Medical Marijuana Dispensary Pitched for Oak Forest Clears First Hurdle

A proposed medical marijuana dispensary is one step closer to opening in Oak Forest.

The Planning and Zoning Commission Wednesday voted 5-3 in approval of a special-use permit and zoning accommodations for the Happy Health Wellness Center, which would be built at 15300 S. Cicero Ave. Its owners are eyeing a two-story, vacant building at the location, Sun-Times Media reports.

Residents spoke up during the meeting, expressing concern about the facility’s proximity to single-family homes, and nearby John Amico Beauty School. State law prohibits a medical marijuana dispensary from setting up shop in a residential area, and homes are within a block of the proposed location.

Attorney Rick Duffin spoke on behalf of the owners, noting specific measures set in place by the state, that would address some of the residents’ concerns. All employees and owners would undergo criminal background checks for owners and employees, and security cameras would be installed both inside and outside. It’s expected between 400 and 500 clients would use the dispensary—which could open as soon as April or May—in the first year.

The item goes before the city council on Tuesday at 8 p.m. at City Hall, 15440 S. Central Ave.

Read more in Phil Kadner’s take on the pot shop.