Cannabis Dispensaries in Chicago, IL
Known as the cultural hub of the Midwest, Chicago, Illinois offers every amenity imaginable—from beaches and restaurants, to sports arenas and dispensaries. For both local and visiting cannabis enthusiasts, it’s important to check out the city’s marijuana law regulations before enjoying.
Chicago Dispensary Maps
Chicago Albany Park
Chicago Andersonville
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Chicago Chinatown
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Chicago Englewood
Chicago Gold Coast
Chicago Humboldt Park
Chicago Hyde Park
Chicago Jackson Park
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Chicago Lincoln Square
Chicago Little Italy
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Logan Square Chicago
Chicago Lower West Side
Chicago Magnificent Mile
Old Town Chicago
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The Lowdown on Chicago Cannabis Laws
Both medicinal and recreational marijuana use are legal in Chicago. Illinois became the 20th state to legalize medical cannabis in August 2013, when it passed the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. In June 2019, it became the 11th state to legalize recreational cannabis when it passed the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, although the bill didn’t take effect until January 2020. Medical marijuana is legal for adults over the age of 18; minors under 18 may obtain a license with the support of their parent or guardian. Recreational marijuana is legal for adults over the age of 21.
Recreational Cannabis Laws in Chicago
Chicago residents with a valid ID can purchase and possess up to:
30 grams of cannabis flower (roughly one ounce)
5 grams of cannabis concentrate (oils, dab, or kief)
500 milligrams of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) within cannabis-infused products (e.g., tinctures and edibles)
All recreational cannabis in Chicago must be purchased from a licensed dispensary—it’s not yet legal to buy cannabis online or otherwise through the mail. It’s also currently illegal for Chicago residents to grow their own recreational marijuana.
Medical Cannabis Laws in Chicago
Medical marijuana can be purchased through a Chicago dispensary by patients who suffer from a state-approved debilitating medical condition. In Chicago, an “adequate supply” of medical cannabis can be purchased by registered users every 14 days. The standard measurement is 2.5 ounces; however, some waivers are allowed if patients receive a written statement from their physician explaining why the limit isn’t enough for their debilitating medical condition.
Medical marijuana patients may grow up to five plants legally at their residence, provided the marijuana is for personal consumption only. You must store the cannabis within your home for it to be considered legal as well.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Chicago
All patients must register for their Medical Cannabis Registry Card with the state’s Medical Cannabis Registry Program and:
Submit a copy of your Illinois State driver’s license or State ID card
Provide proof of legal residency
Have a physician’s certification that you have a qualifying condition
Submit a photo taken within the last 30 days
Minors under the age of 18 can also register on the site, and must submit:
A healthcare professional certification
A reviewing healthcare professional certification
Minors do not need to submit a photo. Qualifying patients who turn 18 years old during the time their registry ID card is valid may apply for an adult registry ID immediately or during the normal renewal period.
For both adults and minors, patients can choose a one-year, two-year, or three-year card, and may register designated caregivers. Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and veterans may be eligible for a reduced application fee. You can find a breakdown of all fees on the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) website.
Medical patient benefits in Chicago
Medical marijuana products are exempt from excise taxes, making them more affordable for patients.
Minors under the age of 18 with a caregiver and certification of their condition by two qualifying physicians can consume medical marijuana products.
Medical marijuana patients are given priority over adult consumers and are not required to wait in line at dispensaries.
Medical marijuana patients have access to a wider variety of products containing higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Where is it Legal to Consume Cannabis in Chicago
If you buy marijuana from a Chicago weed dispensary, you must consume it in your own home or on-site at select cannabis-related licensed outlets (check with your dispensary!). Using marijuana in public is illegal—this includes streets, parks, and areas adjacent to dispensaries—as is using cannabis in any vehicle, whether or not it’s running. It’s also illegal to consume cannabis near anyone under 21 years old, or near any on-duty bus drivers, police officers, firefighters, or corrections workers.
Consumption of marijuana on private property is legal, subject to the discretion of the property owner (e.g., if you rent an apartment, you must get permission from your landlord to use cannabis).
Cannabis Taxes in Chicago
There’s no tax on medical marijuana in Chicago. For recreational marijuana, the state uses a graduated excise tax system:
Purchases with less than 35% THC are taxed at 10%
Purchases with more than 35% THC are taxed at 25%
Cannabis-infused goods (e.g., edibles) with 35% or more THC are taxed at 20%
In addition:
Both the City of Chicago and Cook County (where Chicago is located) passed the Cannabis Retailers’ Occupation Tax, adding a 3% tax each to marijuana sales, resulting in an additional 6% tax on purchases.
Marijuana purchases in Chicago also carry a standard 10.25% sales tax
With the total sales tax of 16.25% for cannabis purchases, plus the excise tax, Chicago residents face up to a 41.25% tax on their marijuana. The State of Illinois projects will record more than $1 billion in sales of recreational marijuana, and expects $20 million in marijuana tax revenue, in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Average price of an 8th in Chicago
The average price of an 8th in Chicago is $60. Some of the strains at this price include Cherry Chem, Colombian Haze, Cake Breath, Bio Jesus, Apple Rocky Candy, ACDC, ChinaBerry, Pink Kush, Double Rainbow, NYC Diesel, Green Line OG, Cherry Hash, Cake Breath and Liberty Haze. Other strains include Sunshine OG at $65, Northern Lights at $76, Peppermint Kush at $46, and Mag Landrace at $65.
Difference between a storefront and dispensary
A storefront is oriented to adult cannabis consumers, while a dispensary offers medical marijuana products to treat debilitating conditions.
Cannabis sold in storefronts may not be of high quality because it is not usually grown in controlled environments. However, the cannabis sold in dispensaries is high-grade because it is grown in controlled environments ensuring it gets every nutrient needed.
Where does the Chicago marijuana tax revenue go?
Chicago cannabis tax revenue is used to improve the lives of its residents. The tax money is used to renovate schools within the city to elevate the education standards. Part of the money is also used to train counselors and social workers. These people educate the youth on the dangers of drug abuse and the potential benefits that medical marijuana possesses.
