Skokie, IL Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

The Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act allows municipalities to regulate the zoning of adult-use cannabis businesses and to impose local taxes. Skokie's zoning code treats cannabis dispensaries as special uses in specific commercial districts, subject to Plan Commission review and Village Board approval. Distance separation requirements typically include 1,500 feet from any school, day care, or similar youth-oriented use and buffers from residential zoning, consistent with state minimums and Village preferences. Hours of operation, security plans, odor control, and signage plans are reviewed. Skokie has adopted the municipal cannabis retailers' occupation tax authorized under state law, typically up to 3% on adult-use sales. The state of Illinois also imposes a Cannabis Cultivation Privilege Tax and additional excise taxes. Dispensary licenses are issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (for cultivation/transport), not by the Village. Skokie does not license the cannabis operation itself; the Village's role is zoning, local taxation, and building/health code review. Consumption on dispensary premises is not permitted statewide; Skokie has not adopted a consumption lounge ordinance.