Cannabis in Illinois

Illinois dispensaries sold a record $127.8 million in recreational marijuana in July, with a big boost coming from out-of-state fans who converged on Chicago for the Lollapalooza music festival

Illinois’ cannabis industry is poised to rake in more than $1 billion this year, but protests are being held, with activists arguing that the social equity provisions of the bill that legalized the drug are being ignored. NBC 5’s Christian Farr has more.

The Illinois House voted Tuesday to make significant changes to the state’s system for awarding licenses to marijuana dispensaries, a move that lawmakers say aims to help minority residents open businesses in the rapidly-growing field. The bill, sponsored by State Rep. LaShawn Ford, will seek to allow minority business owners get a foothold in the cannabis industry, something he...

Many states that are legalizing marijuana have plans to help communities hurt by the war on drugs and create a legal weed industry reflective of those communities. But there needs to be more than “magical thinking” from regulators to get those businesses started, says Smoke Wallin, a board member of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable.

Legalized cannabis sales in Illinois continue to smash all sorts of records, with the state now exceeding $1 billion in recreational weed sales and setting a new record for sales in the month of April. According to the latest data available from the state’s Department of Revenue, Illinois recorded nearly $115 million in sales in the month of April alone,…

When adult-use cannabis was legalized in Illinois, social equity was promised to right the wrongs made against minority communities as a result of the war on drugs, but that largely hasn’t happened. NBC 5’s Chris Hush explains.

When adult-use cannabis was legalized in Illinois, social equity was promised to right the wrongs made against minority communities as a result of the war on drugs.

The stage is set for a decisive legal battle in Illinois’ highest court between a large, well-established company and a far smaller upstart over a cannabis-growing license potentially worth millions.

Thousands of people in Illinois convicted of low-level marijuana charges are starting the new year with clean records after Gov. J

Illinois officials announced Thursday that nearly half a million cannabis arrest records have been expunged by state police.

The state of Illinois has made millions in one year after the legalization of recreational marijuana. But could booming sales be even better? NBC 5’s Phil Rogers reports.

Cannabis is having a great first year in Illinois. Starting from zero when the first recreational dispensaries opened in Illinois last January, the industry has enjoyed sales of over $500 million. And, despite the pandemic, revenues have increased nearly every month. “It’s doing great,” says Cory Rothschild, senior vice president of marketing for Cresco Labs. “There is no question that…

Gov. J. B. Pritzker’s interpretation of Illinois’ marijuana legalization law is costing the state more than $100 million in tax revenue by blocking certain pot shops from relocating, some state lawmakers and cannabis industry advocates say. Cannabis sales have remained consistent despite the coronavirus pandemic, but a memo created by industry advocates and recently shared with lawmakers says the state…

The city of Oakbrook Terrace welcomed the opening of a new high-tech marijuana dispensary that offers an interactive experience for customers. NBC 5’s Christian Farr reports.

Recreational marijuana sales are underway in one of Chicago’s biggest suburbs. NBC 5’s Chris Coffey reports

After weeks of protests and claims that Illinois’ process for recreational marijuana licenses is unfair, Gov. JB Pritzker announced the process is changing. NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern reports.

Illinois tweaked how business owners seeking recreational marijuana licenses can apply following complaints that the process favored politically connected and rich applicants over minorities and veterans who were supposed to benefit.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is set to discuss Tuesday how the state plans to ensure fairness when it comes to who gets adult-use cannabis dispensary licenses in the state.

As Gov. J.B. Pritzker appeared at a news conference Friday to announce investments to expand job opportunities in Chicago, a group of protesters showed up, demanding changes to the state’s cannabis lottery process. “The lottery is a game of chance,” said Rickey Hendon, a former Illinois State Senator who led the protest. “We ain’t playing no games, and we...

As Gov. J.B. Pritzker appeared at a news conference Friday to announce investments to expand job opportunities in Chicago, a group of protesters showed up, demanding changes to the state’s cannabis lottery process. NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern reports.