Illinois marijuana retailers sold cannabis to minors in just six of 1,452 attempted purchases conducted by state authorities during fiscal year 2026, according to a newly released state report.
The figure, included in Illinois’ September 30 2026 Annual Cannabis Report, means approximately 99.6% of the attempted underage purchases did not result in a sale.
The Illinois State Police (ISP) said the attempted purchases were conducted as part of “under 21 covert details.” The agency did not identify the six businesses that completed sales or provide details about any resulting disciplinary action.
The number of compliance checks increased substantially from the previous fiscal year. In fiscal year 2025, ISP conducted 1,145 attempted purchases, with four resulting in sales to minors. That means the number of attempted purchases increased by about 27% in fiscal year 2026, while the overall compliance rate remained above 99.5%.
The checks are part of a broader enforcement and inspection program overseen by the Illinois State Police Cannabis Control Office. During fiscal year 2026, the office conducted 7,787 inspections of licensed cultivation centers, dispensaries, craft growers, infusers and transporters. Inspectors identified 996 violations, including 648 reported to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and 348 reported to the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
ISP reported that its inspectors counted more than 4.7 million marijuana plants and products during inspections over the fiscal year. The agency also received 85 referrals from law enforcement agencies, members of the public and the marijuana industry.
Illinois had 280 licensed dispensaries listed in the report, along with 20 licensed cultivation centers, 29 craft growers, 19 infusers and 143 licensed transporters. The Cannabis Control Office said it maintained monthly inspections of licensed marijuana facilities and plans to continue expanding its inspection staff in fiscal year 2027.
