By Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – Despite some cannabis consumers’ confusion about where to buy recreational marijuana, long lines and reports of product shortages, Illinois dispensaries set records for sales.

When recreational cannabis became legal in Illinois last week, only a few dozen dispensaries across the state were licensed to sell to adults 21 and older. Those dispensaries also happened to be already established medical cannabis shops. But not all medical dispensaries were licensed to sell to recreational consumers on Jan. 1.

Reports from across the state noted medical-only shops had to turn recreational consumers away because of the confusion among some recreational cannabis consumers.

While state regulators said there could be a cap of 500 dispensaries when Illinois’ cannabis industry is fully mature, so far state officials have approved 37 dispensaries for adult-use sales. But not all of those dispensaries have received needed approval from local governments to sell for recreational use.

Maribis, a medical dispensary in Springfield that got state approval for recreational sales, voluntarily delayed recreational sales until next month. Other medical dispensaries, such as Greenhouse in Litchfield, have not been approved for recreational sales. The Greenhouse in Morris has been approved.

Also adding to the confusion, several stores allowed to sell recreational cannabis were closed to recreational consumers earlier this week because of a lack of supply and labor shortages. Shops are required to ensure a 30-day supply is on hand for medical patients.

Pamela Althoff with the statewide association CannaBiz said it was a misunderstanding.

“There was a lot of publication in local newspapers about what facilities were in their region that did not make a distinction that some of them had not obtained local zoning,” Althoff said. “And obviously if you were not from that community and you were in a neighboring community, or in a regional area, you might not have been aware of that.”

None of this seemed to slow down the initial demand. In the first day of sales on New Year’s Day, Illinois tied Oregon’s 2015 first-day sales at $3.2 million. That was more than when Colorado raked in $1 million on its first day years ago.

In the subsequent days, Illinois brough in nearly $8 million more.

Althoff said despite some confusion, medical patients were top of mind even before recreational sales started.

“You have to remember these are long-term relationship that these dispensaries have had with these patients, so I believe that they took very good care in informing them what the situation would be,” Althoff said.

Even when there were long lines in the initial days, medical patients with their medical cannabis ID were able to skip ahead in line to get their medicine.

One medical-only dispensary worker said when recreational consumers came to the store, employees politely explained the distinction and turned them away.

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