The growing culture of cannabis cultivation sprouts a budding business in DeKalb that works to lead customers through a “home-grown” journey.
Chicago Canna Co., and its upstairs partner Bob’s Exotics, offer everything an at-home cannabis grower may need, including grow lamps, specialty soils, humidifiers and a proper education. While no cannabis is sold on the property, both businesses ensure that all customers grow crops successfully.
“The people that need it the most, the medical patient who’s really sick, it keeps them out of the dispensary with over-paying high prices on products they really can’t afford in the first place,” Charlie Colon, Chicago Canna Co co-owner says. “And it kind of keeps people off the streets from going to that street dealer, they don’t have to feel like they’re a criminal.”
Located on the upper floor of Chicago Canna Co., Bob’s Exotics displays cannabis art pieces and tools that are not available for purchase yet but will be soon. Owner Bobby Perez works with Charlie Colon to educate customers who stop by their shops. He says they can answer any questions new consumers may have.
“What separates us from other businesses is the educational aspect, you know, we really care about our consumers and our clients,” Perez says. “We want to make sure they have a true understanding of what they are buying.”T
Cannabis can be purchased in Illinois by those age 21 and up for recreational purposes, and those issued an Illinois medical card. However, Colon says anyone can come by to learn proper cultivation techniques and figure out what form of consumption is best for them.
He starts each conversation with new customers with get-to-know-you questions that can better help him educate each person on the right fit for them.
“We’re really here a team to educate everyone, from the seed to harvest and the consumption, but also to be a buffer to the community for the uneducated,” Colon says. “Help people understand what legal cannabis really is and what it looks like.”
To apply for a medical marijuana card in Illinois, you must be a legal resident, have a qualifying medical condition and be 18 years or older. Visit the Illinois Department of Public Health here for more information.
Source: Sydni Stoffregen – wifr.com
