Recreational marijuana dispensary coming to Cairo

CAIRO, Ill. (KBSI) – Cairo Mayor Thomas Simpson said the marijuana dispensary coming to Cairo is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to rebuilding the city.

I’m in the rebuilding stages, and this is something that would bring good paying jobs, benefits, and employ a lot of folks,” he said.

Blounts and Moore, LLC will build and operate the 3,200 square-foot facility, which will create 20 to 25 new jobs. 

Blounts and Moore Principal Rita Scott said in addition to creating jobs, she and her team will strive to fulfill another part of their mission. 

“We’ll be doing a lot of training. We’ll be doing a lot of giving back to this community because that’s part of our mission,” she said. “Our mission is to give back and to make economic growth for everyone.” 

Scott said the dispensary’s location near Interstate 57 will prove fruitful in the long run. 

“We feel that this location here, right off the highway, will pull in our visitors from all over, and they’ll come to this area to buy their cannabis products,” she said 

Simpson expects the dispensary to generate over $30,000 in new sales tax revenue per month. 

“That money can take care of expenses, salaries for our employees, so that’s a great help,” he said.

Simpson said Cairo is on the rise and should not be taken lightly. 

“I’ve made trips to Springfield, been on the phone with legislators, and I’m making sure that they know what Cairo is all about and how good the hearts of people are here in Cairo and that we’re rebuilding this community,” he said.

A completion date has not been set yet, but Scott anticipates and opening sometime around March 2024.