Pot Shops In Lake Co.: Get Questions Answered At Public Hearing

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals invites the public to provide input as it considers proposed zoning amendments that would permit adult-use cannabis businesses in unincorporated Lake County, according to a news release.

All interested residents are invited to attend one or both virtual public hearings on the issue. The first is set to start at 5:30 p.m. on Monday and the other is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

Those interested can register here to attend Monday's virtual hearing and those wishing to take part in Wednesday's hearing can do so here.

The public hearings will be broadcast over Zoom. There will be a presentation and time for the public to comment on the topic.

The virtual public hearing will be accessible to individuals with disabilities or lack of internet access. Anyone needing special assistance and planning to attend should contact the Lake County Planning, Building and Development department at 847-377-2600 or via email, according to the news release.

The Lake County Board adopted a resolution on Feb. 9 to start the formal zoning process permitting recreational marijuana businesses in unincorporated areas.

While adult-use of cannabis has been legal in Illinois since Jan. 1, 2020, business establishments are currently prohibited to operate in unincorporated Lake County. Under state law,Lake County government has the option to establish regulations to allow or ban adult-use cannabis businesses in the unincorporated areas.

More information can be found on Lake County's new adult-use cannabis web page. The page also provides a way for the public to submit input, questions and concerns directly to the County's project team.