Where to Buy CBD in Illinois in 2022

Is CBD Legal in Illinois in 2022?

Yes, anybody above the age of 21 can buy CBD products in Illinois.

If you don’t have a medical marijuana license, you’re still able to buy industrial hemp CBD products, which can be found easily online or over the counter in many local stores.

One of the major differences between marijuana and hemp-derived CBD is that industrial hemp doesn’t contain enough THC to get you high.

It’s important to remember that the CBD industry is mostly unregulated. Therefore, many of the products found in-store may contain unwanted contaminants or significantly less CBD than advertised.

Don’t let these sketchy companies take advantage of you — always educate yourself about the products before you buy.

Guide to Buying CBD in Illinois

There’s a vast number of CBD providers in the market. It can be difficult to tell who is legit and who is selling fake products.

If you’re looking to get high-quality CBD every time, there are a few steps you can take to avoid scam artists.

How to Avoid Sketchy CBD Companies

1. Look For Third-Party Testing

Any respectable company will have third-party lab results displayed somewhere on its website. Some companies will forge these test results, so take a close look for any signs of photoshopping. If a company can’t produce test results, don’t give it your money.

2. Opt for Full-Spectrum CBD Products

You might see two types of CBD during your search. The first, called isolates, are produced using only bits and pieces of the hemp plant. These are okay, but you’ll likely be missing out on a lot of other beneficial cannabinoids that help CBD do its job quickly. Full-spectrum products are made with the entire hemp plant; therefore, you can reap the benefits of compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids.

3. Avoid CBD Companies That Claim it to be a Miracle Drug

The companies that are making these claims are probably preying on uneducated customers and likely selling low-quality products. CBD is a wonderful health supplement that has many benefits, but it’s not going to cure cancer.

If you’re feeling ready to make a purchase, read below for advice on buying CBD online and in-store.

Is Marijuana Legal in Illinois in 2022?

Yes, marijuana is legal in Illinois. 

In 2020, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act became effective, legalizing marijuana cultivation, trafficking, sale, and possession in Illinois.

This new law allows Illinois residents age 21 and over to purchase up to one ounce (about 30 grams) of flower and five grams of cannabis concentrate. Illinois visitors can possess half those amounts.

Marijuana is listed as a Schedule 1 drug by the Federal Government. Under federal law, marijuana is treated the same way as meth, heroin, and LSD.

When it comes to marijuana, individual states and the Federal Government usually don’t see eye to eye.

Marijuana Possession Penalties in Illinois

The first step towards complete legalization was made when the state decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Then Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner decriminalized possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana on July 29, 2016. Under the new law, possession of 10 grams or less was punishable only by a fine of $100 to $200. Previously, the same amount of weed could have resulted in up to six months in jail with a penalty of $1500.

Before this law came into effect at the state level, the city of Chicago had introduced municipal legislation in 2012 that made possession of up to 15 grams of weed a civil infraction, resulting in a fine of $250 to $500.

The new state law didn’t override the local laws.

In June 2019, Illinois became the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana. With 66 to 47 votes in favor from the state representatives, the new legislature passed. The law now authorizes possession of marijuana for personal use and deletes previous minor convictions related to the cannabis plant.

As an Illinois resident, you could purchase up to 30 grams of marijuana from licensed stores. You could also possess up to 500 milligrams of THC in marijuana-infused products and no more than 5 grams of concentrated products.

If you’re not a permanent resident of the state, you shouldn’t possess more than 15 grams of marijuana.

After 30 grams, possession is a felony that can lead to one to three years in jail and a maximum fine of $25,000.

Driving under the influence of marijuana can lead to a DUI. Under the current laws, you can be charged with a DUI if you have more than 5 nanograms of THC in your blood or 10 nanograms in your saliva.

Overall, Illinois has some of the better laws regarding marijuana in the United States.

Medical Marijuana in Illinois

In 2013, Illinois passed the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act, which made it legal for people suffering from certain severe medical conditions to purchase and consume marijuana.

As of July 31, 80,035 patients had been approved for the medical marijuana program.

If you’re interested in using medical marijuana in Illinois, you’ll have to fit a few criteria.

You are legally allowed to purchase marijuana in the state of Illinois if you suffer from one of the following medical conditions:

1. ALS
2. Cancer
3. Crohn’s disease
4. HIV/AIDS
5. Epilepsy
6. Glaucoma
7. Multiple sclerosis
8. Spinal cord disease and injury
9. Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
10. Arnold-Chiari malformation and syringomyelia
11. Cachexia/wasting syndrome
12. Causalgia
13. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
14. Complex regional pain syndromes type II
15. Dystonia
16. Hepatitis C
17. Hydrocephalus
18. Interstitial cystitis
19. Lupus
20. Muscular dystrophy
21. Myasthenia gravis
22. Myoclonus
23. Nail-Patella syndrome
24. Neurofibromatosis
25. Parkinson’s disease
26. Post-traumatic stress disorder
27. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
28. Residual limb pain
29. RSD (complex regional pain syndromes type I)
30. Severe fibromyalgia
31. Sjogren’s syndrome
32. Arachnoiditis
33. Fibrous dysplasia
34. Hydromyelia
35. Post-concussion syndrome
36. Rheumatoid arthritis
37. Syringomyelia
38. Tarlov cysts
39. Traumatic brain injury
40. Spinocerebellar ataxia
41. Terminal illness
42. Tourette’s syndrome

If you have one of the many qualifying conditions, you may apply for a medical marijuana license if you:

1. Are 18 years of age or older
2. Have a doctor’s approval
3. Are a resident of Illinois

The cost to apply for a medical marijuana card is $100 for one year, $200 for two years, and $250 for three years.

Once you have obtained a medical marijuana license, you are free to purchase CBD through an online retailer or from a local dispensary.

As a patient of Illinois’ medical marijuana program, you are legally allowed to buy 2.5 ounces every two weeks and grow up to 5 plants at home.

Is Delta 8 THC Legal in Illinois in 2022?

Delta 8 THC is banned in Illinois. Delta 10 and other cannabinoids usually fall under the laws for CBD unless local laws state otherwise.

Delta 8 slipped under most states’ radar for a while, but its popularity has drawn a lot of attention, causing many to question its legality. Some states leave it alone and unregulated, while other states have completely outlawed it.

There are not many studies on the cannabinoid yet, but it’s an isomer of delta 9 THC, so we know it behaves in a similar way. It’s still psychoactive, but less so, and has almost all the health benefits.

How to Buy Delta 8 THC in Illinois

It’s not legal in Illinois, so you can’t buy it here. 

Maybe the laws will look more favorably on it in the future. If so, delta 8 will pop up everywhere. You want to be careful about where you buy it. 

The following companies are known for their high-quality delta 8:

• Area 52
• 3Chi
• Binoid

It can be dangerous if it’s not produced right, so look for third-party tests and be picky about your source. 

Recommended CBD Retailers in Illinois

Dispensaries will be the best place to find CBD in Illinois but it’s available in other places, like vape stores, head shops, and natural health outlets.

We have made a shortlist of great local stores where you can find CBD. See if you can find your city!

Chicago

1. Dispensary 33
2. MOCA – Modern Cannabis Dispensary
3. Level Vape
4. Roots Smoke & Vapor Shop
5. Secrets Smoke Shop
6. CBD Kratom

Aurora

1. Midwest Compassion Center Cannabis Dispensary
2. PharmaCannis – North Aurora
3. Happy Daze
4. Uncle Stu’s Smoke & Vape
5. Elixrz Vape Shop

Joliet

1. 3C Dispensary
2. Midwest Compassion Center
3. MI Vape
4. SkyCity Vapes

All of these stores may carry a selection of good CBD products for your needs. However, if you’re having trouble tracking down the right product for you locally, hop online and see what you can find.

Final Notes on Buying CBD in Illinois

Overall, Illinois has become a great place to be if you’re interested in the world of CBD.

If you want to shop locally, your best bet for finding high-quality CBD is through your favorite dispensary.

If you’re unsure about the quality of the products found in-store, do some research and place an order with a trustworthy online shop.

Good luck!