Second Lyfe cannabis dispensary could include a first for the Machesney Park area

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our mobile app

MACHESNEY PARK — A locally owned cannabis dispensary is shaping plans to open its second location, and it could feature the area’s first on-site consumption space.

Lyfe Dispensary, which opened in November 2023 at 6774 Troy Drive in Rockford, plans to build its second dispensary on vacant land at 7600 West Lane Road near the Interstate 90 interchange in Machesney Park.

Those plans took a step forward Monday night, when the village’s Planning and Economic Development Committee approved a variance that would allow for on-site consumption in conjunction with an event space at the dispensary.

The measure would next move to the Village Board for consideration on Aug. 18.

“It has been a pleasure working with and getting to know the leadership team and administrators of the village of Machesney Park,” said Michael Hodges, who is part of the development team. “Throughout the vetting process, they have been nothing short of exceptional. We’re truly grateful for the opportunity to bring this project before them and remain hopeful for a positive outcome from the council on Aug. 18.”

So far, Lyfe has been the only group to approach the village to request on-site consumption. The variance, if granted, would be specific to this operator and property only. Any other groups to request such a variance would also need to go through Village Board approval.

“We would hope that it would be positively received. Lyfe has a proven track record as a responsible dispensary operator, and we worked hard to craft regulation that puts safety first,” Mayor Steve Johnson said. “This went through planning and zoning with unanimous approval, as well as Planning & Economic Development Committee.”

The village said its rules are meant to prioritize public safety and prevent overconsumption. Staff will be trained to recognize signs of overconsumption, and ride-sharing services will be encouraged for guests. No edibles would be permitted with the exception of low-dose infused drinks. That’s because the high from edibles is generally less predictable.

The state allowed for on-site cannabis consumption when lawmakers approved recreational cannabis in 2020, but those lounges are only permitted if local governments establish rules to authorize it.

There have been several communities that have consumption lounges, including Sesser, Wheeling, Carbondale and Mundelein. City Council in Rockford was asked to consider a lounge for Lyfe in April 2024, but aldermen rejected the measure.

The dispensary would be developed on a portion of 20 acres of vacant land northeast of Interstate 90 and West Lane Road. Much of the surrounding land on each corner of the interchange is also vacant.

“We hope that it sparks development out at the interstate with restaurants, hotels, and retailers,” Johnson said. “We have been eager for commercial development out at the interstate, and this could be the first step.”

In June, the village board voted to approve a variance that would allow for a separate cannabis dispensary. That dispensary, which has not yet been identified, would fill the former Illinois Bank & Trust Building owned by First Midwest Group at 1515 West Lane Road.

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas