Vernon Hills Discusses Options for Medical Marijuana Distribution Sites

If Gov. Pat Quinn signs off on allowing medical marijuana in Illinois, communities such as Vernon Hills could find themselves with distribution facilities in their towns.

Some Vernon Hills officials indicated last week that they hope to avoid such a scenario.

The proposed law would allow one distribution facility in each Illinois Senate district, but such facilities would only be permitted in specific areas. They would not be allowed within 2,500 feet of the property line of an existing public or private preschool, elementary school or secondary school, no within that distance of a day care center or home day care. Furthermore, it could not operate from a residential building. 

With those restrictions in mind, Vernon Hills officials mapped out the areas of the village that would not be able to house a distribution facility. Among the potentially permitted locations, they determined, is Westfield Hawthorn Mall.

“I really would like to keep it out of the retail district,” said Trustee Jim Schultz, who suggested the medical buildings on Lakeview Parkway would be a more appropriate location than the mall. 

If signed into the law, the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act would allow qualifying patients to obtain up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana by prescription every two weeks. The pilot program would run for four years.

But while the law would override Vernon Hills’ home rule authority, the village has an opportunity to put tighter regulations on land use. Village officials are considering holding a public hearing to gain input as to whether marijuana distribution facilities should be considered special uses. Special uses are considered for approval on a case-by-case basis.

“We have to do something,” Trustee Barbara Williams said.

Vernon Hills officials will vote Aug. 13 on a resolution that would direct the Planning and Zoning Commission to hold a public hearing regarding establishing marijuana distribution centers as special uses in Vernon Hills. If approved, such a hearing would have to take place within 120 days after the medical marijuana law goes into effect.

Click the attached map to see which Vernon Hills locations would be permitted to host a medical marijuana distribution center. 

Do you think the village should establish marijuana distribution facilities as special uses to allow for further control over their placement? Tell us in the comment section below.