Trying to Make Cannabis Business Fair in Illinois

Equity issues continue to plague Illinois’ nascent cannabis industry. When state lawmakers legalized weed in 2019, they promised licenses and revenues would go to Black and brown communities hit hardest by the war on drugs. But cannabis remains dominated by white growers and sellers. And confusion remains, despite new legislation and a new round of dispensary license lotteries this summer. Chicago Sun-Times reporter Tom Schuba covers the marijuana industry. He explains the state of Illinois’ cannabis social equity program. Host Jacoby Cochran also talks to a social equity applicant who was recently awarded licenses for cultivation and infusion.

Guests: 

Tom Schuba — Reporter, Chicago Sun-Times (@TomSchuba)

Willie “JR” Fleming — Founder, Hemp for Hoods (@iamjrfleming)

Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago

Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm