Is Marijuana Legal in Chicago? Everything You need to Know

First thing’s first: marijuana is legal in Chicago! Recreational cannabis has been legal in Illinois since January 1, 2020, as long as you meet certain criteria. Find these answers along with other helpful details you need to know in our guide to cannabis in Chicago.

Chicago allows residents and visitors who are at least 21 years of age to purchase marijuana products from a state-licensed dispensary. As you prepare to visit a cannabis store in the Windy City, you’ll want to become familiar with local regulations so you can stay on the right side of the law.

There are two types of shoppers in Illinois–recreational and medical–and they each come with their own set of rules.

• Recreational (Adult-Use): Any adult over the age of 21 can purchase recreational cannabis products, as long as they have a valid, government-issued photo ID.
• Medical Patients: To shop medical menus, the patient must first obtain a medical marijuana card from the state of Illinois. The card and a valid, government-issued photo ID must be presented during each dispensary visit.
  
  

Chicago is home to a plethora of legal, state-licensed cannabis dispensaries. While there are other types of CBD stores and vape shops in the city, only dispensaries are regulated and offer quality, lab-tested products.¹

If you’re looking for cannabis in Chicago, there are many products available, including premium flower, edibles, vapes, pre-rolls, cannabis beverages, concentrates, among others. Ultimately, what you’re able to purchase comes down to what your favorite state-licensed dispensary carries. 

We always recommend taking a look online at the dispensary’s menu to ensure they have the products you want. If you’re visiting from out of town, don’t assume a dispensary in Chicago carries your favorite strain or even your favorite types of edibles that you enjoy in your home city. Every dispensary carries a unique selection of products and varied strains, so it's the perfect opportunity to try something new if you don’t find your old favorite.

Illinois residents (which includes Chicago) are able to purchase and possess higher amounts of products, while non-residents are able to buy and carry half as much.²

• Cannabis Flower  - Illinois residents are able to purchase and possess up to 30 grams (about one ounce) of cannabis flower. This can be in the form of premium flower, shake, popcorn, or pre-rolls. If you are not an Illinois resident, you can purchase and carry up to 15 grams of cannabis flower. 
  
  
• Concentrates - Illinois residents are able to purchase and possess up to 5 grams of cannabis concentrates. Non-residents can purchase up to 2.5 milligrams of concentrates, which includes shatter, live resin, RSO, etc. The same goes for possession limits.
  
  
• Edibles - Residents of the Prairie State can purchase cannabis edibles that contain up to 500 milligrams. There is no limit on the actual number of products, just the amount of THC within the products. Non-residents can purchase edibles with up to 250 milligrams of THC. Possession limits are the same for both groups.
  
  

Just because cannabis is legal in Chicago doesn’t mean you can walk down the street smoking your favorite strain. The only places you can legally consume your products is on private property, which can include inside your house, your backyard, or on your balcony. If you are a renter, make sure to get permission from the landlord as they are able to prohibit cannabis use.³ Chicago also prohibits people from consuming cannabis in a vehicle, whether it's moving or not.³

Now that you know the basics about marijuana in Chicago, here are additional details and answers to some frequently asked questions about cannabis in Illinois and Chicago. 

Can I buy edibles in Chicago?
Yes, you can buy edibles like gummies or chocolates from Chicago dispensaries.

Can I pay with a credit card?
Unfortunately credit cards are not accepted at dispensaries (in just about any state!) as cannabis is not federally legal. Most dispensaries have on-site ATMs and many accept debit cards, but we recommend bringing cash just to be safe.

Do dispensaries deliver in Chicago?
No. Illinois has not legalized cannabis delivery, so there aren't any delivery services in the city of Chicago.

Can I order marijuana online in Chicago?
Yes, you can reserve an order online and pick it up at a licensed dispensary.

Want to know more about cannabis or looking to try something new? Ask the budtender at your local dispensary, who can help answer questions and find the product that’s right for you.

Sources:

1. “Cannabis confusion: Knowing the difference between regulated weed stores and unregulated CBD shops,” ABC7.com, August 9, 2022, https://abc7chicago.com/sunnyside-dispensary-cbd-thc-near-me-river-north-chicago/12112671/ 

2. "Consumption & Possession," Chicago.gov, https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/cannabis-information-center/home/social-consumption.html

3. "Where Can You Smoke Weed In Chicago? Your Marijuana Questions, Answered," Block Club Chicago, August 4, 2023, https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/08/04/is-weed-legal-chicago-illinois-can-you-smoke-in-public-all-your-marijuana-questions-answered/