After nearly three years of covering the Illinois cannabis industry, I am learning the ebbs and flows of the industry’s busy peaks and slow downs (which makes it easier to create a yearly budget). December may not be a slow down for purchasing cannabis, but fewer cannabis-friendly events are scheduled during late fall and winter months. Despite being limited to indoor get-togethers, we still were able to add several events to our December calendar. Visit our “upgraded” Events Page for more information on the following events.

November 25, RISE Lounge is set to host its Black Light Party from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (all day). Participants can RSVP on Seven Rooms for the free event. Each table will be guaranteed a 120-minute table limit. All products must be purchased inside Rise Lounge. RISE Lounge will not accept reservations that are more than 15 minutes late.

November 30, Tony P’s Cannabis Industry Networking Night is set for 6 p.m.-9 p.m. The Electric Hotel on 222 W. Ontario Street in Chicago will host the event.

December starts the Aroma Grow Store fall schedule for free classes for beginning cannabis growers. The three-class series will discuss all information a person needs to start growing, including how to propagate seeds and re-pot and clone plants, as well as information on nutrient deficiencies, pest control, and more. The classes are offered on Sunday nights and Wednesday mornings. Sunday night classes are set for 7-9 p.m. December 4, December 11, and December 18. Wednesday morning classes are scheduled for 9-11 a.m. December 7, December 14, and December 21. Aroma Grow Store Wheeling, located at 668 Wheeling Road in Wheeling, will host the classes. To sign up for the free classes, call 847-947-2857 or email aromagrowstore@gmail.com with your name, email, phone number and which set of classes you want to attend. In the future, Aroma Grow Store plans to host classes on indoor gardening, micro greens, and organic sustainable living.

December 4, Brunch of Stoners is set to host its Winter Haze event. Join industry and community influencers for brunch, as well as a brunch buffet, winter mocktails, interactive activities, holiday games and more. The event is scheduled for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the West Loop.

December 10, Blooms Brothers Hydro, located in The Apple House in at 2611 South Harding in Terre Haute, Indiana, will be holding an after hours education event. Starting at 5:45 p.m. Blooms Brothers Hydro is set to host its first “After Hours Nectar Sesh.” The event is already fully booked, though a couple spots may be available if inquired. Blooms Brothers Hydro, which is only seven miles from the Illinois border, offers several different nutrient lines in house, with others as a special order, as well as growing media, lighting, tents, environmental accessories, grow bags, curing supplies, and more. For 20% off any in-store purchases, use promo code ILNJ22.

December 10, RISE Lounge is set to host its Holiday Cocktail Class, sponsored by Up Elevated Cocktails x CANN. Three times for the event include 3-4:30 p.m., 5-6:30 p.m., or 7-8:30 p.m. Each table will be guaranteed a 120-minute table limit. Up Elevated will teach participants how to build a few cocktails inspired by CANN so they can socially consume. All products must be purchased inside Rise Lounge, located at 1325 Armour Boulevard in Mundelein.

December 3, LevelUp Seed & Garden Supply is set to host a “Gene Trader Day.” Located at 2205 Wabash Ave. in Springfield, the event offers a space for growers to trade their gear to help suit their medical needs. The event runs from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Lunch will be provided. For more Illinois cannabis industry news, visit here.

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