Will Darien Lose Out On Pot Tax Money?

DARIEN, IL – Darien Alderman Eric Gustafson has warned that Darien could lose out on marijuana tax money to its neighbors.

That possibility became more likely Thursday.

At a meeting, the Woodridge Village Board voted 4-2 to allow up to two marijuana dispensaries in town.

In an email to other city officials Thursday night, Gustafson said he watched the live broadcast of the meeting.

"They did indicate they were getting some inquiries from potential businesses," Gustafson said in the email. "Have we had any recent inquiries? We now have a new major competitor for this very lucrative business."

He told Patch in an email Friday, "We are constantly reaching out to potential business owners."

A narrow Darien City Council 4-3 council majority supports attracting marijuana businesses to town. So far, no such retailers have set up shop locally.

In 2019, Woodridge opted out of permitting marijuana sales within its limits, but like other towns, repealed its ban. Downers Grove has already approved recreational marijuana sales.

In an April 2021 advisory referendum in Woodridge, 55 percent voted in favor of allowing marijuana dispensaries in town.