'We're Not Just Here to Sell Weed': An Illinois Dispensary's Mission To Home Shelter Dogs

Cannabis businesses are increasingly stepping up their community involvement, addressing pressing social issues, and fostering positive local connections. One standout example is Ivy Hall, a dog-friendly neighborhood cannabis retailer in Illinois and a proud member of the Illinois Social Equity Program.

Ivy Hall has recently launched an initiative to combat the issue of overcrowded animal shelters helping local fluffy friends.

A Lifeline For Shelter Dogs

In response to alarming trends in animal shelters, including a 16% increase in euthanasia rates at Chicago Animal Care and Control during the first four months of 2024, Ivy Hall decided to take action.

Their Dog Adoption Days initiative, which runs throughout July, transforms Ivy Hall’s dispensaries into temporary adoption centers. Partnering with local adoption agencies, they aim to address the critical issue of overcrowded shelters. Customers can visit any of Ivy Hall’s eight participating locations between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. multiple days throughout July to find their future canine companions.

Jonny Boucher, director of marketing at Ivy Hall, explained the inspiration behind this initiative. “We wanted to make sure we’ve emerged in the community. My wife and I foster dogs for an amazing organization called One Tail at a Time. It was a no-brainer to bring this partnership into our stores and support local shelters,” said Boucher.

More Than Just Financial Support

Beyond hosting adoption events, Ivy Hall has committed to donating $3 from every Dogwalkers Pre-Roll purchase in July to participating animal shelters. This collaboration with Dogwalkers aims to raise both awareness and funds to support local shelters.

“We decided that raising money wasn’t enough. We can make a bigger impact by getting adoptable dogs into our stores and encouraging our customers to engage with these organizations,” Boucher added. This hands-on involvement allows Ivy Hall to maintain a strong connection with the community and ensure their support is meaningful and impactful. “We’re not just here to sell weed. We’re here to be in the community,” Boucher emphasized.

Commitment to Social Equity

As Illinois’s first social equity dispensary group, its commitment to community involvement is deeply rooted in its mission. The Illinois Social Equity Program aims to foster inclusivity within the cannabis industry, and Ivy Hall embodies this through various community-driven projects.

“We are black-owned, military-owned, and women-led. We make sure that every community we enter understands our commitment to social equity and community support,” said Boucher.

Looking ahead, Ivy Hall plans to continue its community-focused initiatives with upcoming projects such as suicide prevention efforts in September and support for veterans in November. These initiatives echo Ivy Hall’s ongoing dedication to addressing a wide range of social issues and making a positive impact by encouraging other businesses to follow suit.

From Cannabis Sales to Community Service

Ivy Hall’s Dog Adoption Days and other community initiatives highlight a growing social responsibility trend within the cannabis industry.

This theme of social responsibility will be a focal point at Benzinga's Cannabis Capital Conference, which will take place this October in Chicago, Illinois. The event will gather industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss the cannabis sector's impact on community engagement and social issues and highlight the industry’s potential to make positive contributions to society.

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