Illinois Concert This Weekend First To Allow On-Site Cannabis Consumption
MUNDELEIN, IL – Music enthusiasts descending upon Mundelein, Illinois this weekend are in for a historic treat as they become part of the state's inaugural concert allowing open marijuana consumption. This groundbreaking event features a star-studded lineup, tailor-made for cannabis aficionados, including Cypress Hill, Stephen Marley, and Action Bronson.
The "Miracle in Mundelein" festival, spanning two days and launching this Saturday afternoon, promises a smorgasbord of cannabis-related delights for attendees. It's not your typical music fest, as they'll be greeted with complimentary rolling papers, lighters, grinders, and access to dab bars and rolling stations for their convenience. And for those who didn't bring their stash, worry not – marijuana products will be available for purchase from a nearby retailer.
🤯 TOMORROW!! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/afl8cafrJt
— miracleconcert (@miracleconcert) September 8, 2023
One key rule to remember is that consuming cannabis will be permissible anywhere within the event's confines, but venture outside the perimeter fence, and you're in hot water. Organizers hope attendees will use this opportunity to set a responsible and respectful example for the wider community.
In the organizers' own words, "Let’s show everyone what a responsible and respectful community we are by adhering to these rules and regulations."
Of course, this laid-back affair still has its fair share of guidelines. According to the festival's FAQ page, attendees must adhere to possession limits that apply to nonresidents of the state – that's 15 grams of flower, 250 milligrams of infused edibles, and 2.5 grams of concentrates. All cannabis products must be purchased from a licensed Illinois retailer and remain in their original packaging, though no sealing is necessary.
The Rules at The Miracle
Smoking devices, including those made of glass, metal, wood, or ceramic, can be brought in, provided they're under six inches in length. Vape pens are also welcome, as long as they comply with the state's 2.5-gram concentrate limit.
The event runs from 2 PM to 10 PM on both Saturday and Sunday, and while tickets are still available, organizers have issued a warning that they are on the brink of selling out.
For context, Illinois joined the ranks of states that legalized marijuana in 2019, with the first legal sales commencing a year later. Governor J.B. Pritzker, a supporter of legalization, recently highlighted the significant contributions of out-of-state visitors to the state's burgeoning cannabis market. He stated, "Nearly a third of the state’s cannabis sales are to out-of-state residents coming to Illinois and spending money at dispensaries."
Despite the state's relatively high cannabis prices, Governor Pritzker emphasized the industry's growth, noting, "We still have a growing industry, as you know, that I initiated in 2019 that has brought in almost $450 million to state and local governments."
According to a report he cited, Illinois ranks as the third-largest cannabis market in the U.S., trailing behind Michigan and California. Cannabis products in the state are taxed at 20 percent of the purchase price, with taxes increasing based on product potency. Local jurisdictions can tack on an additional 3 percent tax, making the total tax burden soar to over 40 percent.
Illinois' marijuana retailers had a bumper month in July, raking in $140 million in cannabis product sales, marking the second-strongest month since the adult-use market was launched in 2020. It's worth noting that medical cannabis sales are tracked separately by a different Illinois state agency.
In summary, Mundelein, Illinois is set to groove to the tunes of cannabis-friendly artists at the "Miracle in Mundelein" festival, making history as the state's first concert to allow open marijuana consumption. Attendees will have access to a range of cannabis-related amenities, and they'll need to adhere to possession limits and rules regarding where and how cannabis can be consumed within the event's boundaries. Illinois' thriving cannabis industry, despite relatively high prices, continues to soar, with a substantial influx of out-of-state customers.