Illinois Governor Touts Record $2 Billion In Marijuana Sales In 2024, Celebrating ‘Thriving’ Industry Despite Intoxicating Hemp Market Concerns
The governor of Illinois is touting the state’s record-setting $2 billion in marijuana gross sales in 2024, applauding the “thriving” business whereas criticizing the “proliferation of the unregulated intoxicating hemp market.” Of the $2 billion, a file $1.722 billion got here from adult-use hashish gross sales. That’s greater than double the primary yr of gross […]
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Pritzker Champions Chicago’s Crucial Role In Illinois Cannabis Equity Push
The Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program in Illinois is making strides in reversing the damages of the war on drugs, earmarking cannabis-derived funds to catalyze community renewal and equitable industry growth. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker engaged in dialogue with Benzinga at the Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago in late September, on the revolutionary R3 […]
Illinois County Forces Dispensaries to Display Warning Labels About ‘Mental Health Dangers’ and ‘Suicidal Ideation’
One county official in Illinois issued a recent dispensary rule change that leaders say isn’t backed by science and goes too far. McHenry County, Illinois, will require dispensaries to label cannabis with mental health warnings about the potential for psychosis, depression, and suicidal ideation. The county’s new approach was spearheaded by the county’s state’s attorney […]
Illinois Cannabis Among Most Expensive Weed in America
If you’re facing sticker shock in Illinois, you’re not alone and your suspicions have been confirmed: Illinois ranked among the states with the most expensive retail cannabis markets in America, according to a new report by Headset. During the first six months of 2023, Illinois sold over $950 million in total cannabis sales, making Illinois […]
High Times Cannabis Cup Illinois: People’s Choice Edition 2023 Kicks Off
The time is upon us, so pack your bowls and fire up your torches, and if you’re a brand with the best, may the odds ever be in your favor. High Times Cannabis Cup Illinois: People’s Choice Edition is coming to town. For over 35 years, High Times Cannabis Cup events—often imitated but not duplicated—have […]
Pot Use Lower Among Illinois Teens Who Live Near Medical Dispensaries
An Illinois teenager living in a zip code with a medical cannabis dispensary is less likely to have used pot, according to new research. The findings, which come from researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, showed that “about 18.3% of the youths living in Illinois ZIP codes with medical dispensaries reported they used cannabis […]
New Illinois Budget Includes Provisions for Cannabis Businesses
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently signed a budget bill on June 7 that includes provisions for the cannabis industry, specifically regarding establishing funds dedicated for cannabis businesses and allowing them to take tax deductions. The Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget bill includes the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act which addresses issues with cannabis businesses not […]
Delta-8 Dispute Gets In Way of Illinois Pot Reform
Bickering over how to regulate Delta-8 THC is getting in the way of general cannabis industry reform in Illinois (and that’s not the only state). While the hemp-derived cannabinoid gives access to THC in states where cannabis is illegal, unfortunately, debates over Delta-8 are now making general adult-use legalization more complicated and legislation challenging to […]
Illinois Cannabis Sales Inch Upward In May Despite Delta-8 THC Regulatory Hurdles
Illinois recreational marijuana sales experienced a minimal increase in May compared to April, according to data from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Cannabis retailers sold $132.7 million worth of marijuana last month, just under a $1 million rise from April’s sales of $131.9 million. Although May’s figures were lower than March’s peak […]