Ford Calls on Governor to Postpone Monday Deadline for Cannabis-Related License Applications

CHICAGO – Concerned about the safety of residents seeking to file a cannabis grow license, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, is calling on Gov. J.B. Pritzker to postpone a Monday application deadline in the wake of the public health crisis caused by COVID-19.

“Due to the coronavirus, we are in a state of emergency and people should not be gathering in line at the Thompson Center, putting themselves and state employees at risk of catching and spreading the virus,” Ford said. “We have to take every precautionary step possible to limit the damage this virus will cause, and postponing Monday’s deadline would be a responsible step. There are likely residents who wish to apply for a license and deserve the opportunity to do so, but are rightfully worried about compromising their personal health.”

Monday, March 16 is currently the deadline for applications for Craft Grower, Infuser and Transporter applications to the Department of Agriculture, which has been accepting in-person applications in Springfield at the John R. Block Building and in Chicago at the Thompson Center. Ford is concerned that long lines present at similar filings for cannabis industry applications may occur again on Monday, and wants residents to avoid risk as much as possible.

Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation on Monday over the coronavirus outbreak, and state agencies have begun to take steps to limit gatherings of crowds. Ford personally joined the effort to mitigate risk by postponing a resource fair he planned to host at the Thompson Center this upcoming Monday.

“As we have seen the Secretary of State take steps to limit groups from accessing the capitol complex in Springfield, it makes sense to take similar action at the incredibly busy Thompson Center,” Ford said. “We have one chance to be proactive on this crisis, let’s try to postpone non-essential paperwork deadlines and make sure people are safe.”

Residents with concerns about COVID-19 may call the Illinois Department of Public Health’s hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV.