THIS BUSINESS IN NOW DEFUNCT AND NO LONGER OPERATES IN ILLINOIS.

As Illinois relaxes Covid-19 restrictions and the potential awarding of more licensing looms, entrepreneurs are launching cannabis startup companies that have been on hold for the past year.

One of those businesses is Chi High Tours.

James Gordon, executive director and owner of Chi High Tours, sees a lot of potential in the Illinois cannatourism industry.

Owner of Chi High Tours James Gordon

After having to pause the opening of Chi High Tours in 2020, Gordon felt the first of April was finally the right time to launch.

“We provide educational tours that combine some of Chicago’s most sought-after cultural highlights with the city’s ever growing cannabis culture,” Gordon said.

His business offers tour services Wednesday-Sunday from 9:30 a.m.-6:30p.m. and currently offers three tours: Classic Educational (for the new cannabis user or canna curious), Jazz & Culture Tour (which combine stories and historical landmarks with Chicago’s cannabis culture), and  Beer Bud & Bites Tour (stops at one of Chicago’s top breweries along with learning about infused culinary and non flower consumption methods).

Chi High Tours image

“We are really looking forward to doing our part in erasing the stigma associated with cannabis use by using three pillars for our success,” Gordon said. “Education, entertainment, and comfort.”

Though not from Chicago, Gordon has grown to love the city over the years, and with more than 40 million tourists yearly, Chicago presents him a great opportunity.

“The main focus was education,” he said. “I knew that as more states began to go legal, there would be a need to educate the community of non-cannabis consumers and celebrate with those who have made responsible cannabis use a true part of their lifestyle.”

Chi High Tours photo

Gordon’s goal for Chi High Tours is to scale the business to a nationwide organization under his umbrella corporation, Cannalife Events, and eventually offer franchising opportunities for those who are looking to enter the cannabis space but are not financially ready for a cultivation center or dispensary.

“I want to provide a middle ground opportunity for social equity applicants looking for a different option,” he said.

Chi High Tours image

For information about Gordon and what brought his to this point in life, visit his personal website here.

Chi High Tours can be found on Instagram @chihightours, Facebook @chihightours, and LinkedIn.

For more Illinois cannabis news, click here.