Illinois residents 21 years and older can buy from licensed sellers with or without a medical marijuana card as of January 1, 2020. You will need to show a valid government-issued photo ID with date of birth.
Non-US citizens or immigrants are NOT allowed to buy, use, or possess any amount of marijuana. Because it is not legal under federal law, doing so could affect their immigration status and result in deportation.
Illinois residents age 21 years and older can have up to:
- 30 grams (about an ounce) of cannabis flower
- 5 grams of cannabis concentrate (oils, dab, or kief)
- 500 milligrams of THC within cannabis-infused products (including edibles or tinctures)
U.S. citizens who don’t live in Illinois can possess up to half these amounts when visiting the state. Immigrants and non-US citizens cannot have ANY amount of marijuana.
You CAN use behind closed doors in:
- A private home
- On any private property of which the owner (person, business, landlord, college) approves of use. If you are unsure, check your lease or contact the property owner
- Locally approved dispensaries and retail tobacco stores
You CANNOT use:
- In close proximity to anyone younger than 21 years of age, even if on otherwise approved private property
- On any private property of which the owner (person, business, landlord, college) does NOT approve of use
- In any public place, including parks, beaches, open garages, front porches, outdoor stairwells, etc.
- In/on any motorized vehicle, including boats and motorcycles
You may NOT possess cannabis:
- On any federal land within Illinois, such as national park service areas
- In section 8 government-funded housing
- In parks, recreation areas, wildlife areas, or playgrounds owned (in whole or part), leased, or managed by the state
- Traveling across state borders
Only medicinal marijuana card holders can grow, with a 5-plant limit. Non-medical users may not grow any amount of marijuana, under any circumstances.
Only licensed dispensaries can legally sell marijuana. Even if you have a medical marijuana card, individuals are not allowed to sell any amount of marijuana to anyone.
Breaking any of these laws could result in legal consequences. This includes arrest if you are operating any motorized vehicle under the influence of cannabis, including motorcycles and boats.
If you’re an immigrant or non-U.S. citizen, breaking the law can hurt your immigration status. Learn more here.
If you’ve previously been convicted for possession of under 30 grams of marijuana, your record will be automatically reviewed by the government, as long as those convictions were not associated with a violent crime. If you’ve been convicted for having between 30 to 500 grams, you can petition the government to clear your record.
Driving a motorized vehicle (this includes boats and motorcycles) while using or under the influence of cannabis is illegal and can double your chances of getting in an accident.