Illinois became the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana for adult use, after Gov. J.B. Pritzker in June signed the bill into law that kicked in on New Year’s Day.
Here’s everything you were wondering about:

When can I buy recreational cannabis in Illinois?
Legal cannabis hit shelves on January 1, 2020.
Who can buy marijuana?
Both Illinois residents and visitors can buy, but must be at least 21 years old to buy cannabis without a medical marijuana card. You must show a government ID before being able to enter a dispensary. You do not need a Real ID, a regular driver’s license or passport will do.
How much can I have at once?
Illinoisans can legally possess 30 grams, or about an ounce, of cannabis flower. The legal limit for cannabis concentrate is 5 grams. And the limit for cannabis-infused products, such as edibles or tinctures, is 500 milligrams of THC, the chemical that gets users high. Illinois visitors are allowed to possess half of those amounts.
Can I travel out of Illinois with weed?
You can not fly or drive out of Illinois with any amount of recreational cannabis. Chicago’s O’Hare airport has already installed Cannabis Amnesty Boxes before you hit airport security lines for anyone that “forgets” the no-fly rule.

Where can I buy marijuana legally?
Medical marijuana dispensaries are the only legal sellers of marijuana for recreational use in January 2020. Beginning in mid-2020, Illinois will grant additional licenses to dozens of new stores, processors, cultivators and transporters.
Up to 295 stores could be in operation in Illinois by 2022, according to Marijuana Business Daily. But county and municipal governments will have the power to decide whether to allow sellers to operate in their area.
How much will it cost?
Flower and cannabis-infused products with less than 35% THC will be taxed at 10% of the purchase price
Cannabis-infused products with more than 35% THC will be taxed at 20% of the purchase price
Marijuana with more than 35% THC will be taxed at 25% of the purchase price
Can I grow my own weed at home?
NO. Only medical marijuana patients will be able to grow plants at home, and have a legal limit of five plants.
What about people in jail for marijuana?
The law allows for people convicted of possession of under 30 grams prior to legalization to have their records referred to the Prisoner Review Board and Governor Pritzker for pardon. If the pardon is granted, the Illinois attorney general will move to expunge their records. Those convicted of possession of larger amounts can petition for expungement themselves. Local state’s attorneys can also pursue expungements on a case by case basis. Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx has stated she supports marijuana legalization in Illinois, and that her office will expunge all misdemeanor marijuana convictions once it becomes legal. She also said the State’s Attorney’s Office is currently looking at its policy on prosecuting people who have been detained for selling marijuana once it becomes legal in the state.