Benesch Cannabis Team Secures Win Clarifying Illinois Dispensary Setback Rules

Benesch’s Cannabis Team secured a favorable ruling in a cannabis regulatory dispute recently featured in Crain’s Chicago Business. In the case, a Cook County judge held that Illinois’ 1,500-foot dispensary setback requirement applies even when both operators hold social equity licenses, preventing a competing dispensary from opening near Market 96’s South Loop location.

The decision provides important guidance on the interpretation of the Cannabis Regulation & Tax Act and reinforces protections for licensed dispensary operators navigating Illinois’ evolving cannabis regulatory framework.

Read more: Loop cannabis shop blocked from opening under distance rule – Crain’s Chicago Business