Do you want to know if marijuana is legal in Illinois? Traveling to Illinois to visit friends? Moving? Just curious? We have all the answers you need on smoking weed in Illinois.
Marijuana is legal in the state of Illinois. Yay! You can purchase weed at dispensaries all over the state, but there are several things you should know before buying marijuana or smoking it in Illinois.
Is Recreational Weed Legal in Illinois?
Yes, recreational weed is legal in Illinois. As of January 2020, Illinois residents can buy cannabis at licensed dispensaries all over the state. You can buy marijuana for personal home use in the form of flower, tinctures, edibles, drinks, and THC products.
There are a few stipulations, though.
You have to be 21 to smoke weed recreationally in Illinois, and you can’t smoke in any public places. If you’re a homeowner, you can smoke weed at home. If you’re a renter, though, you must have your landlord’s permission.
Additionally, you can toke up in marijuana dispensaries and tobacco shops that permit it, but bars and restaurants are smoke-free zones in Illinois. Public housing or housing choice voucher residents can’t smoke cannabis at home.
You can’t smoke weed in the car or anywhere smoking is prohibited. That typically means no smoking on college campuses or in dorm rooms.
Illinois’ marijuana laws only allow medical marijuana patients to grow weed (up to five plants). Without a medical marijuana card, you cannot legally grow weed in Illinois.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fly with weed? How do you find a dispensary? How old do I have to be to smoke weed in Illinois? Find answers to these questions and more below.
At What Age Can I Purchase CBD in Illinois?
Buying CBD is legal for people 21 or older in Illinois. The CBD product must have a THC content below 0.3%. Most CBD products like balms, salves, and creams aren’t controlled like medical or recreational marijuana products.
People can benefit from CBD in many ways. Hundreds of companies now make tinctures, oils, and other external and internal products that help with pain, anxiety, and even pet behavioral issues.
Can You Go to Jail for Weed in Illinois?
Illinois citizens can legally possess 30 grams, or one ounce, of cannabis. Non-residents can carry 15 grams of cannabis.
Illinois residents can also have THC-infused products totaling no more than 500 milligrams of THC. The legal limit for non-residents is 250 milligrams.
Finally, Illinois residents can legally have up to 5 grams of cannabis concentrate, while non-residents can have up to 2.5 grams.
Don’t sell marijuana if you aren’t a dispensary; don’t go across state lines with weed. You could land yourself in serious legal trouble in Illinois and elsewhere.
If you’re not an American citizen, you may not legally purchase or smoke cannabis. Doing so can get you into a lot of legal trouble, so take care to follow marijuana laws while visiting the US.
How Much Weed Can You Grow in Illinois?
You cannot grow weed for recreational use in Illinois. Medical marijuana patients can grow no more than five cannabis plants.
You can become a medical marijuana patient if you:
- Have a qualifying condition (the list is extensive)
- Are terminally ill
- Get written documentation from a doctor
You must pay a fee and apply to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Can You Be Fired for Smoking Weed?
Yes, your employer can still fire you for smoking weed. Employers can have drug-free policies and enforce them with drug tests.
Can You Get in Trouble for Driving High?
First, don’t travel with weed, especially in your car. It is illegal to smoke weed in your car and to drive under the influence of marijuana. You can travel with weed in your car as long as you keep it in a secure, sealed container. It can’t be accessible while the vehicle is moving, regardless of whether you’re the driver or a passenger.
Can You Take Weed on a Plane in Illinois?
Because weed isn’t federally legal, please don’t attempt to travel anywhere, especially by plane, while carrying marijuana.
Can You Enter a Dispensary Without a Card in Illinois?
Illinois lawmakers legalized marijuana, so entering a shop no longer requires a medical card. But you do need current, valid identification that can prove your age. You must be 21 or older to enter a dispensary and buy weed.
Licensed cannabis dispensaries sell weed and THC products from 6 am to 10 pm, and not outside those hours.
Final Thoughts on Illinois Being 420 Friendly
Is Illinois 420 friendly? We’re happy to say that Illinois is now a 420-friendly state. If you enjoy an occasional joint or magical brownie, Illinois is a great place to be.
