The largest cannabis trade association in Illinois, which includes multistate operators, reportedly is resisting proposed legislation that would allow social equity-owned craft cultivators to increase their canopy size and better compete.
At issue is a bill that would allow craft growers to nearly triple the size of their footprint from 5,000 square feet to 14,000 square feet, according to a report by Grown In, an industry newsletter.
The Cannabis Business Association of Illinois formally decided at a board meeting last week to oppose the legislation, SB3105, according to Grown In.
The association is dominated by MSOs such as Illinois-based Cresco Labs, PharmaCann and Verano Holdings, Grown In reported.
In a written statement to Grown In, the trade association maintained that Illinois “should pause to properly assess where our industry stands rather than attempt to make incremental changes to an evolving industry.”
But the association also said it will continue to support industry inclusion and diversity.
Amber Littlejohn, executive director of the Minority Cannabis Business Association, expressed dismay Thursday while telling MJBizDaily that she had been alerted to the story.
“You can’t be pro-equity,” she said, and also be “pushing back” on measures designed to help minority-owned businesses succeed.
Stay informed with MJBiz Newsletters
MJBiz’s family of newsletters gives cannabis professionals an edge in this rapidly changing industry.
Featured newsletters:
- MJBizDaily: Business news for cannabis leaders in your inbox each morning
- MJBiz Cultivator: Insights for wholesale cannabis growers & vertically integrated businesses
- MJBizCon Buzz: Behind-the-scenes buzz on everything MJBizCon
- MJBiz Retail + Brand: New products, trends and news for cannabis retailers, distributors and marketers
- Hemp Industry Week: Roundup of news from hemp farming to CBD product manufacturing
- And more!
Eric Ice-Gipson, owner of craft cannabis grower 1937 Group, told Grown In that he felt betrayed by the trade organization. He has served on the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois’ Minority Access Committee.
“When we talk to investors, people look at the 5,000 square feet, and it is impossible to make those numbers work at 5,000. At 14,000, things look a lot better,” he told Grown In.
