Illinois cannabis history
Reviewed
The regulator says existing medical dispensaries began selling adult-use cannabis on January 1, 2020. The compiled possession section now cites Public Act 104-463, effective June 12, 2026.
This is a short history, not legal advice. The rules that apply today are on the Illinois cannabis laws page. A date is included only when the linked page states it.
At a glance
August 1, 2013A report filed with the General Assembly says Governor Pat Quinn signed the medical pilot-program act on August 1, 2013.
January 1, 2020The regulator dates the start of adult-use dispensary sales to January 1, 2020.
June 12, 2026The regulator says the governor signed Public Act 104-0463 on June 12, 2026, raising the in-state cannabis-flower possession limit from 30 grams to 60 grams.
Medical pilot program and the civil penalty
- Public Act 098-0122 says it takes effect on January 1, 2014.
- A Department of Public Health report says Public Act 099-0697 decriminalized possession of up to 10 grams, with a fine of $100 to $200.
Adult use
- The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act says it takes effect upon becoming law. The next entry is the personal-use date in that act.
- Section 10-5 says that beginning January 1, 2020, possession and purchase within the limit are not a state criminal or civil offense for a person 21 or older. A different state report has put retail sales on a later date; the regulator’s history page is the sales date used here.
- The compiled statute’s source note is Public Act 104-463, effective June 12, 2026.
Sources
- January 1, 2020
- Public Act 104-463, effective June 12, 2026
- August 1, 2013
- June 12, 2026
- takes effect on January 1, 2014
- decriminalized possession of up to 10 grams
- takes effect upon becoming law
Citations were checked against the linked pages on October 24, 2026. Claims without a statute, election result, regulator page, court opinion, or news report were left out.