Visiting an Illinois Dispensary Near You
Your Guide to Cannabis in Illinois
Both recreational (also called adult-use) and medical cannabis are legal in the state of Illinois. Whether you’re new to cannabis or an experienced cannabis enthusiast, Verilife is here to help you know what to expect when shopping for cannabis in Illinois.


Understanding Illinois Cannabis Laws
Illinois cannabis laws are easy to follow once you know the ins and outs of what you can and can’t do. Cannabis shoppers are subject to the following requirements:
- You must be 21 years old.
- You must have a valid, government-issued photo ID.
If you are looking to purchase medical cannabis in Illinois, you will need a valid medical marijuana card.
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 purchase and possession 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
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
Please note that medical marijuana patients have different limits. Check out our Illinois medical cannabis guide to learn more.
Verilife has been serving Illinois since it was founded in 2015–from opening the state’s first medical dispensary in Ottawa, IL to bringing recreational products to Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Check out our locations throughout northern Illinois to find a dispensary near you.
Where Can I Use Cannabis in Illinois?
In Illinois, cannabis can only be consumed on private property; this includes your home, backyard, porch, or any other privately owned area that is out of view of the public. However, landlords may have additional rules regarding cannabis consumption, so you should always check for your location.


In general, consuming cannabis is illegal in the following locations or situations:
- Public places, including streets and parks; or
- Any motor vehicle; or
- On school grounds (except for approved medical users); or
- Around a minor; or
- Near on-duty school bus drivers, police officers, firefighters, and correction officers; or
- Traveling across state lines; or
- Section 8 government-funded housing.


FAQs About Cannabis in Illinois
We get it, cannabis rules can be confusing! We get tons of questions at our Illinois dispensaries; we’ve included a few here to get your started. If you want to know more, feel free to ask one of our budtenders.
Where can I buy marijuana in Illinois?
Cannabis shoppers and medical patients can purchase medical marijuana products at state-licensed dispensaries across Illinois.
What do I need when I visit a dispensary in Illinois?
All dispensary visitors must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. If you are a medical patient, you will also need to present your valid Illinois medical marijuana card. (Illinois does not accept medical cards issued by other states.)
Where can I order marijuana online in Illinois?
All of our dispensaries feature online menus so you can browse before your visit and place an order for pick-up. However, Illinois does not allow cannabis delivery so you must visit the dispensary to pay for and receive your products.
Who can sell marijuana legally in Illinois?
Only state-licensed marijuana dispensaries are allowed to sell recreational marijuana in Illinois.
How many Illinois dispensaries can I visit in a day?
There is no limit to the number of dispensaries you can visit in a day, but you will not be able to purchase more than the legal daily limit.
Where are the Verilife dispensaries in Illinois?
Verilife stores can be found across Northern Illinois, including Chicago, Galena, Ottawa, and many of the suburbs in the Chicago area.
How old do you have to be to purchase and possess marijuana in Illinois?
Recreational customers must be at least 21 years old to purchase cannabis in Illinois.
What are my payment options in Illinois?
Illinois dispensaries accept cash and many accept debit cards as well. Unfortunately, due to federal regulations, credit card payments are not possible.
Can I visit an Illinois dispensary if I’m from out of state?
Yes, out-of-state visitors are able to visit recreational dispensaries in Illinois. (Medical dispensaries require a valid Illinois medical card.)