Illinois
In 2013, Illinois passed legislation that legalized medical cannabis. The legislation also established the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) as the regulatory agency for medical cannabis.
In 2019, Illinois voters approved a constitutional amendment that legalized recreational cannabis. The amendment also established the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) as the regulatory agency for recreational cannabis.
In 2020, the IDFPR began issuing licenses to retailers and other businesses involved in the recreational cannabis industry.
Current Legislation
Possession
Adult-Use: Recreational cannabis is legal for adults 21 and older. Adults are allowed to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis flower, or 5 grams of concentrated cannabis.
Medical: Adults with a valid medical marijuana card are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower, or 10 grams of concentrated cannabis.
Growing
Adult-Use: Adults 21 and older are allowed to grow up to 5 plants per household, with no more than 3 mature plants.
Medical: Adults with a valid medical marijuana card are allowed to grow up to 12 plants per household, with no more than 6 mature plants.
Selling
Adult-Use: Recreational cannabis is legal for sale to adults 21 and older. Only licensed retailers can sell recreational cannabis.
Medical: The sale of medical cannabis is legal to adults with a valid medical marijuana card. Only licensed dispensaries can sell medical cannabis.
Penalties
Adult-Use: There are no penalties for possession of up to 30 grams of recreational cannabis by adults 21 and older. For possession of more than 30 grams, the maximum penalty is a fine of $2,500.
Medical: There are no penalties for possession of up to 2.5 ounces of medical cannabis by adults with a valid medical marijuana card. For possession of more than 2.5 ounces, the maximum penalty is a fine of $2,500.
To apply for an adult-use license in Illinois, you must submit an application to the IDFPR. The application process includes submitting certain documentation, such as your personal information, business plan, and financial information. The IDFPR will review your application and make a decision on whether to approve or deny your application. The review process can take several months.
Here are some additional tips for applying for an adult-use license in Illinois:
Start the application process early. The IDFPR has a limited number of licenses available, so it is important to submit your application early.
Make sure you understand the eligibility requirements. The IDFPR will not approve your application if you do not meet the eligibility requirements.
Gather all of the required documentation. The IDFPR will not approve your application if you do not submit all of the required documentation.
Pay the application fee. The IDFPR will not review your application if you do not pay the application fee.
Be patient. The review process can take several months.
Get help from a cannabis business consultant like Dispensary Accelerator. A cannabis business consultant can help you understand the application process and the requirements. They can also help you prepare your application and answer any questions you may have.
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