CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Illinois’ 100th social equity cannabis dispensary opened in Champaign today. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) granted The Dispensary Champaign its full adult-use cannabis dispensary license on June 6, 2024, after meeting the criteria in the Social Equity Criteria Lottery (SECL).
The Dispensary Champaign marked this significant milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their new location at 1826 Glen Park Dr. in Champaign. The event was attended by notable figures including Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Secretary (IDFPR) Mario Treto, Jr., and Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer Erin Johnson.
Johnson expressed pride in the achievements of the social equity dispensaries. “We are extremely proud of The Dispensary Champaign and the other 99 social equity dispensaries in our state. Illinois will continue to support all its licensees as our market matures,” she stated.
The Dispensary Champaign owner Jeff Soenksen shared his excitement, “We are thrilled to be part of the Illinois social equity program. Our gratitude goes to IDFPR for their exceptional service. We’re excited to start serving the Champaign community.”
Since The Dispensary Champaign received its license, eight additional social equity applicants have been awarded licenses, bringing the total to 218 across Illinois. For a full list of dispensaries, visit the IDFPR website.