Marijuana Store Opening In Darien

DARIEN, IL – A marijuana dispensary is planning to open in late spring in Darien.

High Haven is described as female-led and minority-owned. It is set to be at 8131 Cass Ave. in the Darien Plaza.

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The business has secured five licenses in Illinois to run dispensaries, according to a news release from the city and High Haven.

In a split vote, the Darien City Council in 2019 decided to allow marijuana dispensaries in town. The site for High Haven is a permitted use with no further city action needed.

"Earlier attempts to attract a dispensary were extremely difficult," Dan Gombac, the city's municipal services director, said in the news release. "Once the state license process moved forward, I knew Darien would be an attractive location."

Mahja Sulemanjee-Bortocek, High Haven's chief executive, said in the release that Darien has developed an "excellent reputation as a business-friendly community.

"(O)ur early dealings with the city confirm that reputation," she said.

Mayor Joseph Marchese praised Sulemanjee-Bortocek.

"When you meet Mahja, it is obvious why she is a top business leader on the cutting edge of a growing industry," the mayor said in the release. "Her work background, advanced education and experienced business skills will carry her to a long and successful career."