Home cultivation of recreational cannabis is illegal in Evanston and throughout Illinois. The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act legalized adult-use cannabis in 2020 but explicitly prohibits home growing for recreational use. Medical cannabis patients registered with the Illinois Department of Public Health may grow up to 5 plants at home.
The Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (410 ILCS 705), effective January 1, 2020, legalized recreational cannabis purchase and possession but explicitly prohibits home cultivation for non-medical use. Growing any cannabis plant for recreational purposes is a civil violation with a fine of up to $200. The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act (410 ILCS 130) was amended to allow registered qualifying patients to cultivate up to 5 cannabis plants at home beginning January 1, 2021. Plants must be grown in an enclosed, locked space not visible to the public. Patients must be 21 or older and hold a valid medical cannabis card from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Caregivers may also cultivate for registered patients. Home-grown medical cannabis cannot be sold or distributed. Evanston does not impose additional restrictions on medical home cultivation beyond state law. Recreational cannabis may be purchased from licensed dispensaries — Evanston has approved dispensary locations within city limits. Contact Evanston PD at (847) 866-5000 for questions about cannabis laws.
Recreational home cultivation is a civil law violation with fines up to $200 per offense. Growing more than 5 plants as a medical patient, or growing without a valid medical card, may result in criminal charges under the Cannabis Control Act. Distribution of home-grown cannabis is a felony. Evanston PD enforces cannabis laws locally.
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