SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - HCI Alternatives is planning to open the first legal public cannabis consumption space in Illinois.
The Springfield City Council gave their approval at their Jan. 21 meeting.
This is the first time a local municipality has approved allowing controlled legal public consumption in Illinois.
The Springfield city council's recorded meeting played a representative from Illinois Supply & Provisions describing what the lounge could look like in the future. The lounge would be 900 square feet that could hold up to 150 people. One Alderwoman asked the representative would there be food for sale, besides edibles.
"There's contemplation to do that," the IS&P rep said. "There's also contemplation to adding a kitchen."
“With stringent public consumption laws in place, it’s important to have designated areas where people can consume cannabis legally and safely,” said IS&P Regional Director Kathleen Olivastro.
The consumption area will be connected to IS&P’s dispensary location in downtown Springfield at the corner of 7th and Adams.
An opening date has not yet been determined.
The point of opening the legal public consumption space would be to give a space for those who do not have private residences when traveling and to let consumers try products on-site at the dispensary.
"So, giving them a place to also do it legally and responsibly is important as this market matures," Chris McCloud said, whose the spokesperson for IS&P.
“We will be thoughtful in how we create this experience just as we have done at the dispensary level. We’ve already started to redefine the cannabis retail experience with our customers and know an experience like this will be greatly anticipated,” added Olivastro.
WAND News reached out to the Medical Cannabis Community for comment. Kirsten Velasco, the Education Outreach Manager sent a statement. It reads in part:
"Springfield will certainly benefit from providing public consumption spaces. They will benefit from increased tourism and give residents with social activities a wonderful, interesting option. Springfield is setting themselves apart which will provide risk free options -- and a promotable, noteworthy attraction for residents and tourists."
IS&P has plans to open two more adult-use only dispensaries in Springfield and Fairview Heights in 2020.
