Manhattan Will Allow Recreational Cannabis Sales

MANHATTAN, IL — In a split vote requiring Mayor James Doyle to break the tie, the Manhattan village board will allow recreational cannabis dispensaries in the village. Trustees Erin McDonough, Thomas Biscan and Tom Doyle voted in favor of allowing dispensaries, while trustees Dave Beemsterboer, Robert Dilling and Mike Naughton voted against.

The planning and zoning commission also held a public hearing about the ordinance and did not recommend approval.

According to board documents, the village will allow all cannabis establishments in I-1 office, research and light industrial district; I-2 light industrial district; and the BP business park industrial district. Cultivation centers will also be allowed in I-3 heavy industrial district.

Board documents state recreational and medical dispensaries, and craft growers and infusers, will also be allowed in the C-3 general commercial district in Manhattan. Cannabis establishments will be prohibited in residential district, as well as C-1 local shopping district and C-2 community shopping district.

A cannabis establishment also must be at least 500 feet from a school or daycare, except for a cultivation center, which must be 1,500 feet away, board documents state. On-site use of cannabis is also prohibited.

As per state law, a dispensary also cannot be within 1,500 of another dispensary.

If a dispensary or cannabis business does want to open in Manhattan, the applicant would have to go to the village board and the planning zoning commission for approval. A public hearing would also be required for the granting of a special use permit.

The possession and private use of marijuana for Illinois residents over 21 will be legal Jan. 1, 2020. Manhattan joins nearby Joliet in allowing recreational cannabis dispensaries, while nearby New Lenox, Frankfort and Mokena have prohibited dispensaries.