Dispensary Planned For West Ridge Partially Owned By 10 Former Cops, Officials Say

A cannabis dispensary called Releaf, owned by retired Chicago police officers from the Kaneh Group, seeks approval for West Ridge's first marijuana retail location at 2415 W. Peterson Ave. The project, led by representatives including Damone Richardson, aims to transform a former Asian restaurant space into a community-focused dispensary. Despite receiving a social equity license, the venture faces questions about former law enforcement officers entering the cannabis industry after years of drug criminalization.

• The dispensary would be operated by 10 retired Chicago police officers through Kaneh Group, with 85% Black staff and community-centered security protocols
• Plans include a communal space for local organizations, 5% community trust ownership, and priority hiring for neighborhood residents
• Residents can provide feedback through surveys until August 5, as the project awaits City Council approval for this groundbreaking West Ridge location
• The venture highlights the complex intersection of social equity cannabis programs and former law enforcement participation in legal marijuana business