The Hardest-Working Paper in America | 
Friday, April 19, 2024

Downtown’s first pot dispensary opens: ‘This is a great addition to our neighborhood’

Sunnyside dispensary, located at 436 N. Clark St. in River North, also became the first store in the city to exclusively sell recreational weed.

By  Tom Schuba
   
SHARE Downtown’s first pot dispensary opens: ‘This is a great addition to our neighborhood’
Susan Morrow, 53, of River North, is the first customer to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. Morrow spent $238 and purchased two packages of indica gummies, a package of hybrid shake and two packages of sativa espresso coffee beans.

Susan Morrow, 53, of River North, is the first customer to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. Morrow spent $238 and purchased two packages of indica gummies, a package of hybrid shake and two packages of sativa espresso coffee beans.

Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times

After months of jockeying for city and state approval, Cresco Labs on Thursday opened Chicago’s first downtown pot shop.

Cresco’s latest Sunnyside dispensary, located at 436 N. Clark St. in River North, also became the first store in the city to exclusively sell recreational weed.

“We’re happy to help set an example here in River North of what normalized cannabis looks like with a store on a main corridor where people shop, live and work and we couldn’t be happier to provide everyday wellness products to the River North neighborhood,” Cresco spokesman Jason Erkes told the Sun-Times.

A 55-year-old man from River North thanks wellness advisor Jordan Davis after making the second purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
A 55-year-old man from River North thanks wellness advisor Jordan Davis after making the second purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. The man purchased three vape cartridges, sativa shake and two packages of indica gummies. The Sunnyside location represents the first cannabis retail shop to open near downtown Chicago and the first recreational-use only dispensary in the city. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
1 of 17
Susan Morrow (left), 53, and a 55-year-old man, both from River North, are the first two customers to walk to Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
Susan Morrow (left), 53, and a 55-year-old man, both from River North, are the first two customers to walk to Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
2 of 17
Workers at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. wait for the next round of customers on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
Workers at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. wait for the next round of customers on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
3 of 17
A security guard outside Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. wait for the next round of customers on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. The location represents the first cannabis retail shop to open near downtown Chicago and the first recreational-use only dispensary in the city.
A security guard outside Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. wait for the next round of customers on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. The location represents the first cannabis retail shop to open near downtown Chicago and the first recreational-use only dispensary in the city. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
4 of 17
Susan Morrow, 53, of River North, is the first customer to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
Susan Morrow, 53, of River North, is the first customer to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
5 of 17
Susan Morrow (left), 53, and a 55-year-old man, both from River North, are the first two customers to make purchases at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
Susan Morrow (left), 53, and a 55-year-old man, both from River North, are the first two customers to make purchases at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
6 of 17
A 55-year-old man from River North gets his cash ready to be the second person to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
A 55-year-old man from River North gets his cash ready to be the second person to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
7 of 17
Jordan Davis, a wellness advisor, speaks to a 55-year-old man from River North as he gets his cash ready to be the second person to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
Jordan Davis, a wellness advisor, speaks to a 55-year-old man from River North as he gets his cash ready to be the second person to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. The location represents the first cannabis retail shop to open near downtown Chicago and the first recreational-use only dispensary in the city. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
8 of 17
Susan Morrow, 53, of River North, is the first customer to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. Morrow spent $238 and purchased two packages of indica gummies, a package of hybrid shake and two packages of sativa espresso coffee beans.
Susan Morrow, 53, of River North, is the first customer to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. Morrow spent $238 and purchased two packages of indica gummies, a package of hybrid shake and two packages of sativa espresso coffee beans. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
9 of 17
Jordan Davis, a wellness advisor, shows products to a 55-year-old man from River North as he makes the second purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
Jordan Davis, a wellness advisor, shows products to a 55-year-old man from River North as he makes the second purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
10 of 17
Susan Morrow, 53, of River North, is the first customer to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
Susan Morrow, 53, of River North, is the first customer to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
11 of 17
Susan Morrow, 53, of River North, is the first customer to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
Susan Morrow, 53, of River North, is the first customer to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
12 of 17
Jordan Davis, a wellness advisor, shows products to a 55-year-old man from River North as he makes the second purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
Jordan Davis, a wellness advisor, shows products to a 55-year-old man from River North as he makes the second purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
13 of 17
A 55-year-old man from River North smiles after making the second purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. The man purchased three vape cartridges, sativa shake and two packages of indica gummies.
A 55-year-old man from River North smiles after making the second purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. The man purchased three vape cartridges, sativa shake and two packages of indica gummies. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
14 of 17
Customers on the opening day of Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. stand in line at the guest experience center at 22 W. Hubbard St., where they can be socially distant while waiting for their order to be prepared, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. Once their order is ready, the customers walk from the guest experience center to the dispensary.
Customers on the opening day of Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. stand in line at the guest experience center at 22 W. Hubbard St., where they can be socially distant while waiting for their order to be prepared, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. Once their order is ready, the customers walk from the guest experience center to the dispensary. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
15 of 17
On the opening day of Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St., a customer leaves the guest experience center at 22 W. Hubbard St., where he could be socially distant while waiting for his order to be prepared, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. Once the order is ready, the customer walks from the guest experience center to the dispensary.
On the opening day of Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St., a customer leaves the guest experience center at 22 W. Hubbard St., where he could be socially distant while waiting for his order to be prepared, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. Once the order is ready, the customer walks from the guest experience center to the dispensary. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
16 of 17
Jordan Davis, a wellness advisor, puts hand sanitizer on her rubber gloves at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. The location represents the first cannabis retail shop to open near downtown Chicago and the first recreational-use only dispensary in the city.
Jordan Davis, a wellness advisor, puts hand sanitizer on her rubber gloves at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. The location represents the first cannabis retail shop to open near downtown Chicago and the first recreational-use only dispensary in the city. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
17 of 17
A 55-year-old man from River North thanks wellness advisor Jordan Davis after making the second purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
Susan Morrow (left), 53, and a 55-year-old man, both from River North, are the first two customers to walk to Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
Workers at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. wait for the next round of customers on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
A security guard outside Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. wait for the next round of customers on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. The location represents the first cannabis retail shop to open near downtown Chicago and the first recreational-use only dispensary in the city.
Susan Morrow, 53, of River North, is the first customer to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
Susan Morrow (left), 53, and a 55-year-old man, both from River North, are the first two customers to make purchases at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
A 55-year-old man from River North gets his cash ready to be the second person to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
Jordan Davis, a wellness advisor, speaks to a 55-year-old man from River North as he gets his cash ready to be the second person to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
Susan Morrow, 53, of River North, is the first customer to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. Morrow spent $238 and purchased two packages of indica gummies, a package of hybrid shake and two packages of sativa espresso coffee beans.
Jordan Davis, a wellness advisor, shows products to a 55-year-old man from River North as he makes the second purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
Susan Morrow, 53, of River North, is the first customer to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
Susan Morrow, 53, of River North, is the first customer to make a purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
Jordan Davis, a wellness advisor, shows products to a 55-year-old man from River North as he makes the second purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
A 55-year-old man from River North smiles after making the second purchase at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. The man purchased three vape cartridges, sativa shake and two packages of indica gummies.
Customers on the opening day of Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. stand in line at the guest experience center at 22 W. Hubbard St., where they can be socially distant while waiting for their order to be prepared, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. Once their order is ready, the customers walk from the guest experience center to the dispensary.
On the opening day of Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St., a customer leaves the guest experience center at 22 W. Hubbard St., where he could be socially distant while waiting for his order to be prepared, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. Once the order is ready, the customer walks from the guest experience center to the dispensary.
Jordan Davis, a wellness advisor, puts hand sanitizer on her rubber gloves at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. The location represents the first cannabis retail shop to open near downtown Chicago and the first recreational-use only dispensary in the city.

Susan Morrow, who serves as the land use development director of the River North Residents Association, was the shop’s first customer. She bought a few packs of infused gummies and coffee beans and some pre-ground marijuana to make her own edibles.

“I am the person that grew up and never touched it,” said Morrow. “As it’s become legal, it’s become a fun thing to dabble with as opposed to drinking. Now, in this time that everybody’s under so much stress, it’s been a great way to get some sleep.”

Both the residents association and Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) backed Cresco’s bid to set up shop in the neighborhood, where the major, multi-state pot firm is already headquartered.

“Cresco views this neighborhood as their neighborhood and I know their business plan is one that both embraces and respects the local community,” said Reilly. “I get really excited when companies like Cresco make the wise choice to invest in downtown Chicago and my office stands ready to offer any assistance we can to support this new business as it opens during the global pandemic.”

To streamline sales and promote social distancing amid the public health crisis, Sunnyside is only accepting online orders. Once customers receive a text notification that their order is ready, they can check in at a designated waiting area to get in line to pick up their pot products.

In March, Cresco was among the five pot firms that earned special-use zoning permits to open recreational stores in the city. MOCA, which currently operates a dual-use dispensary in Logan Square, was also granted local zoning approval and issued a state license to open a nearby shop at 216 W. Ohio despite receiving pushback from Reilly and the residents association.

Nevertheless, Morrow believes the cannabis retailers will give the neighborhood an economic boost.

“So many of the neighbors were not looking forward to it, but we worked with all the dispensaries to really show that this is a great addition to our neighborhood.”

Jordan Davis, a wellness advisor, puts hand sanitizer on her rubber gloves at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. The location represents the first cannabis retail shop to open near downtown Chicago and the first recreational-use only dispensary in the city.

Jordan Davis, a wellness advisor, puts hand sanitizer on her rubber gloves at Cresco Labs’ seventh Sunnyside dispensary at 436 N. Clark St. on the store’s opening day in River North, Thursday morning, May 28, 2020. The location represents the first cannabis retail shop to open near downtown Chicago and the first recreational-use only dispensary in the city.

Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times

Next Up In News
Netflix looks to curb password sharing, considers ads
Aiming to predict COVID, future pandemics better, CDC opens infectious diseases forecasting center
Joliet farmers wrangle cows thrown from semitrailer after crash on Interstate 80
1 killed, 3 wounded in shootings Tuesday in Chicago
Obama relatives sue Milwaukee school alleging racial bias
Unmasked transit: Pritzker ends mask mandates in public transportation, airports
The Latest
President Joe Biden speaks at a campaign event at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Pa., on Jan. 5, 2024.
How Biden will win women
Women might be upset with President Biden over issues like inflation, but Donald Trump’s legal troubles and his role in ending abortion rights are likely to turn women against him when they vote.
By Steven V. Roberts
 
crime-scene-tape.jpg
Crime
Man stabbed to death in Pilsen
The man was found with stab wounds around 4:15 a.m., police said.
By Sun-Times Wire
 
UNSOLVED-051122-1.jpg
Other Views
25 years after my dad was killed, his murder is unsolved. Two bills could spur action on cold cases like his.
Send a message to criminals: Your actions will have consequences — no matter how much time passes. We can’t legislate all our problems away, but these bills now pending in the Illinois Legislature could pave the way for bringing closure to grieving families.
By Alicia Schemel
 
AP_Player_of_the_Year_Football.jpg
Bears
Once the Bears land Caleb Williams, the real work — and pressure — begins
Matt Eberflus is under more pressure to win than your average coach with the No. 1 overall pick. That’s saying something.
By Patrick Finley
 
1_CST_JUDG_Liz Lauren.jpgJason Alexander makes his Chicago stage debut in the world premiere comedy Judgment Day at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel. Performances begin April 23, 2024. Photo by Liz Lauren.
Theater
Jason Alexander's latest role plumbs the meaning of life and beyond in 'Judgment Day'
Alexander plays a sleazy lawyer who gets a lifechanging wakeup call in the world premiere comedy at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
By Courtney Kueppers | WBEZ