With the legalization of recreational marijuana in Illinois almost two years ago, the demand for paraphernalia such as glass blown pocket spoons, pipes and bongs has increased.

According to the most recent data from Marijuanamoment.net, as of 2021, nearly $757.9 million in cannabis had been sold statewide since legalization in January 2020. Some Springfield-area small businesses are capitalizing on the industry demand.

Online store 420pipes offers products and showcases other stores that sell marijuana-related paraphernalia.

Nicholas Thomas, 22, founded 420pipes in October 2021.

“The first thought was, 'Man, I wish I could get a good new bowl without breaking the bank.' That seemed like something people wanted, so we started a website, selling pipes for $4.20,” the Taylorville native said.

In May, Thomas expanded 420pipes to provide a marketplace where businesses can buy, sell and ship head shop items to consumers nationwide. Thomas said 420 pipes will eventually transition away from selling its own products and strictly help others sell online.

"I wanted to do in a way that I could uplift local businesses to the next stage of our economy, which is heavily online," Thomas said.

Prairie State Hemp is another local business that works with 420pipes. The hemp farm and cannabis supplier is located in Springfield and has pipes, papers, wraps and products derived from hemp.

"I can't go too deep into what I got have my sleeve but expanded our product lines and working on bringing more of what we do in a high-quality manner," said operations manager Sam Brubaker.

Although it is profitable, being in the cannabis industry can present problems such as following the laws and regulations and the stigma that surrounds marijuana use.

A lot of people believe marijuana is "some demon drug," Brubaker said.

Although that stigma exists, the legalization of marijuana has made it accessible and popular to a different crowd.

"As marijuana became legal, increase in popularity has become apparent, especially with Gen Xers and slightly with the middle-aged and older crowd," Thomas said.

Thomas, Fortin and Brubaker agreed there's plenty of room for local business expansion and innovation in the cannabis industry.

"CBD stores, other headshops as well have popped up around Springfield and Decatur," Thomas said. "There's a lot more support and a lot higher market for those things as well."

Link to the original article:

Springfield paraphernalia shops thrive in the marijuana marketplace (sj-r.com)