Illinois is one of the largest cannabis markets in the country with total cannabis sales exceeding $2 billion last year, but some social equity owners say they are being left by the wayside.
During a news conference Wednesday, the group Black Cannabis Operators called on Illinois lawmakers to provide more grant funding and to loosen regulations. Patricia Van Pelt-Scott, a former state senator, said businesses will fail if the state doesn't step in.
"We are not going to survive out here and it would be a shame if all the social equity groups disappeared at a time when the state is saying we really want to help you," said Van Pelt-Scott, co-chair of Black Cannabis Operators. Her group is also calling for a moratorium on licensing fees and to allow medical patients to purchase cannabis products at any licensed dispensary.
"The Illinois cannabis industry may continue to limp along for a short while but from what I can see right now, many of the social equity groups won't even exist a year from now, so we cannot go home without getting these things addressed and we need them addressed now," said Van Pelt-Scott.
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