SWAY™ Receives Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals Approval to Open Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary in South Shore Neighborhood
Long-time social equity cannabis advocate and South Side native Edie Moore leads SWAY’s expansion into its second location, addressing a “dispensary desert” on the South Side
The new dispensary is expected to be Chicago’s first licensed cannabis retail facility owned by a Black woman in a predominantly Black neighborhood, according to the company.
[CHICAGO November 15, 2024] Local, independent, and BIPOC-owned cannabis company SWAY earned approval from the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals for an adult-use cannabis dispensary in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood at 6950 S. Stony Island Avenue in a space that had been vacant for nearly two decades. This location will be SWAY’s second dispensary after successfully opening its first in the Northalsted community earlier this year. Construction planning is currently underway, and the business will open to the public after passing the required State and City inspections. The public may sign up for updates at everybodysway.com/southshore
“Currently, there are no dispensaries between 22nd and 84th streets in Chicago or in the City’s other predominantly black communities. This inequity denies folks access to safe and legal cannabis while depriving communities of the opportunity to share in the economic benefits. We’re eager to open our doors and be part of much-needed change,” says SWAY Co-Founder and South Shore resident Edie Moore.
SWAY was formed from a collaboration between cannabis equity advocate Moore, a co-founder of Chicago NORML, and LGBTQ civil rights advocates and owners of Sidetrack, Art Johnston, and José “Pepe” Peña. Their shared professional expertise and integrity reflect both the letter and the intent of the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA).
Moore led the group’s efforts to engage in an open and transparent process for community input, which included sending notices to local property owners, informing local media, consulting with the local Alderman’s office, hosting an open community meeting, and attending standing meetings of multiple local community groups. Several local and community leaders submitted letters of support, including:
“This business brings employment opportunities for the 5th Ward community. It could also inspire other entrepreneurial ventures in the Fifth Ward that are long overdue for new businesses. [Sway] can be an example of a well-regulated and responsible cannabis dispensary that will provide convenient access to legal cannabis products for adult consumers. This can help reduce the illicit market and ensure that residents can access safe and quality-controlled product,” Desmon Yancy, Alderman, Fifth Ward.
“As a long-time resident of South Shore, Moore’s dedication to community improvement, health, wellness, and economic revitalization through cannabis advocacy and education has been both inspiring and impactful. This project promises not only to revitalize a long-neglected building but also to serve as a catalyst for the transformation of our commercial corridor.” - Tonya Trice, Executive Director South Shore Chamber Community Development Corporation
“Edie's dedication to destigmatizing cannabis and highlighting its positive impacts mirrors our shared goals for a flourishing South Shore. I am deeply committed to this resident-led initiative and its profound positive implications for our neighborhood.” Val Free, Executive Director, The Neighborhood Network Alliance
An update on this project and additional information can be found at everybodysway.com/southshore
