Is Weed Legal In Chicago?

Chicago is one of the most lenient cities regarding marijuana legislation. Unlike many other states in the U.S, Illinois has made recreational weed legal.

However, that doesn’t mean anything goes when it comes to cannabis in Chicago.

If you want to consume cannabis legally in the city of Chicago, you need to be aware of the fine print in the law.

Even though weed is legal recreationally, there are stipulations you must be aware of to avoid legal trouble.

This guide has all the information you need about whether weed is legal in Chicago.

Is Recreational Weed Legal In Chicago?

Recreational marijuana was legalized in Chicago when the state of Illinois legalized recreational weed in 2020.

However, there are limits to the amount of cannabis Chicago residents can possess for recreational purposes.

Chicago residents are permitted to have up to 30 grams of marijuana in their possession. Non-residents may only have 15 grams in their possession.

For THC-infused products, the legal limits are 500 milligrams and 250 milligrams, respectively.

When it comes to cannabis concentrate, residents of Chicago or the state of Illinois can possess up to 5 grams, while non-residents must stay under a 2.5-gram limit.

It is important to note that even though Illinois has legalized cannabis, it’s still illegal under federal law.

This means that non-citizens could face serious charges for possession, manufacture, and distribution of weed. There are also restrictions on where you may consume cannabis.

Penalties For Illegal Marijuana Possession In Chicago

If you are found in possession of more than the legal amount of cannabis, you could face 1 year in prison and a fine of $2,500 for a first offense.

Subsequent offenses for possession of between 30 and 100 grams could get you anywhere between 1 and 3 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $25,000.

Possession of between 100 and 500 grams of cannabis in Chicago is considered a felony, punishable by 1–3 years in prison and a fine of no more than $25,000.

500 to 2000 grams of cannabis can get you up to 5 years in prison, and a $25,000 fine. The same fines are applicable to larger quantities of cannabis, but time served in prison can increase significantly.

If you are found with between 2000 and 5000 grams of cannabis in your possession, the maximum prison sentence is 7 years, whereas the maximum sentence for 5000 grams or more is 15 years.

What About Medical Marijuana?

Chicago residents with qualifying medical conditions or terminal illness may be granted a medical marijuana card. This requires a doctor’s certificate and a successful application to the IDPH.

If you have a medical marijuana card, you can grow up to 5 plants for your own use. However, you are still subject to the legal limitations regarding how much marijuana you can have in your possession.

Can You Cultivate And Sell Weed In Chicago?

You must have a license to sell weed in Chicago. If you do not, you could face either misdemeanor or felony charges.

Similarly, while registered medical cannabis patients can grow up to 5 plants, cultivating marijuana without a medical marijuana card will incur legal penalties.

Penalties For Selling Weed In Chicago

Selling less than 2.5 grams of cannabis in Chicago without a license is a misdemeanor and can result in 6 months’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,500.

Up to 10 grams of cannabis with intent to sell is also a misdemeanor, but the maximum prison sentence is 1 year, and the maximum fine is $2,500.

Quantities of cannabis greater than 10 grams with intent to sell are classed as felonies in the state of Illinois, and by extension, in the city of Chicago.

For up to 30 grams, you can receive up to 3 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000.

Fines and prison sentences for selling cannabis in Chicago continue to increase, with up to 500 grams resulting in up to 5 years and $50,000, and up to 2000 grams incurring penalties of up to 7 years in prison and $100,000.

For quantities over 5000 grams, there is a minimum mandatory prison sentence of 6 years, and a maximum of 30 years, with a fine not exceeding $200,000.

Charges For Cultivating Weed In Chicago

Without a medical marijuana card, growing up to 5 plants for personal use in Chicago is a violation. However, this will not incur a prison sentence, and the maximum fine is $200.

For between 5 and 20 plants, however, the charge is a felony, and the prison sentence can be between 1 and 3 years, accompanied by a $25,000 fine.

20 to 50 plants will get you 2 to 5 years in prison with the same fine, while between 50 and 200 plants carries a prison sentence of up to 7 years and a maximum fine of $100,000.

For over 200 plants, the maximum prison sentence is 15 years.

Final Thoughts

It is important to be aware of the restrictions on weed possession, consumption, cultivation, and sale in Chicago.

Even though cannabis has been legalized, possessing too much, cultivating, or selling weed without a license can get you a misdemeanor or felony charge.

Selling weed without a license in Chicago comes with a maximum prison sentence of 30 years, whereas possessing 5000 grams of cannabis can result in a 15-year prison sentence.

Learn more about Midwest weed laws and legal status of cannabis in neighboring states.

• Is weed legal in Indiana?
• Is weed legal in Iowa?
• Is weed legal in Kentucky?
• Is weed legal in Missouri?
• Is weed legal in Wisconsin?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Legal Age For Weed In Chicago?

You must be at least 21 years old to purchase marijuana in Chicago. Patients under the age of 18 can obtain medical marijuana cards with restrictions applied.

Where Is Cannabis Consumption Illegal In Chicago?

Even though cannabis is legal in Chicago, you may only consume it on private property. Consumption in streets or public property is illegal. Cannabis must not be transported across state lines.

Where Can I Legally Buy Weed In Chicago?

Weed can only be purchased legally through registered Chicago dispensaries.