Recreational cannabis sales began January 1, 2020 when the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act officially went into effect. Now, both medical and adult-use cannabis sales are legal in the state of Illinois, including the Chicago area. Recreational consumers may purchase up to 30 grams of cannabis flower or its equivalent in other forms. Medical patients are able to purchase an "adequate supply" of marijuana, which usually translates to 2.5 usable ounces.
For more information on Illinois marijuana laws, click here.
As the eleventh state to legalize adult-use cannabis, and the twentieth to legalize medical marijuana, Illinois is in the process of helping further cannabis progression in the Midwest. The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act was passed in 2014, however, only recently have medical cannabis dispensaries in the land of Lincoln opened their doors to patients. Check back frequently to stay up-to-date on the latest cannabis news from the Prairie State.
FAQs
Is marijuana legal in Illinois?
Yes! On January 25, 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, making Illinois the 11th state to legalize recreational cannabis. Recreational marijuana laws went into effect on January 1, 2020. Adults 21 and over are legally able to purchase, possess and consume cannabis in Illinois.
Can I sell my medical marijuana?
No, qualifying patients are not allowed to purchase, sell, donate or share their medical marijuana. All medical marijuana must be bought from a licensed dispensary.
Can I consume marijuana in public in Illinois?
No, it is illegal to consume marijuana in public or indoors at a public venue, either for recreational or medical use. Additionally, it is not recommended to be publicly intoxicated either.
Can I buy medical cannabis for a friend in Illinois?
No you may not. Medical cannabis may only be purchased and consumed by qualifying patients. Any non-patient who consumes cannabis is in direct violation of the law and is subject to punishment.
Will insurance cover my medical marijuana in Illinois?
Unfortunately, no it will not. At this time, medical providers are not offering coverage for medical marijuana patients.
Where can I consume cannabis in Illinois?
Cannabis may only be consumed in a private residence that is not accessible to the public. The state also allows for local governments to permit or prohibit social consumption lounges. Lounges may be attached to an established cannabis business, or any other entity approved by a local government. If a lounge has been approved by a locality, it is not considered a "public space."
Where can I purchase marijuana in Illinois?
Medical marijuana may only be purchased at state-licensed medical dispensaries. Medical facilities will be authorized for recreational sales as of January 1, 2020. In addition to medical marijuana dispensaries, beginning January 1, 2020, recreational dispensaries will also be allowed to apply for licenses to sell adult-use cannabis to the public.
Can I grow my own marijuana in Illinois?
Only medical patients in Illinois will be allowed to cultivate up to five plants in a private residency, starting January 1, 2020. Cannabis seeds may be purchased at a dispensary and no more than five plants may be grown per household regardless of the number of patients that live there. There is a $200 fine for non-medical patients found to be growing up to five plants, with further penalties for higher plant counts.
Can I share my medical cannabis?
No you may not. Medical cannabis is for qualifying patients only and may only be consumed by the patient it is recommended to. Sharing marijuana with a non-patient is a punishable offense.
How do I get my medical marijuana card in Illinois?
Individuals with qualifying conditions may seek to obtain a medical marijuana card by registering with the Department of Public Health. If deemed a qualifying patient, you will receive a registry identification card to allow you to purchase medical cannabis.