Recreational marijuana growing center to open in Richton Park – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

One of the first craft cannabis growers approved by state regulators under the social equity program is close to starting operations.

Galaxy Labs has converted a former Richton Park grocery store into growing space for recreational cannabis that it anticipates selling to dispensaries.

Managing partners Rick and Michelle Ringold said they also plan to open a dispensary this fall in a retail space northwest of the intersection of Sauk Trail and Governors Highway in Richton Park, next to the growing operation.

Galaxy received approval of occupancy from the village Wednesday and got the OK from the Illinois regulators to start operations Thursday.

“We are rushing to put on the last finishing touches,” Michelle Ringold said Friday.

The Illinois Cannabis Social Equity Program was established as part of the state’s legalization of recreational adult-use marijuana.

The program was intended to offer disadvantaged people and communities of color disproportionately affected by the war on drugs an opportunity to benefit from the cannabis industry.

However, applicants, such as the Ringolds, have been hampered by delays in enactment of the equity program.

Galaxy was one of the first three craft growers issued a preconstruction permit by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, in May 2022. The company…