Cannabis Regulations in Winnebago County, IL (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Winnebago County, Illinois.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Winnebago County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Dispensary Zoning

A licensed medical cannabis dispensing organization cannot locate within 1,000 feet of a pre-existing school or day care center, and cannot sit inside a residential dwelling or residential district, under UDO § 15.3.15. Dispensaries are a Special Use countywide, so siting one also requires a special use permit plus a submitted security and hours-of-operation plan.

Winnebago County Cannabis Dispensary Zoning Rules

Significant Restrictions

Winnebago County UDO § 15.3.15

A.In accordance with state law, medical cannabis dispensing organizations must comply with the required spacing and location requirements. Any subsequent amendment to state law that is more restrictive that this standard will control.1.A licensed medical marijuana dispensary may not be located within 1,000 feet of a pre-existing educational facility - primary or secondary and/or day care center...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Buffer Zones

Winnebago County keeps medical cannabis cultivation centers at least 2,500 feet from any pre-existing school, day care center, day care home or residential district under UDO § 15.3.16, more than double the 1,000-foot buffer set for dispensing organizations. Cultivation must also happen entirely inside a locked, enclosed facility, and operators must file a security and operations plan before the county approves siting.

Winnebago County Cannabis Cultivation Buffer Rule

Significant Restrictions

Winnebago County UDO § 15.3.16

A.In accordance with state law, medical cannabis dispensing organizations must comply with the required facility design and spacing requirements. Any subsequent amendment to state law that is more restrictive that this standard will control.1.A licensed medical cannabis cultivation center must be located within an enclosed, locked facility, defined as a room, greenhouse, building, or other encl...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

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