Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia helped cut the ribbon last week at Tru Essence Dispensary, 792 E. Rand Road. Courtesy of Timothy Kou at Fireborn Media
A second marijuana dispensary quietly has opened in Arlington Heights, years after controversy and debate about whether to allow the first one to do business in town.
Longtime Mayor Tom Hayes was outright opposed to the vice, arguing it would diminish the village’s reputation as a family-oriented community.
But supporters say times have changed, and there was the new mayor, Jim Tinaglia, holding giant scissors at a recent ribbon cutting welcoming the new business and its green — leaves and tax dollars — to town.
Tru Essence Dispensary now is open at 792 E. Rand Road in the Southpoint Shopping Center. The 4,000-square-foot store — a