The complete guide to cannabis in Chicago

Both recreational and medical cannabis are legal in Chicago, Illinois. Still, understanding the nuances of state and local laws is essential for residents and visitors alike.

From purchase regulations to possession limits, this guide breaks down key aspects of cannabis legislation in Chicago and across the state.

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Key takeaways

Here are the most important things to know about buying and using cannabis in Chicago:

• Legal age: You must be at least 21 years old to purchase and use recreational cannabis. As a medical cardholder, you must be at least 18.
• Purchase limits: Chicago’s purchase limits vary based on if you’re a Chicago resident, a state-approved medical cardholder, or an out-of-state visitor.
• Consumption rules: Public consumption is prohibited, but you can legally use cannabis in private spaces.

Is recreational weed legal in Chicago?

Illinois legalized recreational cannabis on January 1, 2020, under HB 1438, also called the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.

Adults 21 and over can legally buy and possess up to:

• 30 grams (g) of cannabis flower
• 5 g of cannabis concentrate
• Cannabis-infused products that contain up to 500 milligrams (mg) of THC

Nonresidents of Illinois have different possession and purchase limits:

• 15 g of cannabis flower
• 2.5 g of cannabis concentrate
• 250 mg of THC-infused cannabis products

Penalties for possessing more than the legal limit vary depending on the severity of the charge.

Recreational users are not legally permitted to grow cannabis. They must also pay state taxes on cannabis products.

Medical marijuana in Chicago

Medical cannabis has been legal in Illinois since 2013 under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. State residents who have a qualifying health condition can apply for a medical cannabis card to make purchases from licensed dispensaries.

You must be at least 18 years old to qualify for a medical cannabis card. Or, if you’re a minor, you must have a caregiver over the age of 21 approved to do so on your behalf.

Illinois residents who hold certain jobs are not eligible for a medical cannabis card. These include:

• Active duty law enforcement officers
• Correctional officers
• Correctional probation officers
• Firefighters
• Active school bus permit holders or commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders

If you’re interested in getting a medical card in Chicago, here are some other things to know:

• State-approved medical cardholders have higher possession limits of up to 2.5 ounces every 14-day period. This limit may be increased with a doctor’s waiver.
• Cardholders can legally grow up to five cannabis plants at home. They just need to be kept in a secure, enclosed area, out of public view.
• Medical cardholders are exempt from most state-imposed taxes on cannabis products.
• In Illinois, employers have the right to prohibit their employees from using cannabis during work hours. However, they cannot discriminate against employees or job applicants based solely on their status as a medical cannabis cardholder.
• Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal. Penalties are similar to those for alcohol-related offenses and can result in the suspension of your driver’s license.

Is it legal to smoke weed in Chicago?

It’s legal to smoke cannabis in a private Chicago residence, but smoking in public is prohibited in the state of Illinois, even for medical cardholders. That includes streets, parks, and any place where smoking is banned under the Smoke-Free Illinois Act.

Is weed legal in Chicago, Illinois for tourists?

As long as you’re at least 21 years old and abide by local laws, you can purchase and use recreational cannabis while visiting Chicago.

Weed delivery in Chicago

Chicago prohibits weed delivery services. This means the only way to purchase cannabis is to visit a dispensary in person.

You may still come across weed online delivery services in Chicago. These likely only offer hemp-derived products.

Using these delivery services isn’t recommended, as hemp products can vary widely in quality and safety compared to products sold in state-licensed dispensaries.

If you do use a weed delivery service in Chicago, it’s best to check that the products you’re ordering have undergone third-party testing.

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Chicago dispensaries

According to locals, these are some of the best dispensaries in Chicago:

• Ascend Cannabis Outlet (216 W Ohio St; 2367 N Milwaukee St): With two locations in Chicago, Ascend offers a large selection of every cannabis product type you could ask for.
• Sunnyside Cannabis Dispensary (436 N Clark St; 3524 N Clark St): Sunnyside offers two locations that carry flower, vaporizers, edibles, and beverages. They also feature lots of great deals.
• Curaleaf (923 W Weed St): Curaleaf cultivates, processes, and dispenses a wide array of cannabis products for both recreational and medical users.
• Cannabist (4758 N Milwaukee Ave): Cannabist offers daily deals and ample perks for medical cardholders. Their staff is trained to guide beginners toward finding products and regimens that work best for their needs.
• Zen Leaf (1301 S Western Ave): Zen Leaf’s menu includes a rich selection of flower strains, extracts, edibles, and smoking gear.

Weed cafes in Chicago

Weed cafes are state-licensed cafes where you can legally purchase and consume cannabis-infused food and beverages.

Weed cafes and other public cannabis consumption venues are illegal in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

Establishments that call themselves weed cafes in Chicago are typically selling hemp-based products. These products are subject to looser regulations compared to those sold in licensed cannabis dispensaries. As a result, their quality and safety can vary widely.

Weed conventions in Chicago

Chicago hosts several cannabis conventions throughout the year. These events allow you to deepen your cannabis knowledge and connect with industry professionals.

Past events include:

• Flower Expo Illinois: This annual networking event connects cannabis business owners and other industry professionals with cannabis brands and manufacturers.
• Illinois Cannabis Guide Awards: This awards event launched in 2025 to celebrate achievements in the cannabis industry.
• Global Cannabis Drinks Expo: This annual event showcases new products and trends in the cannabis beverage sector.

Check IllinoisCannabis.org to find upcoming cannabis conventions and related events in Chicago.

Benefits of getting a medical card in Chicago

State residents ages 21 and older don’t need a medical card to buy cannabis, but there are still some advantages to having a medical card:

• Lower age limit: Cardholders can buy cannabis if they’re 18 or older.
• Higher purchase and possession amounts: Medical cardholders can legally buy and possess 2.5 oz of cannabis every 14 days. Recreational users can buy and possess 30 g of flower at a time.
• Higher-potency products: Cardholders have access to higher-potency products at dispensaries.
• Lower taxes: Medical cardholders pay less in taxes on cannabis purchases compared to recreational users.
• Cultivation: Medical card holders can cultivate five plants, whereas recreational users aren’t allowed to grow cannabis.

How to get a medical marijuana card in Chicago

To apply for an Illinois medical cannabis card, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Get a cannabis recommendation from a licensed doctor
• Enroll in the Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Program (MCPP)

Individuals under age 18 can appoint a caregiver to access medical cannabis on their behalf.

Getting a cannabis recommendation requires an appointment with a licensed doctor, either in person or through a telehealth service like Leafwell. Your doctor will determine whether you have a health condition that qualifies you for medical cannabis.

Once you’ve received your medical cannabis recommendation, you can register with the Illinois Cannabis Tracking System to start the application process. To complete the application, you must provide your state-issued photo ID.

Following approval, you’ll receive a temporary digital card via email within 24 hours. This allows you to start shopping for medical cannabis at a dispensary right away.

The state of Illinois no longer provides physical medical cannabis cards. Once you’re approved, you’ll need to print your card or save the PDF to your phone. You must present either a digital or physical copy of this card to gain access to cardholder benefits at dispensaries.

Tips for buying cannabis in Chicago

Both medical and recreational users can benefit from these tips:

• Buy from licensed dispensaries: To ensure you’re getting safe, tested, regulated cannabis products, only make purchases from licensed dispensaries.
• Compare prices: Look for special offers on your favorite products at various dispensaries in Chicago. Compare prices to find the best deals.
• Keep up with the law: Check up regularly on state and local cannabis laws. Things may change as the industry continues to evolve.
• Seek out expert advice: Talk with your local dispensary’s budtenders for personalized cannabis guidance. If you’re a medical cardholder, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional at Leafwell who can offer advice based on your health status.
• Bring your documentation: Both medical and recreational users need a state-issued photo ID to enter a dispensary in Chicago. Medical cardholders must bring their ID card to enjoy benefits like higher possession limits and lower taxes.

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