A $28B hemp THC industry is fighting to save itself from a looming federal ban By Gene Johnson October 3, 2026 at 5:15 p.m. The ban “threatens to reduce retail revenues by $28.3 billion, displacing 225,000 jobs and reducing...
Judge upholds permit for controversial cannabis shop in Streeterville By Robert McCoppin September 10, 2026 at 4:20 p.m. A judge upheld Chicago's permit for a controversial cannabis store in Streeterville, despite new evidence...
Illinois regulators propose allowing licensed cannabis producers to grow outdoors By Robert McCoppin August 20, 2026 at 6:10 p.m. In a major reversal, Illinois regulators have proposed letting cannabis companies grow cannabis outdoors.
Illinois issues 48 new craft cannabis grower licenses in step that helps diversify the industry By Robert McCoppin June 1, 2022 at 7:46 p.m. Illinois issued 48 new marijuana craft grow licenses Wednesday, continuing slow progress in expanding and...
Judge allows Illinois to issue licenses for 185 new cannabis stores following prolonged legal delay By Robert McCoppin May 27, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. After nearly 10 months of delay, a judge Friday ended the court order preventing Illinois...
State issues permits for new craft cannabis operations to start construction amid ongoing turmoil in Illinois marijuana industry By Robert McCoppin May 19, 2022 at 5:05 p.m. Illinois has begun issuing permits for new craft grow cannabis operations to begin construction, and...
Residents raise concerns about proposed marijuana store in old Rainforest Cafe in Chicago, but prior worries have faded, area leader says By Robert McCoppin May 11, 2022 at 3:38 p.m. River North residents voiced concerns Tuesday about a proposal to open a fourth recreational marijuana...
Closed Rainforest Cafe to become marijuana dispensary? By Andrew Johnston May 19, 2022 at 1:17 p.m. The closed Chicago's Rainforest Cafe building, which featured a 27-foot-long red-eyed frog perched atop the...
Illinois’ cannabis license residency requirement faces court challenge — the latest legal fight affecting the state’s 2-year-old recreational pot industry By Robert McCoppin May 5, 2022 at 8:43 a.m. A legal battle over cannabis business licensing in Illinois could overturn the state's residency requirement,...
Indiana Dems tour state to push for marijuana legalization; experts say federal law is sticking point By Post-Tribune May 1, 2022 at 8:22 a.m. The Indiana Democratic Party launched a campaign to call for the legalization of recreational marijuana...
The Freedom Festival, an underground marijuana expo By Erin Hooley April 21, 2022 at 9:39 a.m. Mark A. Kunicki, of Mr. CBD Chicago, right, smokes marijuana next to Freedom Festival event...
Underground 420 marijuana expo shows wide gulf between illicit dealers and corporate cannabis By Robert McCoppin April 21, 2022 at 9:40 a.m. To celebrate 420, Unkle Mike gave free dab hits Wednesday to anyone who wanted one....
Tinley Park gives OK to recreational marijuana dispensary in former Bandana’s barbecue restaurant By Mike Nolan April 20, 2022 at 5:21 p.m. A recreational cannabis dispensary that could see 600 customers a day was approved Tuesday by...