Woodridge Opts Out Of Cannabis Sales

WOODRIDGE, IL — The village of Woodridge has opted out of allowing cannabis businesses within its limits. Village trustees voted Thursday against a motion that would have permitted cannabis businesses in Woodridge.

The vote comes after Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a law that will make recreational cannabis legal for adult consumption throughout the state on Jan. 1, 2020.

When the village board was prompted for comments before the vote, trustee Hendricks said thanked the public for their comments and said, "We have no choice on who consumes cannabis." He said he looked specifically at whether cannabis sales would have a negative impact on the community.

He said no concerns were raised about medical cannabis use, but that many people felt recreational sales would "tarnish the image of Woodridge."

"Ultimately, it's just a plant," Hendricks said.

"For those who want to use it recreationally, I just don't see the concerns that have been presented," he said.

Trustee Page brought up the option of putting a moratorium on the decision or adding a referendum question to the March primary ballot so voters could weigh in. She then brought up a motion to put the question on the March 17 ballot "so that the voters of Woodridge can have their voices heard."

That motion was voted down 4 to 3, with trustees Page, Hendricks, and Krusek voting in favor of the referendum.

With that motion having failed, the village board went on to vote down a motion that would allow cannabis businesses in the village.

At the end of the meeting and after the cannabis vote, Mayor Gina Cunningham shared a message for residents. She said, "Today I ask for your understanding in this decision and I thank you very much for that."