Pot shop proprietor wants onsite consumption
Springfield's only existing marijuana dispensary is seeking a permit to allow on-premises consumption of marijuana once pot becomes legal for recreational use on Jan. 1.
Ascend Illinois, also, is asking for city permission to sell recreational marijuana on the 600 block of East Adams Street, where the company already operates a medical marijuana dispensary called HCI Alternatives. The recreational side of the business would be known as Illinois Supply and Provision, according to a recent interview with Chris Stone, an adviser to the company.
Attorney Thomas Pavlik, who represents Ascend Illinois in the permit request, referred questions to Stone, who did not respond to messages this week seeking more information about plans for onsite consumption. A hearing before the Springfield Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled for Dec. 18.
Neither Ward 5 Ald. Andrew Proctor, who represents the area, nor Mayor Jim Langfelder said they were aware that Ascend is seeking permission to allow onsite consumption of marijuana, but neither expressed opposition. Proctor said he's heard no objections from constituents about the prospect of a downtown business selling pot to consenting adults. The mayor said such a business might draw folks downtown.
Read more: https://www.illinoistimes.com/springfield/pot-shop-proprietor-wants-onsite-consumption/Content?oid=11601417