Bartlett Next Suburb To Discuss Sale Of Recreational Marijuana

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A northwestern suburb is the latest to begin discussions on the state’s new law allowing recreational marijuana use starting next year. 

"It’s kind of all new to us so, it’s really uncharted territory," said Bartlett Assistant Village Administrator Scott Skrycki. 

The Bartlett Village Board will meet Tuesday night for a discussion on where trustees stand on the sale of recreational marijuana. 

Skrycki said Bartlett and other municipalities are trying to get ahead of the new law before Jan. 1. 

"I know Niles just recently had discussion about it. Naperville had a discussion about it in May. Elk Grove Village had a discussion about it," he said.

The state law that goes into effect Jan. 1 allows municipalities to decide whether to allow or forbid pot sales. Skrycki said some people have already said they'd like to open shop in Bartlett.  

"We have folks call us that are interested, but we’ve advised them that the community hasn’t made a decision, and until the mayor and board decide on what direction they want to go, we’re not having any conversation," Skrycki said.

What municipalities cannot do under the new law is forbid recreational use of marijuana.

If Bartlett decides to allow marijuana sales, village trustees could also determine where it could be sold and whether to tax it.

Skrycki said the board could vote on whether to allow or ban marijuana sales at its next meeting Aug. 20.