Recently, in 2019, Illinois has made some considerable changes to its laws regarding recreational and medical marijuana use. But what do those laws mean for the everyday consumer? Where can they shop for their CBD oils, and how can they do it in a safe environment?
If you’ve recently found yourself wondering is CBD oil legal in Illinois, you’ve come to the right place for answers. We’ll also show you how and where to buy the finest CBD oil Illinois has to offer its residents. Without further ado, let’s jump right in.
Is CBD Oil Legal in Illinois?
Medical Marijuana
Back in 2013, Illinois lawmakers passed the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act. It allowed patients who suffered from one of thirty specific medical conditions to apply for a medical marijuana card.
The Pilot Program was a huge success, and by 2020, the state had issued over 100,000 medical marijuana cards. What’s more, to further the progress, they also reduced the punishment for carrying 0.35 oz (10 grams) of cannabis from a misdemeanor to a $100 to $200 fine.
In August 2019, the state expanded the program even more as they made medical cannabis a replacement for opioid painkillers. Also, those who wanted to apply for a card wouldn’t have to undergo extensive background checks anymore.
Illinois even extended the list of medical conditions that were eligible to receive a medical marijuana card. Some of the ones they’ve added include:
- Anorexia
- Chronic pain
- IBS
- Autism
- Neuropathy
- Migraines, and more
Recreational Use
Illinois lawmakers made the first proposition to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in 2017. With this measure, residents would be able to carry 1 oz of cannabis and grow up to five plants.
So in May of 2019, the bill passed, and Illinois became the 11th state in the U.S. to allow recreational marijuana use. What’s more, the state is also working on expunging marijuana-related records, and they expect to complete the entire process by 2025.
Expected CBD Oil Illinois Sales and Records
On January 1, Illinois residents flocked to their local dispensaries in the hopes of getting the best CBD oil Illinois has to offer. Even though they had to wait in long lines, it didn’t stop them from breaking the U.S. record for most recreational sales.
In fact, just on the first day, Illinois residents had spent around $3.2 million on marijuana products. In the following week, those sales rose to a whopping $10.8 million statewide.
Where to Buy CBD Oil in Illinois
If you want to get your hands on some high-quality CBD oil, you can either buy online or go to your nearest dispensary.
Buying at a Dispensary
Currently, there are around 37 licensed dispensaries all across Illinois, where you can shop for your favorite products.
However, since these new laws passed, over 700 applicants have submitted their paperwork to open a dispensary. So even if you might not have a store near you right now, you probably will before the year’s over.
Now, the main benefit of buying in a brick-and-mortar store is that they ensure quality. Before the store orders from any brands, they first check to see if their products are safe and lab-tested.
What’s more, dispensaries will usually have a wide range of different products for you to try out, not just CBD oil. They’re the best option for those of you who don’t have any experience with taking CBD and don’t know which company to trust or which potency to start with.
Buying Online
We would recommend buying CBD online only if you’ve tried it before and know exactly who you’re buying from. Since it can be difficult to verify the quality of a company’s products, you might be getting CBD oil that’s never been tested in a lab.
Final Thoughts
So to answer your question one more time: Is CBD oil legal in Illinois? Yes, it’s absolutely safe and legal to buy and use CBD or marijuana products in the state.
If you’ve never tried CBD before, your best bet might be to find a dispensary and chat with the employees for a possible recommendation. On the other hand, if you have plenty of experience with buying the best CBD oil Illinois has and know which brand you love, you can consider buying online. It’s easy, safe, and it’ll take a few days for your favorite products to arrive at your doorstep.