Rock Island is getting the go-ahead to grow and sell medical marijuana.
That's after Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner approved plans on Monday.
A cornfield off Andalusia Road will soon feature another cash crop.
Chicago-based Green Thumb Industries will build a $10 million growing center.
"It's going to bring us a hundred jobs," said Rock Island Mayor Dennis Pauley. "It will bring us a lot of finances with it."
A plot of land near Rock Valley Plaza will become a dispensary.
This $1 million project is fronted by local businessman Matt Stern.
"There's so many patients that are standing by, just desperately waiting for this treatment," he said.
After Gov. Rauner gave the green light for 18 growing licenses and 52 dispensaries statewide, both Rock Island businesses plan to begin building this spring.
"I don't think you're going to find many places that have a growing facility and a dispensary in the same community," said Mayor Pauley.
That closeness should promote business between the growing center and dispensary.
"It was truly a community effort," Stern said. "I think that's why Rock Island was rewarded."
While it will take longer to start the crop and harvest it, both businesses expect to be operating later this year.
"It's great that the people that wanted this came to Rock Island," Mayor Pauley said.
"We can plan our facility, get it built and start serving patients," Stern concluded.