Illinois to Conduct Disparity Study for Adult-Use Cannabis Industry

The Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office (CROO) on Tuesday announced the commissioning of a Disparity and Availability Study for adult-use cannabis licenses as required by the state’s Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. 

The study will collect and analyze data and will report on whether discrimination exists in the Illinois cannabis industry. The CROO said that if the study finds that discrimination exists, it will evaluate the impact of the discrimination on the state and its residents regarding entering and participating in the cannabis industry. The study will include recommendations for reducing or eliminating any identified barriers to entry.   

In a press release, Acting Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer Erin Johnson called the study “a vital assessment of the state’s cannabis social equity licensing system.”  

Last year, the state published a formal request for proposals to find a vendor to conduct a Disparity Study of the cannabis licensing system. The request resulted in a contract with the Nerevu Group, which is a 100% minority- and women-owned group of contractors and subcontractors from Peoria, Decatur, Springfield, Chicago, and additional locations across the country. 

Nerevu Group Founder and President Reuben Cummings described the work as “essential in identifying potential disparities and suitable remedies.”  

The final report to the governor is due in one year and updates will be posted to the CROO website.