x
Breaking News
More () »

Illinois has sold more than $1 billion worth of recreational cannabis in 2024

According to state officials, the sales have brought in more than $244 million that has been used for grants for economic development and violence prevention.
Credit: WQAD

ILLINOIS, USA — Illinois has sold more than $1 billion worth of marijuana in 2024, according to the governor's office.

The state crossed the milestone on July 1, which is approximately two weeks faster than it took to reach the same volume in 2023. A press release states that Illinois buyers made up 81% of the purchases. Approximately 49% of the sales revenue came from cannabis flower, 32% came from vaporizers, and 22% came from edibles.

"Illinois has the most equitable cannabis industry in the country and it's growing and thriving," Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in the release. "The increase in total adult-use cannabis sales, combined with the policies my administration is implementing to support communities ravaged by the War on Drugs, highlights how this emerging industry is helping us set a national standard in equity and economic justice. Growing sales in 2024 means cannabis tax revenue will continue to play a major role in righting decades of wrongs in the state's criminal justice system."

According to the state of Illinois, the sales have brought in more than $244 million in tax revenue used to fund R3 Grants across the state. These grants are used to fund projects in the following categories:

  • Civil Legal Aid
  • Economic Development
  • Reentry
  • Violence Prevention
  • Youth Development

There are currently 218 licensed dispensaries across Illinois.

Download the WQAD News 8 App 
Subscribe to our newsletter 
Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Watch more news, weather and sports on News 8's YouTube channel

Before You Leave, Check This Out