Marijuana legalization in Illinois: How did we get here, and what’s next?

Illinois is poised to become the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana consumption, with sweeping legislation aimed at criminal justice reform.

By Chloe Herring | June 25, 2019 at 3:59 PM

Illinois legalized recreational marijuana in 2019, becoming the first state to do so by act of the legislature and not a popular vote.

While there are giant pieces of criminal justice and social equity reforms attached to the measure — including giving a second chance to thousands of people convicted of marijuana possession — at its most basic level, the bill allows Illinois residents over 21 to buy cannabis from licensed dispensaries.

The measure allows Illinoisans over 21 years old to possess 30 grams, or just over an ounce, of cannabis flower, and 5 grams, or less than a quarter-ounce, of cannabis concentrates such as hash oil. Additionally, Illinoisans can carry up to a half-gram of edible pot-infused products.

22 Total Updates Since
March 26, 2019 05:29 PM

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December 31, 2020 07:30 PM

Pritzker marks New Year’s Eve by expunging nearly half a million marijuana arrest records, pardoning thousands more

By Manny Ramos

The process to expunge the records have been completed at the state level but are still being processed by county clerks.
December 10, 2019 05:08 PM

Here’s where downtown’s first pot shops could open

By Tom Schuba

Two cannabis firms have applied to open the city’s first standalone recreational pot shops in River North.
December 02, 2019 08:03 PM

Wisconsin sheriff warns road-tripping cheeseheads: Don’t bring Illinois pot back home

By Tom Schuba

Our mellowed-out drug policy doesn’t extend past the northern border to Kenosha County.
August 05, 2019 05:00 AM

Here are 5 of the best marijuana strains in Illinois

By Tom Schuba

Yes, Gelato is on the list — but the state has many more to offer, experts say.
July 02, 2019 08:00 AM

Kelly Cassidy — ‘in the game’ to win

By Tina Sfondeles

From sexual harassment to reproductive rights to marijuana legalization, the North Side Democrat has been at the forefront as the state grapples with one critical issue after another.
June 28, 2019 05:15 AM

Weed cafes in Illinois? People could be allowed to smoke marijuana (not tobacco) at bars, restaurants under new law.

By Tom Schuba

Legalization includes an exemption to the Smoke-Free Illinois Act ban on indoor smoking, letting cities decide whether to allow on-site use at bars, restaurants, theaters, even new cannabis smoke lounges.
June 25, 2019 02:05 PM

High sign for legal pot — Pritzker inks bill making Illinois 11th state to allow recreational reefer

By Tina Sfondeles

Illinois residents 21 and over will be able to buy marijuana at dispensaries as soon as Jan. 1.
June 25, 2019 01:41 PM

Weed will soon be legal in Illinois. So what pot issues will lawmakers take up next?

By Tom Schuba

Many of the other states that have legalized recreational marijuana now allow for the drug to be delivered to users’ homes, as well as grown there. One leading lawmaker says those potentially contentious issues will be addressed down the road.
June 17, 2019 05:11 PM

From K-Cups to beef ramen, here’s some surprising pot products you’ll be able to buy soon

By Tom Schuba

There will be a variety of ways you’ll be able get high when marijuana is fully legalized next year.
June 11, 2019 05:51 PM

What’s legal weed gonna cost in Illinois? A lot

By Tom Schuba

Both taxes and an expected supply shortage could result in pricy recreational pot products when the drug is fully legalized in Illinois at the start of next year.