SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced today that two licensees were issued operational infuser permits and had successfully commenced business operations.
Located in Pekin, Illinois, Krown is 51% woman-owned. MME, Inc. is based in Homewood, Illinois. Both companies have been cleared to begin infusing operations, and both businesses are social equity licensees.
Under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA), infuser licensees are able to directly incorporate cannabis or cannabis concentrate to produce a cannabis-infused product, such as edibles, vapes and topicals. Of the 2021 licensing cohort, 67% of those licensees identified as non-white and 100% are qualified social equity applicants.
"Illinois is committed to creating opportunities that elevate equity and shape emerging industries throughout our state," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act is a critical tool in our mission to creating equitable space in the growing cannabis industry ... while providing jobs and boosting the economy."
Since 2021, the IDOA has issued 88 craft grow licenses, 54 infuser licenses and 189 transporter licenses.
“After the ribbon cutting for the first craft grow earlier this month, I am thrilled to see our infusing licenses coming onboard,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “We have seen this industry adapt and overcome a number of challenges these past two years, and with roughly two dozen others close to opening their doors, it’s a time of great momentum and growth in the Illinois cannabis field.”
