7 Illinois MMJ Cultivators Approved to Start Growing

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Illinois has given final permission so far to seven medical cannabis cultivation centers to begin growing MMJ, bringing the industry a big step closer to the start of sales.

The seven sites that have received the green light so far are PharmaCann, GTI, Nature’s Grace and Wellness, In Grown Farms, Ataraxia, and two by Ace, according to the Associated Press. The centers are spread all over the state, with only one near metro Chicago. The other six are scattered across more rural parts of Illinois.

Eleven more cultivation centers have received initial approval but haven’t yet gotten clearance to begin growing, the AP reported.

The first to start cultivation was Ataraxia in mid-July. Though there’s no word yet on when dispensaries are expected to begin opening, many in the industry estimate it will happen later this year.