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Check out the latest news on Socíale Dispensary!

In September, Khot opened Sociale Dispensary in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge. Its designation as the suburb’s only operational cannabis retailer, as well as its proximity to O’Hare International Airport and other public transportation hubs, has led to strong sales in the early going. “It’s exceeded our expectations,” said Khot, who immigrated to the U.S. from India in 2008...

Though Park Ridge has had a long journey to opening its first cannabis dispensary after recreational cannabis became legal in Illinois in 2019, Sociale, a woman- and immigrant-owned dispensary, has opened its doors.


Sociale started a soft launch Aug. 22 and a grand opening is set for Sept. 7 to 10 at the dispensary, 1036 West Higgins Road...

Annu Khot was born and raised in India and not surprisingly she gets a lot of raised eyebrows, when she tells people that she owns a cannabis dispensary. But for her, the foray into the cannabis industry was an effort to foster greater inclusivity and benefits for all. "I'm proud to break the stereotype; many people don't know about India's rich heritage with cannabis..."

The turning-point story behind the birth of Socíale, an employee-owned and minority-owned social equity cannabis dispensary based in Park Ridge, Illinois, is one of pain and purpose. After experiencing the mental and physical pain of miscarriages, the owner decided to open her own dispensary to make a difference in other lives...

The lack of equitable wealth creation in the cannabis industry bolsters its inaccessibility. While getting started is no easy feat, as leaders, we should each take it upon ourselves to empower those wanting to work with this life-changing plant by developing an industry that’s ripe with endless opportunities...

"I first learned about the power of cannabis more than a decade ago, when I experienced multiple miscarriages before the birth of my son. Cannabis helped me ease the mental and physical pain of these tragedies–and I saw how it transformed the well-being of a relative suffering from late-stage cancer. From that point on, I was all-in on cannabis–and was committed to building a business in the sector. And as an Indian-American, I was especially interested in the industry–as cannabis has been a part of Indian traditional medicine for centuries. However, it is now outlawed in the country. I quickly realized that I not only needed to be an advocate for cannabis in the U.S and the state of Illinois, but break down taboos in my home country..."

Being a woman in cannabis is not always easy. From a lack of studies on females and the plant to a serious shortage of products crafted with women in mind, there are many parts of the industry that fall short.


Annu Khot understands these challenges firsthand. As the first female cannabis license holder in the uber-competitive state of Illinois, Khot recognizes the need for an emphasis on wellness, education, and social equity in the space. Her dispensary Socíale provides a supportive, nurturing, and empowering environment to guide customers through their entire cannabis journey.

On building her first dispensary and elevating women in cannabis. Annu Khot is an award-winning founder, CEO, and innovator who is transforming the cannabis industry to foster greater inclusivity and benefits for all. Khot is on a mission to bridge societal divides, create economic opportunities for underrepresented communities, and enhance well-being.

Published by Authority Magazine

"Annu Khot is an award-winning Founder, CEO, and Innovator who is transforming the cannabis industry to foster greater inclusivity and benefits for all. Driven by a commitment to acknowledge, value, and empower every individual, Khot is on a mission to bridge societal divides, create economic opportunities for underrepresented communities, and enhance well-being. Spearheading a new era of prosperity in cannabis, Khot is committed to dismantling societal conditioning and systemic barriers by championing inclusivity in leadership, ownership, and usership..."

By Lydia Kariuki, My Cannabis

"We looked at numerous locations before deciding on our Park Ridge, IL location. We closely analyzed all existing dispensaries in the area, and determined that there was enough of a need in Park Ridge for a new dispensary that would allow us to carve out a differentiated customer base. Our flagship location–and all other future Socíale locations–will aim to amplify female-owned and female-led cannabis brands. As we are also female-owned and female-led, we want to extend that same approach to our product assortment. The dispensary experience will be wholly focused on education. Whether you’ve never stepped foot in a dispensary or are very familiar with the category, our budtenders will share the best products and consumption methods to suit your needs..."

By Wendell Hutson, Staff Reporter, Chicago Business Journal

The Sociale cannabis dispensary will debut this month in Park Ridge, Illinois with nine more locations planned for the Chicago area.

BY MJBizDaily Staff


"The business, located in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, is a social equity licensee, according to a news release. Part of Socíale’s mission is to create equitable opportunities in the cannabis industry, founder Annu Khot said in a statement.


'I believe this industry offers significant opportunities for innovation and reshaping industry economics,' she said."


Read more about Socíale Dispensary's expansion and more in this article from MJBizDaily

Socíale Raises $3 Million for Illinois Social Equity Cannabis Retail Expansion

PARK RIDGE, Ill. —


"Annu Khot, Founder of Socíale, has been a trailblazer in championing inclusivity and social equity within the cannabis sector. Khot’s inspiration to enter the industry stems from recognizing the immense potential for positive change through job creation, economic empowerment, and advancing the social equity cause..."


Read more about Socíale Dispensary's fundraising, expansion, and more in this article from mg Magazine

$3M Investment Fuels Expansion Of Socíale Dispensary's Social Equity Cannabis Stores In Park Ridge, Illinois

by Javier Hasse, Benzinga Editor


"Socíale, a minority-led Illinois cannabis dispensary with a mission of social equity, has successfully secured $3 million in a funding round..."


Read more about Socíale Dispensary's fundraising, expansion, and more in this article from Benzinga!

Socíale Dispensary Set To Open This Summer

Socíale is planning to open the doors to their first cannabis dispensary location this summer in Park Ridge, Illinois. The dispensary will have a variety of exciting deals for their grand opening, and cannabis consumers won't want to miss out! Stay tuned for more information about Socíale's grand opening.

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