Notable news and nuggets pertaining to Illinois and Michigan-based cannabis industries.
Dispensaries briefly closed after downtown Chicago looting
At least four dispensaries closed in Chicago after the looting of downtown stores early Monday morning. Cresco Labs’ Sunnyside dispensaries in Chicago’s Lakeview and River North neighborhoods closed on Monday, as were Mission Dispensary in South Chicago and NuEra’s dispensary in Lincoln Park. All dispensaries were reopened by Tuesday. None of the dispensary operators reported looting damage to their stores.
Illinois transport licence applicants getting deficiency notices
Two Illinois cannabis transport licence applicants reported to Grown In that they received deficiency notices from the State of Illinois last week. Deficiency notices provide applicants 10 days to respond with updated applications. Licenses cannot be legally awarded by the state until all applicants have an opportunity to provide requested updated information.
Michigan regulators’ seminar promoting social equity license applications
The Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Authority is conducting a seminar to encourage social equity cannabis applications in the state on Wednesday, August 26. The online seminar includes information on the various licenses you can apply for, and information on application assistance the state provides to social equity applicants.
Online seminar on getting into cannabis industry
Illinois Women in Cannabis is conducting a seminar on how to bring transferable skills from other industries to cannabis on Thursday, August 20. The meeting is moderated by representatives of talent placement companies, and with panelists from cannabis company human resources departments.
“We are targeting individuals who already have professional skills or trade experience that are wanting to break into the cannabis space,” says IWC board member Kalee Hooghkirk. “Many people immediately look for plant touching jobs like working in the grow or the dispensary when their current talents are completely transferable. In other words don’t be afraid to be who you are!”
Olive-Harvey College funding dispensary internships for 20 students
Olive-Harvey, a community college on Chicago’s far South Side, conducted an 11 credit hour development program focused on cannabis operations in retail, transportation for 111 students. According to college leadership, so far, only a handful of those 120 have been placed in internships.
Each student in the program hired by a cannabis retailer in Illinois will be paid a $1,200 stipend by the college to work up to 15 hours per week for that organization for the period of 12 weeks. In advance, students will receive coursework and training from industry professionals and will have state agent cards indicating Responsible Vendor Training completion.
Cresco Labs and MOCA Modern Cannabis were among the organizations to hire Olive-Harvey students.
“We are seeking Cannabis organizations and supportive organizations to hire one of our FA20 Cannabis students into an internship so they can gain real-world experience in the sector, build a network and secure permanent employment upon completion of the 16 week certificate program,” said Dhyia Thompson-Phillips, executive director, workforce equity at City Colleges of Chicago.
More information about the internship program can be found here. Employers interested in hiring interns from the program are encouraged to email dthompson143@ccc.edu no later than September 7.
