Normal City Manager Mark Peterson said no businesses have approached town officials with plans to build medical marijuana dispensaries in Normal, despite reports that two of the over 50 that were granted licenses Monday have interest in Normal. (WJBC file photo)

By Joe Ragusa

NORMAL – The town of Normal is taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to medical marijuana dispensaries in the town. Gov. Bruce Rauner says license winners were notified Monday, and at least two of those companies have expressed interest in setting up shop in Normal.

"I don't think that necessarily means it's going to happen, but certainly they've made it through the first hurdle," Normal City Manager Mark Peterson said. "(Normal town officials) have not spoken with those applicants that were successful, yet."

Peterson said he's only heard of interest in Normal through media reports. The state handles the medical marijuana licenses, while Normal would deal with issues like building permits and zoning.

18 cultivation centers and over 50 dispensaries were awarded licenses Monday after former Gov. Pat Quinn declined to act on the medical marijuana program before leaving office earlier this month.
Dwight, Lincoln and Delavan are three central Illinois communities with businesses which won cultivation center licenses.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].