Illinois nets nearly $40 million dollars in first month of legal cannabis sales

Kenzie Dillow

CHICAGO (WSIL) -- In the first month of legalized cannabis use in Illinois, recreational sales reached close to $40 million dollars.

The Illinois Department of Federal and Professional Regulation says dispensaries across the state brought in $39,247,840.33 for adult-use cannabis for January.

Dispensaries across the state sold 972,045 items over the 31-day period.

The state adds sales to Illinois residents totaled $30,611,632.22, while sales to out-of-state residents totaled $8,636,208.61.

“The successful launch of the 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 to Gov. Pritzker. 

“The administration is dedicated to providing multiple points of entry into this new industry, from dispensary owners to transporters, to ensure legalization is equitable and accessible for all Illinoisans.”