PharmaCann's Director of Regulatory and Government Affairs Jeremy Unruh expects the first couple of weeks to be busy, and that may extend to the first few months.

"In the first two to four weeks, there will be a flurry of new activity. Those people curious will be sated, but there will still be shortages and lines and clunkiness in the operation," Unruh said.

That should be worked out in the first six months, though, since many cultivation centers are in the process of expanding, which can be a lengthy process considering the legalization of marijuana was passed in the summer. This includes Oglesby's Green Thumb Industries, which is in the midst of a $1.5 million expansion expected to create 40 to 50 new jobs.

Pamela Althoff, executive director for the advocacy group Cannabis Business Association of Illinois, expects legalization in Illinois not to be much different than other states, which saw some shortages during the "soft rollout" early on.

She noted Michigan saw $1.6 million in sales on the first day, and ultimately sold out of the product.

"This was always anticipated to be like a restaurant. Soft opening. Not rigorous or robust," Althoff said.

Unruh said he only expects the dried flower, or cannabis bud, to be a product that could be tough to come by early on but that shouldn't translate to medical patients who are expected to remain the priority. The dispensaries' other extracted and infused products, such as the edibles, vape pens and waxes, should be in ample supply.

One thing is for sure, customers looking to buy will need to bring cash as marijuana remains illegal on the national level and thus federal law stops banks and credit unions from engaging with marijuana sales.

As for Ottawa's potential windfall, Unruh suggested the city could see as much as $600,000 in taxes from having a dispensary in their limits. His estimation comes from a similar city in Massachusetts with the same amount of tax applied, wherein, the city received $300,000 at the midway point of 2019.

Possibly more than 100 dispensaries could open across the state by 2020's end

The number of dispensaries could vary greatly between the start of the year and the end of the year. The 55 existing medical dispensaries authorized for sale at the start of 2020 are all granted a second storefront and another license. Not all of those 55 were able to set up shop in their current location. In addition, the state will be giving out 75 additional licenses through an application process beginning Jan. 3.

Unruh said the length of time it takes to open a facility varies but is roughly around six months and thus why many facilities were not able to open a second facility in time for the new year. He estimates the state could see, at maximum, 55 new facilities in the first six months of the new year and an additional 75 new dispensaries by the end of 2020.

Those looking to apply for one of the 75 new dispensaries will hopefully have begun work by now to do so as Althoff said it can be an extensive approval process, including a required business and security plan as well as financial requirements.

"This is the most highly-regulated industry in the state of Illinois right now," she said.

From there, it'll be up to the state the determine how many are added.

Althoff said a demand study will be conducted annually to determine the need in the state.

"Unlike other states, we've learned that having too many is as bad as having too little," Althoff said.

As for Ottawa's dispensary, Unruh said a determination hasn't been made yet as to where they will open their second location in the multi-county region.

Advocacy group: Act responsibly

The city of Ottawa pushed forward to give a permitted use permit for Verilife to sell marijuana at the start of 2020 while the city's Plan Commission works out the more intricate details for future marijuana businesses.

The city heard from some critics of the legalization of marijuana who fear public health concerns from another substance that causes impairment being sold in the city’s limits. Unruh has heard of those too but considers many of the concerns "head in the sand stuff" given the state has already legalized consumption.

"I think it's important for people to understand and appreciate that possession and consumption of cannabis are legal in Illinois," Unruh said.

"If it's legal then the community may as well benefit from that and generate some revenue and control," he added.

Additionally, he said the legalization "stamps out the black market" which can cause some to find unregulated products potentially containing contaminants.

Althoff added that she urges all future marijuana users to be mindful and responsible.

"I stress the need for people to act responsibly and not be crazy," Althoff said. "People are watching, communities are watching, and those communities that chose to opt out because of what the consequences could be are watching."

She equated it to be similar to a 16-year-old finally being given the responsibility to drive a vehicle.

"You're in charge of your own fate," she said.