Ottawa dispensary not out of stock; business to open Tuesday

OTTAWA — Several Verilife marijuana dispensaries are closed today, but it's not because their supply ran out.

The Chicago Tribune reported some dispensaries in the Chicago area had closed to recreational customers due to a shortage of marijuana products. The legal sale of recreational cannabis began Jan. 1 in Illinois, with customers spending about $3.2 million on the first day and more than $5 million over two days, according to the Associated Press. In total, recreational marijuana sales have tallied near $11 million in the first five days.

A post on Verilife dispensary’s Facebook page on Friday informed customers in advance of the Monday, Jan. 6 closure, and new hours that will start next week. Verilife’s locations in North Aurora, Romeoville and Ottawa, are all closed today.

The Verilife Marijuana Dispensary in Ottawa is not out of stock of product, an employee with the company said.

The reason for the closure was not shared on the social media post, and Shaw Media reached out to the store's manager, Anna Johnson, via email for further information.

The store will reopen at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, according to a voice message customers hear when calling Verilife’s phone.