First month of recreational cannabis sales hit $39 million

Posted on February 3, 2020
Recreational marijuana became legal in Illinois Jan. 1. (Photo Pixabay)

 

By Neil Doyle

CHICAGO – The governor’s office is touting the first month of recreational marijuana sales throughout Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation said statewide adult-use cannabis sales in January totaled $39,247,840.83, according to a news release.  Dispensaries across the state sold 972,045 items over the 31-day period. Sales to Illinois residents totaled $30,611,632.22, while sales to out-of-state residents totaled $8,636,208.61.

A portion of every cannabis sale will be reinvested in communities harmed most by the failed war on drugs.

“The successful launch of Illinois’ legal cannabis industry represents new opportunities for entrepreneurs and the very communities that have historically been harmed by the failed war on drugs,” said Toi Hutchinson, Senior Advisor for Cannabis Control.

Last month, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) released applications for cannabis infuser, craft grower and transporter licenses. The applications are available on the Department’s website here. IDOA will begin accepting completed applications on Friday, Feb. 14 and all cannabis infuser, transporter and craft grower applications must be submitted by Monday, March 16.

Social equity applicants will receive additional points on their application and are eligible to receive technical assistance, grants, low-interest loans and fee reductions and waivers.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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