OKAY has something for everyone, taking what it means to be a cannabis dispensary to the next level.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit OKAY Cannabis, and I am still in awe. OKAY is a new cafe, bar, and dispensary that opened in Wheeling, Illinois in early 2023. It is part of the Fifty/50 Hospitality Group, which also owns and operates West Town Bakery, a sustainable coffee shop, and bar duet. 

I reside in the city of Chicago, just a few blocks from a West Town Bakery location as well as some of the Fifty/50 Group’s other restaurants. I often work from my local West Town Bakery, often kicking off my day with a Homer Donut and matcha latte to match. When I learned that the newest location for the bakery was going to be part of the OKAY Cannabis location I knew I had to check it out. After all, it combines my love for donuts and cannabis. I could not wait to experience the whole facility. 

The bakery’s focus is on artisanal, first-rate baked goods, the perfect complement to other offerings at OKAY Cannabis. Visitors can start their day with a coffee and pastry from West Town Bakery, then choose to browse the dispensary’s selection of cannabis products or enjoy a cocktail in the lounge later on in the day. The bar serves craft cocktails and other drinks, making it an excellent spot to unwind after a long day of work or meet up with friends for a night out. These baked goods are not infused with cannabis ingredients, so visitors may indulge without concern.

OKAY offers a well-rounded experience for visitors, with a range of offerings that cater to different interests and preferences. Whether you’re simply looking to delight in coffee and pastries, snag a few cannabis products, or indulge in a relaxing lounge atmosphere, OKAY Cannabis has something for you.

The lounge is also available to rent for private events, cannabis educational forums, and networking events adding another layer of value to the space. It allows people to gather and learn about cannabis in a safe and controlled environment, while also enjoying the other amenities the location has to offer. While cannabis can be purchased at the dispensary, consumption is not yet permitted. However, a consumption lounge is planned for the future. 

It’s true that customers may not have experienced a hybrid dispensary space that also includes a bakery and liquor-licensed cafe before, but OKAY Cannabis in Wheeling is fine with breaking new ground. The legalization of adult-use cannabis in Illinois has also afforded OKAY Cannabis an opportunity to expand its offerings and serve a wider range of customers. The dispensary has already introduced new products and strains to its menu, catering to both medical and recreational cannabis users.

OKAY Cannabis continues to be a trailblazer in the cannabis industry, offering a unique and innovative concept that has resonated with customers. As the industry evolves, it will be interesting to see how other dispensaries incorporate similar hybrid concepts to enhance the customer experience.