Sponsoring Sen. Kwame Raoul said the change was needed because current restrictions, which say grow centers cannot be within 2,500 feet from homes and schools and dispensaries cannot be within 1,000 feet of those buildings, make it practically impossible for them to locate within city limits due to Chicago’s density.
The proposal was approved 31-18 and now goes to the House. Opponents argued city officials should not be given so much leeway, pointing to a history of corruption and botched deals.
“You’ve got the state completely eliminating any regulations and saying the city of Chicago can do anything it wants, and there has been a history in the city of Chicago of insider deals,” said Sen. Matt Murphy, R-Palatine. “Are we comfortable here as a state giving them the authority to say ‘well, I’m an alderman and my friend wants to put this marijuana dispensary next to a school because he can get a great deal?’”