Craft marijuana grower coming to south Rockford
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A craft marijuana growing company has been cleared to begin construction on the city’s south side.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture on Wednesday issued the first pre-construction permits to social equity licensees established under the state’s cannabis laws. The three licenses went to Galaxy Labs in Richton Park, Mint Cannabis in Forest Park and Star Buds Illinois in Rockford.
Star Buds, which is licensed as SB IL Grow LLC, has been issued a building permit by the city of Rockford to renovate the 32,000-square-foot space at 3381 Forest View Road for its cultivation center. The site was formerly occupied by Belcan.
An Illinois craft grower license allows a company to cultivate, cure and package cannabis.
The social equity licenses issued by the state are meant to insure that people and communities historically impacted by arrests and imprisonment for cannabis offenses have the opportunity to participate in the legal cannabis industry. The program was part of the state’s Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act that went into effect in 2020.
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Star Buds Illinois is 66% Black-owned, according to the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Galaxy Labs is 100% Latino and Black owned and Mint Cannabis is 51% Latino owned.
“When Illinois legalized cannabis, it was essential that we do what no other state has done – make sure the most impacted communities benefited,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a news release. “I’m pleased to see that these diverse businesses are clear to start construction, and I wish them success as this market expands.”
The Department of Agriculture said 100% of its craft grow licenses are social equity applicants.
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“The Department has worked with these licensees to become operational as they take the next step toward opening their doors,” Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello said in a news release.”With approval in-hand, these social equity businesses are clear to start construction, creating hundreds of jobs right here in Illinois, and further expanding the existing cannabis workforce.
“The Department is enthusiastic to work with these licensees as they move one step closer toward opening their doors and realizing the vision of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. We will continue to partner with its licensees and other state partners to ensure that Illinois remains a national leader not only in a safely and efficiently-regulated cannabis production, but also in creating an inclusive industry that looks like Illinois.”
Other craft growers licensed in Rockford are 11th Level Inc., 725 23rd Ave. and RQG Investments, 2810 Auburn St., according to the department’s licensee list. Pre-construction permits have not been issued for those growers yet. Additionally, Sustainable Innovation Inc., 1221 Research Parkway, is licensed as an infuser.
The Rockford region also has four licensed marijuana dispensaries offering recreational cannabis. The Happy Cannabis Co., 4120 N. Bell School Road in Loves Park, opened in October. Mapleglen, at 4777 Stenstrom Road on Rockford’s south side, was one of the area’s first marijuana dispensaries. Sunnyside has two locations in Winnebago County: 2696 McFarland Road in Rockford and 7000 First Ranger Drive in South Beloit.
Representatives of Star Buds Illinois were not able to be reached before publication of this story. We will provide updates if we hear back from the company.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.
