Mundelein expands available dispensary licenses ahead of proposed pot shop

A divided Mundelein village board on Monday expanded the number of possible licenses for local cannabis dispensaries to two.

The move is a precursor to the anticipated arrival of a second dispensary in the village.

Chicago-based Terrabis wants to launch a store in the former Bank of America at 3210 W. Route 60, on Mundelein’s northwest side. The freestanding building is close to Route 60 in the Mundelein Crossings shopping center.

The village board has issued only one dispensary permit since recreational cannabis sales were legalized statewide. It’s possessed by Rise, 1325 Armour Blvd.

Trustee Daniel Juarez on Monday spoke against creating a second dispensary license. As he has before, he expressed concern about the former bank building’s proximity to homes on the other side of Route 60.

Juarez suggested waiting to create a second license until Terrabis is ready to ask for one. “There isn’t really any kind of rush,” he said.

In response, Trustee Kara Lambert noted the signs at Terrabis’ other stores don’t indicate they’re cannabis dispensaries, while families see signs for and displays of alcohol and tobacco products and gambling every day.

Recreational cannabis sales were legalized in Illinois in 2020. Calling it “the fear of the unknown,” Trustee Erich Schwenk said people haven’t had time yet to get used to cannabis advertising and sales the way they have for liquor.

“Cannabis is still new,” he said. “I hope that we move past that and move past it responsibly.”

The measure passed 4-2, with trustees Tony Ugaste and Arnold Krinski joining Lambert and Schwenk in the majority. Juarez and Trustee Jennifer Grieco voted “no.”

Monday’s vote didn’t automatically award the new license to Terrabis. A vote on that will be needed down the road.