New Lenox Prohibits Recreational Cannabis Sales

NEW LENOX, IL — After several meetings and months of discussion, the New Lenox village board has prohibited the sale of recreational cannabis in its village boundaries. The board voted 5-2 to prohibit the sale, with trustees David Butterfield, Douglas Finnegan, Annette Bowden, David Smith and Mayor Tim Baldermann voting to prohibit and trustees Jasen Howard and Keith Madsen voting against the prohibition.

30 people signed up to speak at the meeting, with several residents speaking for and against the sale of recreational marijuana.

"To me, it's just common sense to allow a dispensary in New Lenox," resident Mark Compton Sr. said. "The marijuana is going to be here anyway."

Compton added that sales would only help the town's economy.

"If we allow retail recreational sales of marijuana, we are sending a message to our kids and youth that using [marijuana] is a normal, every day activity, and not the danger that it really is," said resident Marilyn Gallagher. "...I firmly believe that the vast majority of New Lenox residents do not want this in the community."

New Lenox joins several Will County communities who have also prohibited recreational cannabis sales, including Frankfort, Mokena and Lockport.