Two Graft Grow licensees fail to secure operational permits by Aug. 1

In June, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) and Division of Cannabis Regulation released a notice providing reminders and general information that focused on pre-operational deadlines and extension forms, including extending the operational deadline for (Group 1) Craft Growers to August 1, 2024. Now that the deadline has passed and completed Craft Grower Operational Extension Application Forms (for Group 1) have been reviewed, what’s next?

There are 40 craft growers in Group 1 and 27 in Group 2. According to IDOA officials, two Group 1 licensees “did not have an operational permit secured by August 1.” IDOA has taken under consideration a wide array of reasons when determining what was considered good cause, however no extensions were granted solely due to insufficient financing. Extensions, modifications, and plans were all reviewed on a case-by-case basis. IDOA says that all Group 1 licensees are currently engaged with the Department about their operational status.

What will happen to licenses that have been surrendered?

“There are no proceedings at this time for a license suspension or revocation for any craft grower,” said an IDOA official. “If a license was revoked or surrendered, that entity would cease being able to legally operate a cannabis business establishment. The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act does not address what would happen to any cannabis business establishment license that was revoked or surrendered, beyond the revocation or surrender.”

For more Illinois cannabis industry news, subscribe to Illinois News Joint’s newsletter here.

To find cannabis-friendly events in Illinois, visit here.

For Illinois News Joint reviews, visit here.

For more information on News Joint Bar Service, visit here.

For News Joint Printing services, click here.