Now that weed is finally legal in Chicago, you'd probably like to know the best places but before we share those you should learn a little foundation on the laws (please note, this is site does not provide legal or medical advice).
History of Weed in Chicago
Weed became legal in Illinois through the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, signed into law June 25, 2019, which made cannabis legal for individuals 21 years or older on January 1, 2020. However, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act was not a blanket legalization of all things cannabis. Limits exist for the amount of cannabis those 21 and older can possess which can result in jail time and fines if violated.
Possession Under Age 21
Weed possession by people under the age of 21 is illegal. Possessing up to 10 grams is punishable by a minimum fine of $100 and a maximum fine of $200. Illinois residents that are 21 or older can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis flower, 5 grams of extract or concentrate, and 500 mg of THC edibles. Non-residents can possess up to 15 grams of flower, 2.5 grams of extract or concentrate, and 250 mg of THC edibles per 410 ILCS 705/10-10.
Cannabis Possession Amounts in Chicago
Unlawful possession of weed between 10 and 30 grams is a Class B misdemeanor. A Class B misdemeanor is punishable up to half a year in jail and a $1,500 fine. Possessing more than 30 grams and up to 100 is a Class A misdemeanor, which is the most serious misdemeanor in Illinois. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable up to 364 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. If you are charged with possessing more than 100 grams, but no more than 500, you could be found guilty of a Class 4 felony. A Class 4 felony carries a maximum sentence of 3 years in prison.
Prior possession offenses create compounding consequences with higher fines and jail time... so stay in the limits! If you're of age and don't carry insane amounts of weed and edibles, you should be good to go.
Best Places to Get Weed in Chicagoland
Since data is kind of our thing and we can't stand to see people doing it wrong, we've collected and curated the businesses in the business of weed in Chicago and have shared them below, ranked based on our own matrix which takes into account third party reviews, user reviews, and reliability indicators like social media and online presence.