CHICAGO (WLS) — The ABC7 I- Team has been investigating the differences between “unregulated” CBD stores and “regulated” pot stores.
Some critics of unregulated stores believe signs and advertising may be misleading and confusing to customers.
Consumer Investigator Jason Knowles has tips to help you spot the differences as you shop.
SEE ALSO | Marijuana company makes 2nd push to open dispensary at old Rainforest Cafe in River North
Recreational cannabis became legal in Illinois in 2020. Since then, dozens of state regulated stores have opened up all over the area, all of them with high security.
But there may be come cannabis confusion. There are CBD shops now selling products made from hemp, and have little regulation.
“It’s definitely frustrating, I’m sure for like, newer customers,” said Michael Yourg.
Yourg said he prefers to buy his pot at a regulated, state-licensed cannabis dispensary because, there, he said, he knows exactly what he’s getting.
“Calling yourself a dispensary comes with a lot of scrutiny. You know, from background checks to security, to product testing, and quality and purity. There’s a lot of trust that comes with that name,” he said.
Sunnyside Spokesperson Jason Erkes said regulated dispensaries like the Sunnyside store in River North are not happy about dozens of new unregulated CBD stores opening up.
The stores don’t sell marijuana and aren’t regulated because they sell products made from hemp, a plant cousin of marijuana. They’re supposed to have less…
