Medical marijuana dispensary proposed in Des Plaines

Only one potential medical marijuana dispensary has applied to the state to open a facility within the city limits of Des Plaines, officials said.

Prime Wellness of Illinois is seeking one of the highly sought-after state licenses to sell medical marijuana. Company investors are hoping they'll be able to open within a currently vacant 4,000-square-foot retail tenant space at 415 W. Touhy Ave. The city council gave initial approval this week to a conditional use permit for the dispensary should it earn state approval. A final vote from aldermen is expected Nov. 17.

The state is allowing only one dispensary in Elk Grove and Schaumburg townships, so Prime Wellness will have to compete against 11 others seeking to open within those geographic boundaries. State licenses could come by the end of the year.

If approved, the business would be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and have six or seven employees.