Congrats to former state Senator Ricky Hendon and the 54 other cannabis entrepreneurs of color and diversity who received state cannabis business licenses this week. They were part of a program to diversify an industry that is almost exclusively white and male. The remaining equity licenses will be awarded in August, for a total of 185.
For his part, former Senator Hendon says his aim is to serve the same west side neighborhood he once represented – near the United Center – and he hopes that opportunities will be opened up downtown. He added that his prices will be more reasonable and he’ll advocate for lower taxes on legal recreational weed. Illinois has some of the highest legal prices and taxes in the nation
Soon, those who prefer to shop at dispensaries will also be able to support black cannabiz at the same time!