Marijuana In Illinois

Marijuana in a jar

Introducing Your Guide to Marijuana in Illinois

As of Jan. 1, it’s legal to buy and smoke recreational marijuana in Illinois – whether you like it or not. What you need to know about the new era of pot policy in 2020.

Illinois Black Hemp Association Says Industry ‘Under Attack’ by Pritzker Amid Push for Stricter Regulation

| Amanda Vinicky

Samuel Wilson, owner of the Prohibition THC Cafe, speaks at a news conference Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (WTTW News)

Many in the hemp industry said not everyone in the hemp space uses deceitful and dangerous practices, and that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s approach will… Read More

Endometriosis, Ovarian Cysts Among Conditions Added to Illinois Medical Marijuana Qualification List

| Amanda Vinicky

Marijuana is pictured in a plastic container. (Credit: Elsa Olofsson / Pixabay)

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Thursday that patients diagnosed with endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and female… Read More


 

Pritzker, Johnson Clash Over Hemp Regulation as Bill Stalls in Springfield

| Amanda Vinicky

Left: Gov. J.B. Pritzker is pictured in a July 2023 file photo. (Jerry Nowicki / Capitol News Illinois) Right: Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks outside Roseland Mental Health Center on May 30, 2024. (WTTW News)

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wants the state to come through for him in a major way to boost spending on the city’s schools and transportation…... Read more

Key City Panel Advances Measure to Ban Sale of Intoxicating Hemp in 2 Southwest Side Wards

| Heather Cherone

(WTTW News)

If approved by the full City Council, violations of the ordinance could trigger fines of at least $2,000 and no more than $5,000. A final vote on the…... Read more

Pritzker Endorses Bill That Would Impose New Regulations on State’s Hemp Industry

| Peter Hancock …

Products that contain delta-8 THC are pictured next to the original packaging they resemble. (Andrew Campbell / Capitol News Illinois)

Illinois lawmakers passed legislation in 2018 to allow the commercial production of hemp, the same year Congress legalized hemp nationwide through…... Read more


5 Things to Know

You’ll have to be 21 years old to legally buy and use marijuana.

All marijuana sold in dispensaries across the state will be grown in Illinois (in one of the state’s licensed “cultivation centers”).

Want to grow your own? Only state-registered medical marijuana patients can do that. (The limit’s five per household.)

Medical marijuana patients also get first dibs on cannabis if supplies run short (and in the beginning, they may).

You won’t be allowed to smoke, vape or consume marijuana or pot products in public. That includes bars and restaurants.

Watch

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Illinois Dispensaries

Right now, there are 55 pot shops in Illinois catering to medical marijuana users. (The state calls them “cannabis dispensaries.”) Each of these shops is allowed to open a second location to sell recreational marijuana, so that number will only grow. Use our map to see which shops are open, and where they’re located.