In September, Illinois saw marijuana sales above $150 million for the 12th consecutive month.
According to updated numbers provided by the Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer, there was $136.5 worth of recreational marijuana sold in September, in addition to $21.7 million worth of medical marijuana. The combined $158.2 million is a noticable dip from the $165 million sold last month and last September. Still, the state’s legal marijuana industry has continued to remain consistent, with monthy sales above $150 million since September 2023.
Of the recreational marijuana sold in September, $106.1 million was purchased by those living in Illinois, with out-of-state residents purchasing $30.4 million worth of marijuana and marijuana products during the same period.
Year-to-date, marijuana sales in Illinois are now around $1.7 billion, generating over $300 million in tax revenue.
Although the average price of legal marijuana in Illinois remains higher than some other states like Oregon and Massachusetts, September saw the lowest prices since the state legalized marijuana in 2019. Currently the average price per gram of dried marijuana is $8.77, while a gram of marijuana concentrate averages $55.20.
Illinois legalized marijuana in 2019. The law allows those aged 21 and older to purchase up to 30 grams of dried marijuana, 5 grams of marijuana concentrates, and up to 500 milligrams of THC in marijuana-infused products if they reside in the state. Non-residents are allowed to possess half these amounts.
The tax rate for marijuana ranges from 10% to 25% depending on the product. This is in addition to the state’s 6.25% sales tax, along with local taxes of up to 3.5%.
After covering the costs of running the state’s marijuana program, tax revenue is distributed as follows:
- 35% to the General Revenue Fund
- 25% to the Recover, Reinvest, and Renew (3R) Program
- 20% to mental health services and substance abuse programs
- 10% to pay unpaid bills
- 10% to the Local Government Distributive Fund, for prevention and training for law enforcement
- 2% to public education and safety campaigns
