Convicted Money Launderer Maintains Ties to Major Illinois Social Equity Cannabis Chain

David Berger, convicted of laundering Mexican cocaine cash, remains tied to the Ivy Hall cannabis chain despite his federal conviction.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 7:28 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from the Chicago Sun Times

Cocaine Trafficking Profits Linked to Legal Market

A prominent figure in the Illinois legal cannabis industry has been tied to an international drug trafficking ring. David Berger, who grew up in Northbrook, was convicted late last year of laundering more than 300,000 dollars for a Mexican cocaine distribution organization. Prosecutors detailed how illicit cash was delivered to Berger’s Ukrainian Village home disguised as grocery deliveries. Despite the federal conviction, Berger remains closely associated with Ivy Hall, one of the state’s most successful social equity marijuana retail operations.

Political Connections and Industry Launch

Ivy Hall first gained public attention in December 2022 when its Bucktown location opened as the first social equity dispensary in Illinois. At the time, Berger was pictured alongside Governor JB Pritzker and business partner Nigel Dandridge during a high profile news conference celebrating the program’s milestone. The chain has since expanded to 10 dispensaries across the state. The revelation of Berger’s criminal activity has raised questions about the vetting process for individuals involved in the management and financing of these licensed businesses.

Legislative Backlash and Policy Concerns

The association between a convicted money launderer and a state sanctioned cannabis empire has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers. State Representative La Shawn Ford, a vocal advocate for the cannabis industry, expressed concern that the current regulatory framework allows individuals with serious criminal convictions to continue benefiting from the legal market. Ford argued that the situation undermines the integrity of the social equity program, which was designed to empower communities harmed by previous drug laws rather than provide a platform for active money laundering operations.