Washington Considers First Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Plans are moving forward for what could be Washington, Illinois' first adult-use marijuana dispensary. Zepln Enterprise, LLC has applied for a special use permit to open a Key Cannabis Dispensary at a commercially zoned property on Centennial Drive and McClugage Road. The city's planning and zoning commission unanimously recommended approval of the permit, and city staff also support the proposal.

Why it matters

The potential opening of Washington's first legal cannabis dispensary is a significant milestone for the city, as it represents the continued expansion of the adult-use marijuana industry in Illinois. The new dispensary would provide residents with convenient access to regulated cannabis products and generate additional tax revenue for the local government.

The details

The proposed Key Cannabis Dispensary would operate within city-approved regulations, including restricted business hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., no outdoor seating, and no drive-through sales. The dispensary must also be located at least 1,000 feet from schools, daycares, and residential care facilities, and 250 feet from residential areas. Washington would collect a 3% cannabis sales tax on top of the current 9% city sales tax.

• The city's planning and zoning commission unanimously recommended approval of the special use permit on April 1, 2026.
• The city council's first reading of the special use request is likely to be on the April 20, 2026 meeting agenda, but a vote is not expected at that time.

What’s next

The city council will vote on the special use permit for the Key Cannabis Dispensary at a future meeting after the initial reading on April 20, 2026.