Pot Dispensary's First Day Of Sales Will Be Donated

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Green Thumb Industries plans to donate all sales from the opening day of its newest adult-use dispensary in Lake in the Hills to Habitat for Humanity in McHenry County.

Rise Dispensaries will open its ninth store in Illinois at 270 N. Randall Road, which is the former location of Chen Chinese Restaurant. Chen's closed its Lake in the Hills location earlier this year. The dispensary is McHenry County's first.

“We are honored to open McHenry County’s first cannabis store to expand access to cannabis and well-being for residents throughout the area,” said Green Thumb Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ben Kovler.

Profits from day one in Lake in the Hills will go to Habitat for Humanity of McHenry County, which is part of a global nonprofit housing organization.

“Habitat for Humanity has made a positive difference in the lives of so many since its founding and we are grateful to support their important work through financial support and by collaborating with the McHenry County chapter on volunteer initiatives," Kovler said.

Sara Davis, director of community services for Habitat for Humanity of McHenry County, said the non-profit organization appreciates the donation and "the gift of volunteerism the Green Thumb team has offered."

"This will make a positive impact on families in need by helping build strength and stability through safe and affordable housing in our community, and we are extremely thankful for the contribution," Davis said.

Last fall, village officials in Lake in the Hills began discussing the possibility of bringing a dispensary to town with hopes that the tax revenue from the sales could help offset revenue lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to media reports. At that time, village officials said under a "worst-case scenario," the village could see a $13 million loss in revenue over the next five years if the economic climate did not improve.

The village board has since voted to allow cannabis dispensaries in specific districts in town.
Retail cannabis establishments, including dispensaries, cannot be located within 300 feet of a residence, school or public park in Lake in the Hills, and retail cannabis businesses cannot be within 100 feet of a residence, school or public park, according to village documents.

The pot industry was not among businesses struggling in 2020.

Cannabis sales in Illinois totaled more than $1 billion last year following the legalization of adult-use cannabis beginning January 1, 2020. The state of Illinois collected $175 million in tax revenue from cannabis sales in 2020 and is on pace for over $350 million in 2021 based on January and February 2021 tax receipts, as sales sky-rocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In February, marijuana sales brought in $80.7 million in revenue across the state. Comparably speaking, a year earlier pot sales yielded $34.8 million in revenue for dispensaries in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Currently, the closest marijuana dispensaries licensed in the state are located in Rolling Meadows, Mundelein, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove and Rockford.

RISE currently has eight other locations in Illinois, including a suburban location in Joliet, a recreational facility on Colorado Avenue, and a medical and recreational dispensary on Rock Creek Boulevard; medical and recreational facilities in Mundelein and Naperville and a recreational dispensary in Niles.

Green Thumb also owns and operates two manufacturing facilities in Rock Island and Oglesby where it manufactures some of its popular products, including Beboe’s luxury line of pastilles and vapes; Dogwalkers pre-roll joints; Doctor Solomon’s medical-grade drops, lotions and balms; incredibles gummies, chocolates and tarts; and Rythm premium flower and vapes.

Those planning to stop out at Rise once it opens Monday must bring a photo ID to verify that they are at least 21 years old and should expect to pay with cash. The dispensary will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

To browse product for sale through Rise Dispensaries or for more information, visit Rise Dispensaries website.