Galesburg’s first and only marijuana dispensary is set to open Monday after a series of factors delayed the big day.
Nature’s Treatment of Illinois already has a dispensary in Milan but moved quickly after Illinois legalized recreational sales last summer to launch a Galesburg location.
They’ve renovated the vacant building that housed Aldi Grocery Store on West Main St.
Statewide product shortages were the original reason the opening didn’t happen on New Year’s Day as originally planned.
Shortages persisted but they aimed to be open by April. Then there was a global pandemic.
When Nature’s Treatment announced their Galesburg location last August Trent Jacquin with NTI said in a statement they “look forward to being a strong community partner in Galesburg.
He says their “#1 goal is to create an operation that meets and exceeds state regulations while serving the people of the community.”
Marijuana dispensaries are considered essential businesses under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s orders, but like many other businesses, they’re required to follow strict social distancing and sanitation requirements.
Of course, Nature’s Treatment is opening amidst a pandemic and will be following strict guidelines laid out by the state to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Every person must be wearing a face mask, all patrons must stay six feet apart, they’re asking all cars enter at Walnut Avenue.
Customers will stay in their car and check in with staff who will give you an estimated wait time.
They’re asking you go wait somewhere else and they’ll text you when they’re ready to enter the dispensary.
A Facebook post from Nature’s Treatment says “This grand opening will not be the ‘normal’ kind of grand opening like we all expected. It will still be very grand and very exciting.”
