Glamorous Hemp

Flag images used on this website are provided by Wikimedia Commons .

Illinois Hemp & Cannabis Legislation Tracker

Illinois State Flag

Illinois Hemp & Cannabis Legislation Tracker

Comprehensive resource for tracking hemp and cannabis regulations in Illinois

Illinois Cannabis & Hemp Legislation Overview

Illinois has been at the forefront of progressive cannabis and hemp legislation in the United States. From the legalization of medical marijuana in 2013 to full recreational legalization in 2020, the state has established a comprehensive regulatory framework that continues to evolve.

This tracker provides up-to-date information on legislation, regulatory status of various cannabinoids, and resources for consumers, businesses, and medical patients.

Key Legislation

Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act

Effective: January 1, 2020

Legalized recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older, allowing possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis flower, 5 grams of concentrate, or 500 milligrams of THC in cannabis-infused products.

Read Full Text

Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act

Enacted: August 1, 2013

Established a pilot program allowing patients with qualifying medical conditions to use medical cannabis. The program became permanent in 2019.

Read Full Text

Industrial Hemp Act

Enacted: August 26, 2018

Legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp, defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC content, enabling farmers to grow hemp for fiber, grain, and CBD production.

Read Full Text

HB 1443: Cannabis Social Equity

Signed: July 15, 2021

Expanded social equity provisions in the cannabis industry, creating additional licenses and opportunities for individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition.

Read Full Text

Illinois Cannabis Legislation Timeline

2013

Medical Cannabis Program

Governor Pat Quinn signs the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, creating a four-year pilot program.

2016

Decriminalization

Illinois decriminalizes possession of small amounts of cannabis (10 grams or less), making it a civil violation with a fine rather than a criminal offense.

2018

Industrial Hemp Legalization

Illinois legalizes industrial hemp cultivation with the Industrial Hemp Act, aligning with federal changes in the 2018 Farm Bill.

2019

Recreational Cannabis Legalization

Governor JB Pritzker signs the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, legalizing recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older effective January 1, 2020.

2019

Medical Program Made Permanent

The medical cannabis pilot program is made permanent and expanded to include additional qualifying conditions.

2020

Recreational Sales Begin

Legal sales of recreational cannabis begin on January 1, with first-day sales totaling nearly $3.2 million statewide.

2021

Social Equity Expansion

HB 1443 is signed into law, expanding social equity provisions and creating additional dispensary and craft grower licenses.

2023

License Expansion

Additional cannabis dispensary licenses awarded, with focus on social equity applicants to diversify industry ownership.

Cannabinoid Legal Status in Illinois

The legal status of various cannabinoids in Illinois depends on several factors including source (hemp vs cannabis), THC content, and regulatory classification. Below is the current status for key cannabinoids:

CBD

Cannabidiol

Legal

Legal when derived from hemp (≤0.3% THC). Available in various retail settings.

Δ9-THC

Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol

Regulated

Legal for adults 21+ and medical patients through licensed dispensaries only.

Δ8-THC

Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol

Restricted

Legal when hemp-derived, but subject to regulation under cannabis laws.

CBG

Cannabigerol

Legal

Legal when derived from hemp with ≤0.3% THC content.

CBN

Cannabinol

Legal

Legal when derived from hemp with ≤0.3% THC content.

Δ10-THC

Delta-10-Tetrahydrocannabinol

Restricted

Legal when hemp-derived, but subject to regulation under cannabis laws.

CBC

Cannabichromene

Legal

Legal when derived from hemp with ≤0.3% THC content.

THC-O

THC-O-Acetate

Illegal

Considered a synthetic cannabinoid and not legally protected under farm bill provisions.

HHC

Hexahydrocannabinol

Restricted

Semi-synthetic cannabinoid with uncertain legal status under current regulations.

State Resources

Illinois Department of Agriculture

Regulates hemp cultivation, processing, and transportation in Illinois.

  • Hemp Cultivation Licensing
  • Processor Registration
  • Testing Requirements
Visit Website

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Oversees licensing and regulation of cannabis dispensaries.

  • Dispensary Licensing
  • Monthly Sales Reports
  • Compliance Requirements
Visit Website

Illinois Department of Public Health

Administers the medical cannabis patient and caregiver registry program.

  • Patient Applications
  • Qualifying Conditions
  • Medical Cannabis Registry
Visit Website

Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

Manages R3 (Restore, Reinvest, and Renew) grants funded by cannabis tax revenue.

  • Community Reinvestment
  • Grant Opportunities
  • Social Equity Programs
Visit Website

References and Further Reading

Legislative Sources

Academic & Research Resources

Legal Resources