Area Counties Letting Citizens Weigh in on Cannabis Sales

Area counties are offering citizens an opportunity to weigh in on licensing adult-use cannabis. Such sales will be legal in Illinois as of January 1, 2020.

About a dozen people were on hand Tuesday night for a hearing at Clay County Courthouse.

Those who spoke at the hearing were each opposed to adult-use cannabis sales.

It was noted that if no action is taken, the sales can still take place with no revenue generated for the affected taxing bodies.

The Effingham County Board voted in September to tax such sales. It was noted that the proceeds from the sales could be needed by the County to deal with any problems that might result from the increased availability of cannabis. The Effingham City Council plans to allow testimony at its next meeting and provide information on whether sales should take place in the city. No vote is expected at the meeting, which is set for October 15. The only dispensary so far authorized in Effingham County is in the City of Effingham.

The Fayette County Board and other affected taxing bodies in that county will hold a public hearing on cannabis sales on Thursday evening. The public hearing will begin at 6pm at the Vandalia Moose Lodge. The new law will be reviewed, then public comments will be received. No vote is planned at Thursday's meeting.