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How Much Cannabis Can You Buy in Illinois?

Illinois was the 11th state to legalize the sale of recreational cannabis. However, as with every other state, it’s important to understand the different permissions and limitations for purchasing cannabis in the Prairie State. 

In this state-specific purchase and possession guide, we’ll give you everything you need, including:  

  • Who Can Purchase Cannabis in Illinois?
  • Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in Illinois?
  • What Are the Cannabis Purchase & Possession Limits in Illinois?
  • Where Can I Legally Purchase Cannabis Products in Illinois?
  • How Much Medical Cannabis Can You Purchase in Illinois?
  • FAQs About Cannabis in Illinois


Who Can Purchase Cannabis in Illinois?

If you are over the age of 21, you can legally buy recreational cannabis from a state-licensed dispensary in Illinois. You don’t have to be an Illinois resident to do so, you’ll just have to provide a valid, government-issued photo ID with your date of birth. To purchase medical cannabis in Illinois, you will need a valid medical marijuana card.

Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in Illinois?

Yes, cannabis for recreational use is legal in the state of Illinois. On June 25, 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Public Act 101-0027) to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, and retail sales commenced on January 1, 2020. 

What Are the Cannabis Purchase & Possession Limits in Illinois?

Walk on the right side of the law by being aware of the cannabis purchase and possession limits in the Prairie State. The Illinois recreational limits differ if you’re an Illinois resident or an out-of-state visitor.

Illinois Residents

If you live in Illinois, here’s how much marijuana you can buy and have in your possession:

  • 30 grams (1.05 ounces) of cannabis flower
  • 5 grams of cannabis concentrate
  • 500 milligrams of THC-infused products, such as edibles

Illinois Visitors

Adults who are visiting Illinois have different purchase limits; specifically, they are half of what Illinois residents may buy and possess.

  • 15 grams (0.5 ounces) of cannabis flower
  • 2.5 grams of cannabis concentrate
  • 250 milligrams of THC-infused products

Note that the totals of how much cannabis you can buy and have in your possession are cumulative. That means the combination of cannabis concentrates, infused products, and flowers is limited for each product category. Your budtender can assist if you aren’t sure how much cannabis you can buy or have. 

Where Can I Legally Purchase Cannabis Products in Illinois?

You can buy cannabis products from licensed dispensaries, which are located all over the state of Illinois. Before the act was passed, medical marijuana dispensaries could only sell to medical patients. Now, more than 170 licensed dispensary locations sell medical and recreational cannabis.

How Much Medical Cannabis Can You Purchase in Illinois?

Under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act, registered qualifying medical patients may legally possess up to 2.5 ounces (almost 71 grams) of medical marijuana in a two-week period.

Patients with an Illinois medical marijuana card may also apply for a waiver if the 2.5 ounces over 14 days is insufficient, and their physician must complete the Physician Written Certification Form on the State’s online portal to increase the dosage to a maximum of 5 ounces. Medical marijuana patients may grow a maximum of five mature plants.

FAQs About Cannabis in Illinois

People still have many questions about the use, possession, and sale of cannabis in Illinois. Here are a few frequently asked questions to put your mind at ease:

Are edibles legal in Illinois?
Edibles are part of recreational marijuana in Illinois. Residents can buy and possess up to 500 milligrams of THC-infused products, including edibles and tinctures. For non-residents of Illinois, the amount is half at 250 milligrams.

Does Illinois accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards?
Illinois doesn’t accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards. Only the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Medical Cannabis issues valid registry identification cards to Illinois residents.

Is marijuana legal in Chicago?
Recreational and medical cannabis are legal in the whole of Illinois, and that includes Chicago. As stated in the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, only those who are 21 and older may use marijuana recreationally.

Legal Cannabis in Illinois

Illinois has made it easy to purchase recreational marijuana, especially if you compare this process to that of other states. Medical and recreational dispensaries can sell cannabis products, but you must be 21+, have a valid ID, and stick to the Illinois medical and recreational marijuana limits. Budtenders in the “Land of Lincoln” can help if you have more questions or need help with your order.

 


Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.