Let's Talk Cannabis

Key facts about the cannabis law

Key Facts about using marijuana

Key facts on family safety

Key facts on family safety

Key facts for new parents

FACTS

Legal Age

21+

You must be 21 to legally use, possess, and buy cannabis.


Possession

Illinois residents can only possess up to 30 grams (about an ounce) of cannabis flower.

Location

Smoking, vaping, or consuming cannabis is illegal in motor vehicles & public spaces.

SELLING

Individuals cannot legally sell any amount of cannabis to anyone.

TRAVELING

By federal law, it is illegal to travel across state borders with any amount of cannabis.

Portion Size

10
mg

Although a single dose of cannabis is considered 10 mg of THC, start smaller to prevent getting too high.

Health Effects

Cannabis can impair your reaction time, coordination, concentration, and ability to drive. 

Underage Risks

Regular use of marijuana in your teens and early 20s can physically alter your brain and cause permanent harm.

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8x

The levels of THC in a mother’s breast milk can be 8 times as high as the concentration in her blood.

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The active ingredient in cannabis, THC, can be transferred to your baby through the placenta.

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Regularly using in your teens can permanently harm memory, learning, and attention, affecting how the brain builds connections.

Talk Tip

12yrs

Every day 3,300 kids try marijuana—some as young as 12—so it’s important to start the conversation early or when they ask questions.

Health Risks

Teens who regularly use can permanently harm their memory, learning ability, and attention.

Safe storage

Secure cannabis storage can protect kids at higher risk for accidental edible consumption and cannabis toxicity.

Breastfeeding

6+

“Pumping and dumping” does not work with cannabis. It can stay in breast milk for 6 or more days.

Pregnancy

The THC you consume can reach your baby and affect their brain development and birth weight.

THC

THC is stored in fat, which is an important building block for babies’ brains and bodies.

Get the answers to common questions

 Who can buy non-medical marijuana?

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.

 How much cannabis can you possess?

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.

 Where can you consume marijuana legally?

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

 Where is it illegal to possess in Illinois?

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

 What are the rules for growing?

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.

 Who can sell marijuana legally?

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.

 What are the consequences of breaking the law?

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. 

 Can I get prior charges off my record?

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.

 Can I use cannabis while driving?

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.

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