IL dispensaries succeeding, marijuana still illegal in IN

CASEY, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — The marijuana conflict between Indiana and Illinois continues as the closest marijuana dispensary is just 29 miles west of the Indiana state line.

The Thrive Dispensary in Casey, Illinois has seen customers from Illinois and out of state.
Illinois’ MariMed general manager Rosie Naumovski said that there are different protocols put in place for out-of-state customers.

She added that staff on hand will be able to answer and educate all customers on those protocols.

“Our staff are very knowledgeable and are ready to provide any information or education to anyone who is interested in making a purchase,” Naumovski said.

Naumovski pointed out that business this week is expected to be higher than usual because marijuana users have taken April 20 as a day to celebrate the drug.

“We are promoting it all week long and have many specials to offer gearing up into the weekend on Saturday which is the 4/20 celebration,” she added.

However, Indiana State Police Public Information Officer Matt Ames said the success of the dispensaries has caused an increase in people bringing marijuana into the state in this area. Ames said users could face more than just misdemeanor drug chargers if they drive under the influence.

“We all know what it means when you are drinking and buzzed driving, however, it is exactly the same thing when you are using marijuana,” Ames said. “Whether you are using the green substance, edibles, or a vape pen, if you feel different and you get behind the wheel, that is on you as the driver.”

The conflict between Indiana and Illinois doesn’t end at the border, Thrive Dispensary told us that they advertise in Indiana even though use in the state is against the law.

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