How Channahon's 4-3 Marijuana Vote Went

CHANNAHON, IL — Over the past week, the city of Joliet has reaped the benefits of passing legislation to allow for the sale of recreational cannabis. Two marijuana retail outlets, both affiliated with 3C Compassionate Care Center, are fully operating in Joliet, including one near the Louis Joliet Mall. On Monday night, the village of Channahon voted 4-3 in favor of allowing for the sale of recreational cannabis in their community.

The tie-breaking vote came down to Village President Missey Moorman Schumacher and she voted for it. She was joined by fellow village board members Chantal Host, Patricia Perinar and Scott McMillin.

The three board members who did not want Channahon to approve legislation for recreational marijuana were Scott Slocum, Sam Greco and Mark Scaggs.

Slocum is the morning show host for WJOL's AM-1340 radio station serving the residents of Joliet and Will County.

On Tuesday, Schumacher told Patch that she does not expect any marijuana business will try to open in Channahon in 2020. She also noted that Channahon is situated between two larger nearby communities that both are already selling recreational marijuana in 2020: Joliet and Morris.

Still, she said, she wanted Channahon to be "proactive" and have the power to regulate recreational marijuana sales in the event that the state of Illinois opens the door to more cannabis business licenses in the future.

Channahon is located along Interstate 55 and Route 6. In recent years, Joliet and Channahon have built more distribution and logistics warehouses. The village has also been adding several large fuel stations and truck stops.

Last month, for instance, Speedway opened its new gas station and convenience center.

Given Monday's vote by the village board, perhaps someday in the not too distant future, Channahon's Route 6 corridor will be the home of a recreational marijuana shop, or two.