In recent years, Illinois has witnessed substantial shifts in its cannabis regulations, moving away from stringent prohibition to permitting medical marijuana use. While comprehending the intricacies of these laws might pose a challenge, fear not, as we're here to illuminate the subject.
Come along as we explore the specifics of Illinois' cannabis laws, encompassing rules regarding possession, cultivation, penalties, and the intricacies involved in obtaining and distributing medical marijuana within the state. Join us on this informative journey!
Cannabis is legal for medical use and recreational use in Illinois.
A medical patient can possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis at a time, while rec users can possess up to 30 grams.
There are penalties for possessing more than the allowable amount of cannabis, for unlicensed sales, and for consuming in public spaces.
Is Cannabis Legal in Illinois?
Illinois made significant strides in cannabis legalization, allowing medical use in 2014 and recreational use in 2020 through the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Adults over 21 can buy cannabis from licensed dispensaries, possessing up to 5 grams of concentrate or 1 ounce of flower, with limits on THC-infused products. Out-of-state visitors have halved possession limits.
Medical patients, under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, can consume cannabis for various conditions. They're allowed to grow five plants in a secure area, but non-patients face penalties for growing at home, like a $200 fine.
Regulations for Medical Use in Illinois
There are regulations in place to govern how a medical marijuana patient in Illinois can possess and use cannabis. For instance, an Illinois Medical Card Holder can:
Buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces or 71 grams of marijuana products over a 14 day period. Patients can potentially possess more with special permission from their doctor.
Transport cannabis inside a secure container that is inaccessible to the people in the vehicle.
Designate a caregiver over the age of 21 to distribute cannabis to a qualifying minor.
Illinois medical marijuana can grow five plants at a time for personal use as long as they are in a locked area.
Regulations for Recreational Use
Adult use consumers who are Illinois residents can:
Possess cannabis up to the following quantities:
30 grams of cannabis flower
5 grams of cannabis concentrates
500 milligrams of THC in edibles, with each edible containing no more than 100 milligrams.
Gift marijuana, without receiving payment, in legal amounts to any adult over the age of 21.
Travel with limited amounts of cannabis for personal use if stored in a sealed container and out of reach while in the vehicle. It may be placed in the trunk.
Consume marijuana in private locations, such as their home, and away from public spaces and people under the age of 18.
Adults who are not residents of Illinois can possess and use up to half the allotted quantities for Illinois residents.
Qualifying Conditions and Regulations for Medical Cannabis in Illinois
For adults to qualify for a medical cannabis card, they must have a qualifying condition. The complete list of qualifying can be seen at the Illinois Department of Public Health Website. Here are some of the conditions that qualify:
Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
HIV/AIDS
Cancer
Cachexia/wasting syndrome
Chronic pain
Dystonia
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Glaucoma
Hepatitis C
Interstitial cystitis
Irritable bowel syndrome
Lupus
Migraines
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscular Dystrophy
Neuropathy
Osteoarthritis
Parkinson’s disease
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Seizures (including those characteristic of Epilepsy)
Traumatic brain injury
Ulcerative colitis
Restrictions for Cannabis Use in Illinois
While cannabis, there are stringent regulations governing its possession and consumption. Per these laws, qualified patients are prohibited from:
Using cannabis in certain places, including:
Public places and public housing
any motor vehicle
Near anyone under the age of 21
Any place where smoking is prohibited
Near schools or federal buildings
Using medical marijuana in public spaces
Carrying or consuming medical marijuana on federal property, given its classification as a Schedule I Controlled Substance
Transporting medical marijuana that isn't in a sealed container
Possessing more than the legal allotted amount of cannabis at a time
Illinois Cannabis Laws
Illinois lawmakers have been active since legalizing recreational marijuana in 2020, shaping the state's cannabis industry through various legislative acts:
Aims to protect cannabis users from workplace discrimination, preventing job rejection or termination based on THC presence in drug tests.
Exempts use of legal marijuana outside of work from disciplinary action.
These bills represent efforts to refine cannabis laws, foster equity, and protect individuals using marijuana within legal bounds.
How Cannabis is Bought and Sold in Illinois
In Illinois, individuals over 21 can legally buy cannabis from state-approved dispensaries, regardless of having a medical card. Counties and cities can decide on allowing marijuana sales. Licensing falls under the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Recreational users can purchase up to 30 grams, while medical patients have specific allowances. Dispensaries sell various forms of cannabis and related items but cannot be close to each other. Sales require ID confirmation but no record-keeping for privacy.
Cash is the primary payment method, and advertising rules restrict targeting children, misleading promotions, or showcasing consumption. Dispensaries are legally allowed to operate from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
Penalties for Marijuana-related Crimes in Illinois
Illinois enforces strict penalties for violating marijuana laws, with repercussions varying based on the offense:
Possession:
Legal possession allows 30 grams for residents, 15 grams for visitors.
Misdemeanor for 30-100 grams; fines or up to 1 year in jail.
Felony for subsequent offenses or over 100 grams; up to 3 years jail and $25,000 fines.
Graduated penalties for higher amounts, up to 15 years in jail and $25,000 fines for over 5,000 grams.
Cultivation:
Registered patients limited to five plants; exceeding this incurs fines or felony charges.
For non-patients, civil offense for five plants; felony for more, up to 15 years jail and $100,000 fines.
Consumption:
Prohibited in public areas, with fines escalating for repeated offenses or consumption near minors.
Distribution:
Misdemeanor for small amounts sold; fines and short jail terms.
Felony for larger quantities, escalating fines and longer jail times based on amount sold.
Paraphernalia:
Possession with large amounts incurs misdemeanor charges; selling paraphernalia illegally results in felony charges and potential prison time.
DUI and Asset Confiscation:
DUI penalties include license suspension and fines; repeat offenses lead to felonies.
Assets obtained or used for illegal activity can be seized by law enforcement.
Legal Cannabis and Buy Online Alternatives
Although cannabis is legal in many states, hemp-derived THC products are still rising as a noteworthy alternative thanks to their affordability and accessibility. Hemp-derived THC products are federally legal, unlike traditional marijuana products, meaning they can often be ordered online and shipped right to your door. Read “Is Delta-8 Legal? A State by State Guide to Delta-8-THC Laws” to learn more about hemp THC laws near you, then check out our Elev8 and Cloud9 Collections.
