Normal zoning panel backs dispensary permit for recreational marijuana

Posted on January 28, 2020
The Green Solution is located at 501 Northtown Road in north Normal. (Photo Town of Normal)

 

By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – The only medical cannabis dispensary in the Twin-Cities is one step closer to selling recreational cannabis.

The Normal Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously Tuesday to recommend approval of a special use permit for The Green Solution, located at 501 Northtown Road.  The town council will consider the request at its meeting Monday night.

If approved by the town council, the dispensary then needs to obtain a license from the state. That would make The Green Solution the first recreational cannabis dispensary in McLean County.

In November, the council approved an ordinance allowing cannabis-related businesses within Normal, including adult-use cannabis dispensaries.

In a report, town staff said the property is located on the north side of Normal, away from residences, schools, and child-oriented facilities.  Although there is a mall church to the east, it is outside the minimum 75-foot separation distance.  The dispensary is also ready to provide odor mitigation if the town determines that is an issue, according to the report.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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