Darien Marijuana Shop Patrons Cause Problems: Official

DARIEN, IL – A Darien alderman is requesting more police patrols to deal with pedestrians from the city's only marijuana dispensary.

At Monday's City Council meeting, Alderman Ted Schauer said he received an email from a resident in the apartment buildings on Captons Lane.

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The buildings are south of High Haven Dispensary, which opened in 2023 at 8131 S. Cass Ave.

Schauer said he was told that pedestrians were going between the dispensary and WoodSpring Suites hotel, which is along North Frontage Road.

"People are walking through the back of parking lots instead of sidewalks and walking in the middle of the street," Schauer said.

The resident, Schauer said, has reported a smell of marijuana and more litter of alcohol cans and bottles as a result of the pedestrians.

Illinois prohibits people from drinking and smoking marijuana in public, unless it's done in establishments with specific licenses.

Police Chief Greg Thomas noted those laws, adding, "If there's a violation, the easiest way is to give us a call."

Schauer opposed allowing a marijuana dispensary in town. In 2019, a narrow council majority approved an ordinance permitting such a store.