The largest marijuana dispensary in Illinois spread over 11,500 sq.ft. opened on Thursday, August 3, in suburban Schaumburg, next to the famous Woodfield Mall. People reached Sunnyside dispensary from distant locations to purchase cannabis products.
The Ninth Sunnyside Dispensary
Jason Erkes, a spokesperson for Cresco Labs, said that it is the ninth store for Sunnyside dispensary that has been opened in Illinois and the nineteenth in the country.
It is worth mentioning here that in Illinois, more than the expected sale of cannabis is the only bright spot in a state that is presently financially strapped. Illinois was expected to follow an equity centric approach while dispensary licenses are awarded. But, that has not happened yet and as such, community groups of smaller size are still struggling to get licenses.
Potential of Higher Tax Revenues
The mood was quite upbeat at Schaumburg and the mayor, as well as village officials present at the opening, were pleased due to the prospect that Schaumburg will earn higher tax revenues. The village will be receiving 3% from sales occurring at the dispensary.
An interesting fact is that customers are willing to purchase cannabis products by paying about forty percent in taxes, which includes municipal, county, and state taxes that are levied on cannabis products.
Tony Domino, a resident of Schaumburg, said that he is pleased that the local government will be getting the much-needed sales tax and revenue since nothing else is happening right now due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michelle Mussman, State Rep., said that she is excited and hopes that such new revenue streams will prove to be useful in progressing social justice initiatives that Illinois is taking.