Illinois Cannabis and Gun Laws
March 30, 2021
When Illinois first announced the legalization of recreational cannabis, residents couldn’t be happier. But, this also posed some serious concern for those with concealed carry
Author 
Stephen Stearman
Founder More about me
Medically reviewed by 
Elevate Editorial Team
- Updated on: November 5, 2024
Table of Contents
Let’s be honest: Cannabis is kind of pricey. Because of this, we’re always looking for high-quality dispensaries with the best deals possible, helping us save even just a little bit of money. That’s precisely why we’ve compiled this list of dispensaries in Illinois to help you get your medical marijuana and recreational marijuana.
But, before we talk about these high-quality dispensaries in Illinois, let’s quickly discuss the advantages of being an MMJ cardholder in Illinois.
After all, medical marijuana patients receive more benefits than recreational cannabis consumers ever will.
Is An Illinois Medical Marijuana Card Worth It?
Illinois initially legalized medical marijuana in 2013, and thousands of residents flocked to get their MMJ cards. Now, there are nearly 150,000 registered medical patients in the Land of Lincoln.
While this number grows each year, it’s slowed since 2019 when Illinois legalized recreational cannabis, as well. But, what people fail to realize are the myriad benefits that come from having a medical card.
Even though you have to go through the application process to get your medical card, the perks that you get once you have one are more than worth it.
Having an Illinois medical marijuana card can help you save some serious money in the long run (as we’ll talk about next), and you’re even able to grow your own plants. That’s right: at-home cultivation is legal for medical marijuana cardholders!
On top of growing five mature cannabis plants in their homes, Illinois medical marijuana patients also receive special protections from the state.
In the case of a marijuana shortage in the Prairie State, MMJ patients will be prioritized and ensured enough product for their medical conditions.
Just these conditions alone can be enough to convince you to make an appointment for medical cannabis. Now, let’s talk about money.
Save Money With Medical Cannabis in Illinois
If you have an Illinois medical marijuana card, you’re going to save yourself some serious cash.
Unfortunately, Illinois has some of the highest cannabis taxes in the country— but not if you’re a medical patient.
According to Illinois cannabis laws, patients have to pay an extra 1% sales tax on top of their cannabis products. This fee is incredibly insubstantial compared to the taxes that recreational consumers must pay.
Recreational cannabis consumers have to pay a 6.25% sales tax on top of the price of their cannabis products. Along with this, however, they also have to pay something called a purchaser’s tax. This number varies depending on how much THC is in each product.
If there is less than 35% THC, you’ll have to pay an extra 10%. If it’s more, you’re subjected to a pricey 25% added purchaser’s tax.
With these taxes, you pay off the low cost of your medical marijuana card in just a few dispensary trips.
And, when you purchase cannabis, you’ll notice your total is a whole lot lower than when you were just a recreation consumer.
How Many Dispensaries Are In Illinois?
Right now, there are well over 100 dispensaries located across the state of Illinois.
These shops sell both medical marijuana and recreational marijuana depending on your cardholder status. (But, as we mentioned, you’ll save a lot more money if you’re buying medical marijuana.)
With numbers like these, you’re bound to find an Illinois dispensary that works for you.
But, to help you out a bit, we’ve listed some of the best (and most affordable) Illinois dispensaries near you.
Illinois Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Near You
Here is a quick list of the best, most affordable Illinois dispensaries across the state:
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EarthMed – 852 South Westgate, Addison, IL 60101
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Thrive Anna – 87 Richview Drive, Anna, IL 62906
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Verilife – 1816 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005
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Sunnyside Dispensary – 1623 Barclay Blvd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
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RISE Medical & Recreational Dispensary Canton – 3104 N. Main Street, Canton, IL 61520
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Pheonix Botanical Dispensary – 1704 S. Neil St. C, Champaign, IL 61820
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Zen Leaf St. Charles – 3714 Illinois Avenue, Unit C St., Charles IL 60174
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Sunnyside Lakeview – 3812 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60613
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Mission Illinois – 8554 S. Commercial Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617
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GreenGate Chicago – 7305 N. Rogers Avenue, Chicago, IL 60626
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Columbia Care IL – 4758 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago IL 60630
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The Herbal Care Center – 1301 S. Western Avenue, Chicago IL 60608
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Maribis of Chicago – 4570 S. Archer Avenue, Chicago IL 60632
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Dispensary 33 – 5001 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640
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NuEra Chicago – 1308 W. North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642
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Ascend – 1014 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234
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Thrive Harrisburg – 105 N. Veterans Drive, Harrisburg, IL 62946
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Zen Leaf Highland Park – 1460 Old Skokie Rd., Unit A, Highland Park, IL 60035
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Windy City Cannabis – 1137 W. 175th Street, Homewood, IL 60430
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RISE Recreational Dispensary Joliet on Rock Creek– 1627 Rock Creek Blvd., Joliet, IL 60431
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Windy City Cannabis – 719 W. Union Avenue, Litchfield, IL 62056
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Consume Cannabis – 8195 Express Drive, Marion, IL 62959
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Nature’s Treatment of Illinois – 973 Tech Drive, Milan, IL 61264
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CuraLeaf – 9930 W. 190th Street, Unit H, Mokena, IL 60448
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Revolution Dispensary – Mount Prospect – 2015 E. Euclid Avenue, Mount Prospect IL 60056
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RISE Mundelein – 1325 Armour Bvld., Mundelein, IL 60060
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The Green Solution Illinois – 501 W. Northtown Road, Normal, IL 61761
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Seven Point – 1132 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301
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Trinity Compassionate Care Centers – 3125 W. University, Suite B, Peoria, IL 61604
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nuEra East Peoria – 504 Riverside Drive East, Peoria, IL 61611
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Herbal Remedies Dispensary – 4440 Broadway Suite A, Quincy, IL 62305
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Sunnyside Cannabis – 2696 McFarland Rd., Rockford, IL 61107
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Mapleglen Care Center – 4777 Stenstrom Rd., Rockford, IL 61109
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Nature’s Care Company – 975 Rohlwing Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
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Windy City Cannabis – 11425 South Harlem Avenue, Worth, IL 60482
What Cannabis Products Can You Buy From Illinois Dispensaries?
Luckily for you, Illinois cannabis laws aren’t super strict on the types of products you can buy from dispensaries.
You can purchase recreational marijuana and MMJ in various forms, including cannabis concentrate products, cannabis flower, edibles, topicals, and oh-so-many vapes. Truly, no matter how you want to consume cannabis, Illinois residents can — as long as they’re medical card holders or at least 21.
Save Money, Get Better Illinois Weed With a Medical Card
Now that you have all the information you need to find the perfect dispensary, the only thing that’s left is to get your Illinois medical marijuana card if you haven’t already.
That’s exactly where Elevate comes into play.
We’re here to set you up with the perfect telehealth appointment. Our cannabis doctors will help you get your MMJ card in whatever ways possible, leaving you feeling comfortable and cared for.
Soon, you’ll be shopping at a local Illinois dispensary before you know it.
Save money. Grow your own weed. Get a medical card.
Illinois MMJ cards can save you tons of money in taxes. Plus, you can grow plants at home. Experience the benefits firsthand today.
Get Your MMJ Card Right From Home
Elevate Holistics’ process is quick, affordable, and done entirely online. It’s never been so easy.
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