News & Blog

Nominate us for "Best Cannabis Accessory Selection in a Dispensary"

Market 96, a community-focused neighborhood dispensary, is calling on our loyal customers and supporters to nominate us for “Best Cannabis Accessory Selection in a Dispensary” in the Chicago Reader's Best of Chicago 2024 Awards.

Market 96 Celebrates 1 Year of Success: Honoring 27 Years of Cannabis Progress and the Legacy of 1996

Market 96 Neighborhood Dispensary is celebrating its 1st 9/6 Canniversary, marking a year of impactful presence in the cannabis industry.

Visionary CEO Fred Spencer Leads Market 96 Dispensary Expansion in Chicago

Fred Spencer, a Hyde Park native with deep roots in the South Side of Chicago, is making waves as the CEO of Market 96, a burgeoning dispensary brand that recently opened its second Illinois location in the South Loop.

Chicago Artist Clark Bedoy Wins Market 96 T-Shirt Design Contest Grand Prize

Market 96 is thrilled to announce the winner of our Neighborhood Artist T-Shirt Design Contest: Clark Bedoy, also known as "Milkman" or simply "Milk." A proud Chicago native, Clark has lived in several neighborhoods across the city, from Pilsen to Belmont Cragin, and now calls Brighton Park home.

CEO Fred Spencer on the Future of Cannabis in the Windy City

Under the visionary leadership of CEO Fred Spencer, the company is poised to make a significant impact, bringing its innovative products and customer-focused approach to a city that thrives on change and creativity.

Announcing Our Sweedstakes Raffle: Win Penny Cannabis for a Year!

Market 96 Chicago is thrilled to bring our highly anticipated Sweedstakes Raffle to our South Loop location! This initiative is all about rewarding our dedicated customers!

Market 96 Opens Cannabis Dispensary in South Loop

Market 96 is more than just a dispensary,” he added. “Our goal is to create a place where guests can explore high-quality cannabis products while providing opportunities to those underrepresented in the cannabis industry.

Collaboration with Roger J. Carter: A Tribute to Ida B. Wells

We are thrilled to announce a special collaboration between Market 96 and the renowned artist Roger J. Carter for our new dispensary in Chicago.

Accessory and Merchandise Vendor Submission Form

Market 96 Neighborhood Dispensary invites Illinois vendors to enhance our retail experience with unique, non-cannabis products that support the community and inclusivity. We seek all local artisans and brands, particularly from underrepresented groups, to join us in creating a vibrant, inclusive shopping environment.

Announcing Neighborhood Artist T-Shirt Design Contest

The winner of the Market 96 T-Shirt Design Contest receives $2,500, a gift bag, and a t-shirt with their design, which will be sold to support a local non-profit arts organization of their choice; they will be featured on Market 96's website and social media, with the design unveiling at the Chicago dispensary grand opening in June 2024.

Cannabis investment company plans to open multipurpose facility in Metro East

To be located at 7300 Twin Pyramid Parkway in Belleville, the 7,000-square-foot facility will employ about 40 workers, according to founding partner Sherri Blount. The company hopes to open the dual-purpose manufacturing and processing facility and dispensary — which it says will be the first of its kind in the state — in the first half of 2024.

First marijuana dispensary in Oswego opens its doors

Walking into the newly opened Market 96 neighborhood dispensary in Oswego is like walking into a neighborhood market. “That was our whole plan,” said Jay Williams, who is one of the supervisors at Market 96. “We wanted to bring a different and more welcoming experience for the guests.”

Market 96 opens first cannabis dispensary with plans for 5 more in Illinois

A Thursday ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Market 96's first location in Oswego.Market 96 opened its first Chicago-area cannabis dispensary last week and plans to launch five more, including a downtown site slated to open next year.

Social Equity Stories In Cannabis: Advocates Discuss Inclusion As Legislative Changes Loom

“Blounts&Moore partnered with social equity applicants to win six dispensaries and two craft grow licenses in Illinois. Our success will be their success,” Leah Bailey added, epitomizing the collaborative spirit. Save the dates: September 27-28.

Why You Should Visit Market 96 on Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a powerful celebration of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing fight for justice and equality. At Market 96, a Black-owned and operated social equity dispensary under Blounts & Moore, we honor this significant day by reflecting on our shared history and taking meaningful actions to support our community.

The Intersection of Cannabis & Pride: Celebrating Diversity, Equity, and Resilience

As we move through June, a month of significant celebrations and reflections, it is essential to recognize the intersections between cannabis and Pride. Each of these movements embodies a struggle for rights, recognition, and justice.

The Women Who Made Market 96 Possible: Trailblazers in Illinois Cannabis Industry

In the ever-changing world of the cannabis industry, Market 96 stands out, thanks to the incredible women behind it.

Cannabis Carts: Everything You Need to Know

In a world where convenience and efficiency are highly valued, cannabis cartridges, often referred to as cannabis carts, offer a modern approach to responsible cannabis consumption.

What is a Hybrid Cannabis Strain?

When exploring the diverse world of cannabis, you might hear the term "hybrid cannabis.” However, what exactly is a hybrid cannabis strain anyway? 

What Nutrients Are Found in Cannabis?

Cannabis, often known for its recreational and medicinal uses, is more than just THC and CBD. This remarkable plant is a rich source of a myriad of nutrients and beneficial compounds.

How to Choose the Best Cannabis for Sleep

Sleep is crucial for our well-being. For many individuals, sleep is an elusive luxury, and the nightly pursuit of a good night's rest can feel like an uphill battle.

How to Use Cannabis for Focusing Better

When you’re sitting down to concentrate on an important task, it can become easy to feel sidetracked, distracted, or otherwise taken out of your element. Without a way to tune out the surrounding noise and lock in what matters most, how do you expect to focus? 

How to Choose the Best Cannabis for Pain

Pain management is a complex field, with countless solutions available, ranging from over-the-counter pills to therapeutic exercises. Each person’s body experiences pain differently, and the duration of the pain can range from acute to chronic.