Adult-use cannabis will be discussed at a special meeting of the city council on September 30

At 5:30 PM on Monday, September 30 in the theater of the Decatur Civic Center, the Decatur City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss adult-use cannabis in Decatur. Among the topics likely to be discussed is whether to allow cannabis-related businesses such as cultivation centers, processors, transporters, and dispensaries. 

As a special meeting, as opposed to a study session, the city council could chose to vote that evening on whether to opt-out from having cannabis-related businesses in the city.
Please consider attending the special meeting and contacting council members with your views. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses for the council can be found at the following link: https://www.decaturil.gov/mayor-and-council/council/

Two key questions that will be important in my deliberations are: 

1) What are the negative consequences of permitting cultivation centers, processors, and transporters of adult-use cannabis in the city? Decatur is internationally recognized as an agribusiness center with expertise and a skilled workforce in growing and processing agricultural products, and is nationally recognized as an excellent place for truck drivers. 

2) Given that adult-use cannabis will be legal in Illinois effective January 1, which of the negative consequences to cannabis will be worse if the city had a dispensary compared to people driving elsewhere to purchase it? 

Your feedback on these two questions is greatly appreciated.