'Opt Out Downers Grove' To Speak Out Against Cannabis Sales

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — As Downers Grove officials get ready to vote on recreational cannabis sales, one group is hoping their collective voice can influence village trustees. Opt Out Downers Grove, a local branch of a widening network encouraging lawmakers to ban recreational sales, will gather at the Oct. 8 meeting to express their opinions on adult use recreational cannabis in the village.

Founded on Sept. 24, the Opt Out Downers Grove Facebook page has garnered more than 50 likes and shared posts and literature aimed at educating the public about what they feel are dangers related to recreational cannabis sales. Ahead of the Oct. 8 vote, the group is encouraging residents to express their opinions to village trustees via email as well as in person.

At a recent village meeting, the issue of email feedback was at the forefront of conversation. When the conversation about recreational marijuana sales first came up, board members had seemed poised to gather more information and send the issue to zoning and planning for an idea of how an opt-in might rollout.

Two board members later expressed that they were ready for an opt-out vote. Meanwhile other board members urged that emails encouraging opting in or sending the issue to zoning and planning should be taken into consideration.

Downers Grove To Weigh Cannabis Sales After Contentious Meeting

The vote on Oct. 8 not only applies to recreational cannabis retail sales, but also to the cultivation of recreational cannabis within village limits.

If Downers Grove opts out, residents 21 and older will still be able to consume recreational cannabis per the new law effective Jan. 1, 2020.