It’s been a little over 6 years since recreational marijuana was legalized in Illinois. At the time, Gov. JB Pritzker called it the “most equity-centric” legal cannabis law in the country. The idea was to center people who had been harmed by cannabis-related enforcement, especially Chicago’s Black and brown communities.
In practice, the rollout of social equity licenses has been rocky. But you can support these Black-owned and employee-owned dispensaries to meet your 4/20 needs.
SWAY (Northalsted)
The state’s first-ever queer, Black, Latino-owned dispensary opened in 2024. Sway sources many of its products from Black- and women-owned businesses. You can join their rewards program, Club SWAY, for what they call “brownie points.” They are planning on opening in South Shore soon.
Grasshopper Club (Logan Square & South Loop)
Grasshopper Club was Chicago’s first Black-owned dispensary. Founded by a South Side family, they later opened another site in South Loop, which is the dispensary I frequent the most. You can join their Cloud Club loyalty program for perks like member-only discounts and birthday benefits. Chat with “cannicierges” if you need some help looking for something in particular.
Market 96 (South Loop)
This Black-owned and social equity dispensary was inspired by a local market shopping experience. Founded by a group of women, the name celebrates the nation’s first state legalization of medical cannabis in 1996. Join the 5% Club for deals and rewards.
Spark’d (Wicker Park & South Loop)
This 100% employee-owned dispensary was opened by a social equity cannabis license recipient. Spark’d opened a location in South Loop in 2024. Their locations in Richmond and Winthrop Harbor are also consumption lounges. They have plenty of events at both, like their Garden Party today at Winthrop and Richmond.
- There are no consumption lounges where you can smoke flower in Chicago, yet. There are a few outside of city limits.
Ivy Hall (Bucktown and Logan Square)
This majority Black-owned dispensary opened its doors in Bucktown in 2022 and its Logan Square location in 2024. Join their Charter Club for exclusive perks, like cash-back purchases, and a thank you Tuesday discount.
