On January 1, 2020, Illinois became the 11th state to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana. It also had one of the largest opening days for marijuana purchase in the country, with more than $3 million in sales on the first day and nearly $20 million in the first 12 days. 

So what should you know if you’re planning on visiting Chicago, Illinois and enjoying marijuana? In this guide, we’ll give you all the details about marijuana in Chicago, including:

• Is Marijuana Legal in Chicago?
• What Can I Buy in Chicago?
• How Much Can I Buy in Chicago?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, recreational marijuana is legal in Chicago, Illinois, as long as you’re an adult over the age of 21 and you have a valid, government-issued ID. In fact, if you meet those qualifications, marijuana is legal to you across the entire state of Illinois. Visitors are also welcome to visit and make purchases at a Chicago dispensary, as long as they meet the above criteria as well.

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.

New to purchasing recreational cannabis? Here are a few tips for your first dispensary visit.

Whether you’re in Chicago, Galena, or a different city in Illinois, purchase and possession limits are the same across the state. Illinois allows state residents to purchase higher amounts of products, while non-residents are able to purchase half as much. This is important to remember if you are visiting Chicago or if you live there. 

• Cannabis Flower - Illinois residents are able to purchase 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 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  

These totals are cumulative, so you can have a combination of flower, infused products, and concentrates up to the limit in each category.

Whether you’re visiting Chicago or you live in the Windy City, you may have questions about purchasing marijuana. We’ve compiled some of our top asked questions to ensure you get the answers you need: 

How do I pay for my cannabis products in Chicago?

Due to cannabis still being federally illegal, most dispensaries in Chicago are not able to accept credit or debit cards. You’ll need to bring cash or visit one of the ATMs located within most cannabis stores.

Where can I consume marijuana in Chicago?

If you’re wondering if it’s legal to smoke marijuana in Chicago, the answer is yes—but not in public. You may consume cannabis on private property (if the owner allows), as well as in entities that have consumption licences. Consumption in the streets, public parks, or establishments that do not have a licence remains illegal. 

How much marijuana can I possess in Chicago?

Marijuana possession limits in Chicago are different for residents and non-residents. Chicago residents may possess up to 30 grams of cannabis flower; up to 500 milligrams of cannabis-infused product; and up to 5 grams of concentrates. Non-residents can possess up to 15 grams of cannabis flower; up to 250 milligrams of cannabis-infused product; and up to 2.5 grams of concentrates.

Can I order marijuana for delivery in Chicago?

Unfortunately, you cannot order marijuana for delivery in Chicago. 

What dispensaries in Chicago are there?

There are a number of dispensaries in Chicago, but our favorite one is Verilife Chicago in the River North area. 

The best part of purchasing marijuana in Chicago as an Illinois resident or an out-of-state visitor is that every dispensary is staffed with cannabis experts that can help you find the product and information you’re interested in. When visiting, if you have questions about a particular product, the laws in the state, or just cannabis in general, be sure to ask a budtender. They’ll help you get the answers you need and the marijuana you want.