Recreational Cannabis Sales Up For Vote In Woodridge

WOODRIDGE, IL — Woodridge village trustees will vote Thursday on whether to permit the sale of recreational cannabis within the boundaries of the village. The meeting comes after the Plan Commission voted unanimously in early June to recommend approval of a zoning amendment that would allow cannabis dispensaries in Woodridge.

Residents are invited to attend the July 21 meeting to share public comments about the proposed amendment. Public comment can also be shared via voicemail at 630-719-4901 or email at publicComment@woodridgeil.gov before 4 p.m. Thursday.

On Jan. 1, 2020, recreational cannabis dispensaries and sales became legal in Illinois. In Dec. 2019, Woodridge opted out of recreational cannabis sales within its village limits.

A referendum question was added to the ballot in Woodridge during the April 2021 general consolidated election. The question asked, "Shall the Village of Woodridge allow the retail sale of adult use recreational cannabis products at dispensary businesses licensed by the State of Illinois?"

More than 55 percent of voters chose "yes" and just over 44 percent of voters chose "no" in response to the referendum question.

In early 2022, Woodridge hosted two public meetings about recreational cannabis sales, giving residents opportunities to share feedback, questions and concerns.

The proposed zoning amendment would allow two recreational cannabis dispensaries in non-residential districts in Woodridge with the following conditions:

• Must be at least 1,000 feet from any school
• Must be at least 100 feet from any residence

The aforementioned Woodridge Village Board meeting will take place July 21 at 7 p.m. at Woodridge Village Hall, 5 Plaza Dr., Woodridge.