Recreational marijuana sales still booming after one month
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCCU, WRSP) — Saturday, February 1st will mark one month since recreational marijuana sales became legal for the State of Illinois.
NuMed Dispensary in Urbana said the demand is still just as high.
NuMed Manager, Sean Johnson, said he's not surprised by the long lines.
"We've stayed open for as long product will allow, but we've only had to close a couple of days of the month. So we're really just waiting on more product with demand," Johnson said.
Johnson said one of NuMed's biggest challenges for the month of January has been meeting demand for flower, which is the bud you can smoke.
The dispensary not only serves recreational customers but medical card patients as well.
"Just based on speculation and speaking with some of the cultivators, the people that are growing. I think we're going to start seeing some produce from the build outs in March, probably full production around June," Johnson said.
First customer Lynette Hancock said she wishes more flower was available at the dispensary.
"It's a little bit disappointing just because of that fact that I don't live here. I came from out of town," Hancock said. "You know, if there isn't enough maybe someone can grow some more."
The dispensary is working on it.
"Meanwhile just making sure that we're in constant contact with the other cultivators not only for our recreational patients but some just for medical," Johnson said.
One thing is for sure, business is booming.
"I mean it's really good. I can't lie, I hope the prices do come down, even though some of the higher ups probably don't want to hear me say that," Johnson said. "But my outlook is positive, I don't think the demand is going to slow down, they just need to catch up with supply."
According to Champaign Police, they have not experienced any issues with the recent legalization.
If you have questions about recreational cannabis use in the Champaign area, click here.
