstock building and zoning department director.
In some possible competition for the McHenry proposal, the Algonquin Village Board approved a medical marijuana dispensary that would be located at 1154 N. Main St. on Feb. 7. Algonquin Community Development Director Russ Farnum said the applicant, ILDISP III LLC, is waiting for potential state license approval.
Since it started accepting applications in 2014, the Illinois Department of Public Health has approved applications for about 19,660 qualifying patients. As of April 30, the number of licensed medical cannabis dispensaries in Illinois is 53, and total retail sales since November 2015 is more than $60 million.
The state's pilot medical marijuana program makes people with one of more than 40 conditions, such as glaucoma, post-traumatic stress disorder and Crohn's disease, eligible to possess and use marijuana with a prescription.
Illinois lawmakers also have recently been considering legalizing recreational marijuana in the state. The proposed legislation would allow possession of up to an ounce of marijuana by individuals who are at least 21 years old.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Community shows support of medical marijuana dispensary in McHenry | Northwest Herald
Author: NATE LINHART
Contact: Contact Northwest Herald | Northwest Herald
Photo Credit: Sarah Nader
Website: Daily, local and breaking news for McHenry County, Illinois | Northwest Herald
