and Krown LLC self-financed their startups, and formed partnerships with established companies, while many of their competitors are still on the sidelines, trying to get investments or loans.Contract Canna, licensed as MME Illinois LLC in Hazel Crest and already operating for three weeks, is selling its Dibz gummies in some 30 licensed cannabis stores, and Krown is making its Enliven brand of tarts, mints and cookies in downstate Pekin.
State regulators classified both infusers as preferred “social equity” applicants. Dreyfuss said Contract Canna qualified because he and his father come from qualifying areas in the south suburbs near Hazel Crest. “Money is the biggest thing, because the delay in the Illinois market and economic factors caused money to go to other states,” he said. “COVID hit, money dried up. Now it’s drying up again because people see what’s happening with share prices of cannabis companies .”
“We’re offering high-paying jobs to people who may not have had those opportunities,” Dries said. “That’s a long-term thing.”