Here’s How Illinois Marijuana Sales Hit a Record $2 Billion in 2024

As Illinois celebrates its 5th anniversary of legal adult use of cannabis, the state continues to see remarkable growth.

Another Record-Breaking Year for Illinois Cannabis Industry

According to a press release from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), 2024 marked the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking marijuana sales.

Dispensaries reported over 2 Billion dollars in total cannabis sales last year, representing a 2.5 percent increase over 2023.

Economic Impact and Tax Revenue

The $2 billion in sales included a record-breaking $1.722 billion in adult-use cannabis purchases, while medical cannabis sales hit over $285 million.

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There was a significant increase in tax revenue for Illinois with nearly a half billion ($490 million) from 2024 cannabis sales, according to the Illinois Department of Revenue.

With $2 billion in record-setting sales and $490 million generated in tax revenue, our first-in-the-nation equity-focused cannabis industry is the result of my administration’s policies, which prioritized repairing the damage done by the failed War on Drugs, creating more good-paying jobs, and building a safe, equitable, and prosperous business sector—making Illinois by far the national leader in diverse ownership for this industry. -Illinois Governor JB Pritzker

Despite the success, Governor Pritzker expresses concern over the rise of unregulated hemp products.

Addressing Challenges in the Industry

With businesses selling hemp products without regulations, licensed businesses are undermined according to Governor Pritzker who said, "This unchecked market not only undercuts legal operators but also puts consumers at risk by flooding the industry with untested, potentially unsafe products."

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Illinois remains the nation's leader in diverse cannabis business ownership, with 134 social equity dispensaries currently operating, according to the press release.

Expanding Access and Competition

A record 56.3 million cannabis items were sold in 2024, up 13 percent from 2023. More than $385 million in marijuana sales came from out-of-state visitors, while Illinois residents purchased $1.34 billion in adult-use cannabis, according to IDFPR.

State officials expect continued growth in the cannabis industry with new dispensaries bringing more job opportunities and increased community resources.