LOGAN SQUARE — PharmaCann, a Chicago-based weed company that operates in multiple states, is looking to open a dispensary in Logan Square, its first in the city.
The company has submitted applications to open the dispensary in the Logan Square State and Savings Bank building at 2551 N. Milwaukee Ave., according to legislation filed with the city.
It’s the first step in a long approval process. PharmaCann needs special use approval from the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals. The zoning change ordinance must then be approved by the city’s Zoning Committee and the full City Council.
Paul Sajovec, chief of staff for Ald. Scott Waguespack, whose 32nd Ward includes the site, said the alderman met with PharmaCann last week and has not decided whether or not he supports the plan.
Sajovec said the alderman plans to meets with Logan Square Preservation and the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce and solicit feedback. If they approve the plans, the alderman will then host a public meeting on the matter, Sajovec said.
Jeremy Unruh, director of public and regulatory affairs at PharmaCann, said his company was attracted to Logan Square for several reasons.
“Logan Square is a notoriously hip, vibrant community that showcases some of the best in the multi-cultural landscape in Chicago. Transportation, visibility, and access are great, as are nightlife, dining and other leisure activities in the area,” Unruh said in an email.
“At the same, it’s a real neighborhood; the sort of neighborhood that Chicago is famous for. We want to be a part of that.”
Unruh said the dispensary could open this year if the approval process and construction goes smoothly.
According to its website, PharmaCann is licensed to grow in eight states. The company currently runs cultivation centers and dispensaries in the Chicago suburbs.
PharmaCann, considered a major player in the weed industry, won a total of four spots in the city’s weed lottery in November: Two in the central cannabis zone and one each in the north and northwest zones.
The Logan Square building PharmaCann is looking to move into was being considered as the Double Door’s new home, but neighbors ultimately rejected the music venue’s plans.
If approved, PharmaCann would be the neighborhood’s second weed dispensary — along Milwaukee Avenue, no less. Modern Cannabis, or MOCA, is located down the street.
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