A second medical cannabis dispensary is expected to open in Champaign-Urbana by Labor Day.

NuMed Rx filed for permitting Thursday morning to begin construction on the site of a former Blockbuster at 105 East University Avenue.

“The time is right to move forward as Illinois’ medical cannabis program is maturing and qualified patients need relief,” Bob Fitzsimmons, NuMed Chief Executive Officer said in a statement.

Fitzsimmons is confident about entering the Champaign-Urbana market. He contributed a growing enrollment in Illinois’ medical cannabis program to increased support from health care officials.

The announcement of NuMed Urbana comes two months after Phoenix Botanical opened. Located at 1704 S. Neigh St, Phoenix Botanical is the inaugural medical cannabis dispensary in Champaign-Urbana.

Urbana is one of three dispensaries NuMed is opening throughout the state, along with Chicago and East Peoria.

A bill to extend the Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot Program through July 1, 2020 currently awaits Governor Bruce Rauner’s approval, who expressed intent to sign it. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and terminal illness were added as approved conditions in the bill.

The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act went into effect January 1, 2014.

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