Inclusion Ignites Illinois Marijuana Industry: New Ventures Rise As Benzinga's Cannabis Conference Hits Chicago

Illinois' cannabis landscape is experiencing a dynamic transformation, showcasing both significant milestones and persistent challenges in its journey toward inclusivity and expansion.

Gov. Jay Robert "J.B." Pritzker (D), a driving force behind this evolution, is set to take center stage as a keynote speaker at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago on September 27-28. Notably, Gov. Pritzker highlighted the substantial impact of cannabis legalization, citing over 30,000 jobs created since the market's launch.

"Illinois is home to the country’s most diverse cannabis industry and some of the largest companies," said Pritzker, including such companies as Cresco Labs Inc CRLBF, Verano Holdings Corp. VRNOF, Green Thumb Industries Inc. GTBIF, and privately held PharmaCann.

And Now, Al Harrington's Viola

Viola CHI, a subsidiary of Viola Brands, is emerging as a pioneering presence in the state's cannabis sector, led by co-founders Dan Pettigrew and former NBA star Al Harrington.

Overcoming industry hurdles, Viola's commitment to equity remains unwavering.

“There’s this pie-in-the-sky notion that everybody’s gonna get rich,” Pettigrew said. "There will be a lot of wealth created, but it's expensive and competitive and extremely challenging.”

• Pettigrew’s First Cannabis Shop In Illinois

Partnering with military veteran Al Lomax to qualify for social equity status, Viola opened its retail store in Broadview, near VA Hines Health Care, with plans to expand to Chicago in the near future. “Using their experience and capital from other states, they raised about $5 million from a team of minority investors,”  reported the Chicago Tribune.

Additionally, Viola is involved in legal proceedings against the state, advocating for fair treatment in license allocation.

In the heart of this evolving landscape, Viola and Al Harrington have consistently attended the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, epitomizing its pivotal role in shaping cannabis industry discourse.

Cultivating Diversity and Innovation: Brown & Black-Owned Ventures and Transformative Experiences Shape Illinois Cannabis Market

“A lot of craft products will be hidden gems. We’ll give those businesses an opportunity,” said Pettigrew.

Viola's efforts extend to collaborating with other Black and brown vendors, such as Umi Farms, a promising Black-owned grower set to cultivate cannabis in Rolling Meadows. Umi Farms' CEO Akele Parnell envisions not only driving business success but evoking the nostalgic essence of one's "first high."

As the industry evolves, innovative concepts are emerging to reshape the cannabis experience for consumers. Okay Cannabis, which opened in Wheeling earlier this year, introduces a dispensary consumption lounge that merges cannabis with the hospitality industry. Scott Weiner, co-founder of Fifty/50 Restaurant Group, stressed its mission: "We're trying to infuse the hospitality industry into the cannabis industry... trying to create an experience."

Oregonix Farms, a newcomer to the scene, brings a fresh perspective with CEO David Schwimmer at the helm. Drawing on experience from Oregon, Schwimmer has established a high-quality cultivation facility in Huntley, focusing on producing premium cannabis products.

With collaborations, innovations, and partnerships leading the charge, an exciting journey awaits in Illinois. Join us at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago on September 27-28 to shape the future of this thriving industry.  All information is available on bzcannabis.com

Image by El Planteo