LEMONT, IL — After discussion with residents and several workshop meetings, the Lemont village board will look to put a non-binding referendum question on the March 17, 2020, ballot to ask residents if Lemont should allow a cannabis dispensary within its boundaries.
„Having a possible dispensary store location in Lemont can be a very polarizing issue with residents,” the village shared on its website. „With one side questioning the reputation and possible issues of having such a store, to the other side favoring the ability to obtain additional sales tax funding to address financial issues such as unfunded police pension liability and debt obligations.”
The village said based on the feedback it has received from residents, the board wants to take more time to learn about the statute and hear from more residents.
The village board will vote to put the question on the ballot at its Dec. 9 meeting.
As a board, the village said it must also take action by Jan. 1 to limit or stop the opening of a cannabis dispensary. Zoning regulations have been discussed at several village meetings, including the Nov. 18 committee of the whole meeting.
Marijuana use will be legal for anyone over 21 in Illinois Jan. 1, 2020. Several nearby communities have chosen to prohibit cannabis dispensaries, including New Lenox, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Lockport, Homer Glen, Frankfort and Mokena. Joliet, Manhattan, Darien and Aurora have chosen to allow cannabis dispensaries in their town boundaries.