Illinois Marijuana Compliance

Marijuana is fully legal in Illinois both for medicinal and recreational purposes. Marijuana can be sold by licensed dispensaries only, and may only be transported by residents with a transportation license.

Although marijuana is legal in Illinois, it is still illegal under federal law and is still considered a Schedule I drug. Employers may still take adverse employment action against workers who use marijuana in the workplace or are impaired during working hours.

Register for a drug test online by clicking the "Register Now" button below. You can also call (888) 378-2499 with any questions about our drug testing services.

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This Information Is Not Intended for Legal Purposes

The information provided on this page is intended for your own knowledge, and should not be used for legal matters. Since marijuana testing regulations can vary, we advise you to seek the guidance of expert legal counsel when creating your company's substance abuse screening program.

Illinois Marijuana Compliance

Illinois Marijuana Laws

Overall Status: Fully Legal

Marijuana in Illinois is fully legal for adults age 21 and older, or for qualifying patients with a valid medical marijuana card. Marijuana became legal for recreational purposes in 2019, with the ability for Illinois residents to possess up to 30 grams of marijuana.

Medical Marijuana: Legal

Illinois was the 20th state to develop a medical marijuana program and legalized medical marijuana for medicinal use in 2013. Illinois residents that meet certain requirements may obtain medical marijuana cards.

Decriminalized: Yes

Illinois has decriminalized the possession of marijuana. If House Bill 3085 is approved, all criminal penalties for the possession of any amount of marijuana in Illinois can be removed. Criminal records could be expunged for those with similar offenses.

Recreational Marijuana: Legal

Recreational marijuana in Illinois became legal for adults age 21 and older on January 1, 2020. Residents may possess up to 30 grams of marijuana, up to 500 milligrams of THC in a product infused with marijuana, or up to 5 grams of marijuana concentrate.

Last updated 1/15/2024

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Illinois' history with marijuana?
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When Illinois became a state in 1818, marijuana was legal but was outlawed for recreational purposes in 1931.
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Six years later, the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted to tax the sale of marijuana throughout the United States.
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Recreational marijuana became common in Illinois shortly after 1910.
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Medical marijuana became legal in Illinois in 2013.
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In 2016 in Illinois, the possession of marijuana of fewer than 10 grams went from being a misdemeanor to a minor fine.
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In 2019, the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act was passed in Illinois, legalizing the use of recreational marijuana. At this time, Illinois began expunging criminal records related to marijuana.
What is the punishment for possession in Illinois?

Adult residents in Illinois may legally possess up to 30 grams of marijuana. Adults that are not Illinois residents may possess up to half this amount, 15 grams. Anything above this amount will incur prison time and a fine.

The possession of marijuana of 30-100 grams in Illinois is a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and residents face up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of up to $2,500. Subsequent offenses are considered Class 4 felonies punishable by one to three years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. The possession of 100-500 grams is a Class 4 felony, and 500 to 2,000 grams is a Class 3 felony.

Marijuana is legal in Illinois for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Illinois legalized marijuana for recreational purposes in January of 2020. Medical marijuana became legal in Illinois in 2013, but its sale and use are controlled by the state.

A license must be obtained to transport marijuana, and marijuana must be sold by licensed dispensaries only.

Drug Tests That Exclude Marijuana

Urine Drug Panels That Do Not Include Marijuana Testing

Some of the popular drug tests that remove THC from the panel of drugs being tested are listed below:

Also try taking a look at our comprehensive list of urine drug panels that exclude marijuana. Drug tests that do not include marijuana testing can be found under the "Exclude Marijuana" section.

Hair Drug Tests That Do Not Include Marijuana Testing

To remove marijuana testing from a hair test, try one of our two popular hair tests:

For a complete list of our hair drug tests, take a look at our comprehensive list of hair tests.

Drug Panels That Include Marijuana

Urine Drug Tests That Include THC Testing

If marijuana testing is needed, the below urine drug panels include testing for THC:

For a complete list of urine drug panels that we offer, view our urine drug panels here.

Hair Drug Panels That Include Marijuana Testing

The following are hair drug tests that include testing for THC:

A comprehensive list of the hair drug panels that we offer can be found here.

Citations

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"Public Health - (410 ILCS 705/) Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act." Illinois General Assembly, https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3992&ChapterID=35
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Janisch, Kris. "Legalized Marijuana in Illinois: 5 Things Employers Need to Know." 9 August 2021, https://www.govdocs.com/legalized-marijuana-in-illinois-5-things-employers-need-to-know/
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"Medical Cannabis Patient Registry Program." Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis.html
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"HB3085." Illinois General Assembly, https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=HB&DocNum=3085&GAID=16&SessionID=110&LegID=132009
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"Illinois Lawmakers Approve Bill To Legalize Any Amount Of Marijuana And Expunge Past Records." Marijuana Moment, 25 March 2021, https://www.marijuanamoment.net/illinois-lawmakers-approve-bill-to-legalize-any-amount-of-marijuana-and-expunge-past-records/
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Hansen, Claire; Alas, Horus, and Davis, Elliott Jr. "Where Is Marijuana Legal? A Guide to Marijuana Legalization." U.S. News & World Report, 14 October 2021, https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/where-is-marijuana-legal-a-guide-to-marijuana-legalization#ill
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"Illinois Marijuana Laws." FindLaw, 15 July 2020, https://www.findlaw.com/state/illinois-law/illinois-marijuana-laws.html
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Barrett, Stacy. "Medical Marijuana and Federal Law." CriminalDefenseLawyer, NOLO, https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/criminal-defense/federal-crime/medical-marijuana-federal-laws.htm
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"Did You Know… Marijuana Was Once a Legal Cross-Border Import?" U.S. Customs and Border Protection, https://www.cbp.gov/about/history/did-you-know/marijuana
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"History." Illinois NORML, https://illinoisnorml.org/history
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"Illinois Laws and Penalties." NORML, https://norml.org/laws/illinois-penalties/