The Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (410 ILCS 705/10-35) prohibits cannabis consumption in any public place, vehicle, or school. Violations are civil with fines from $100 to $500. Cook County Sheriff and suburban police enforce; Forest Preserve Ch. 90 also bans use in preserves.
Illinois legalized adult-use cannabis in 2020 under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. CRTA at 410 ILCS 705/10-35 forbids consumption in any public place, including streets, sidewalks, parks, restaurants, bars (unless licensed for on-site consumption), and motor vehicles. The 2023 amendments added explicit bans within sight of schools and youth facilities. Cook County has not opened any on-site consumption lounges in unincorporated areas. The Forest Preserve District prohibits cannabis use in preserves under Ch. 90, mirroring its alcohol rule. Possession remains capped at 30 grams of flower for Illinois residents and 15 grams for non-residents under 410 ILCS 705/10-10. Driving while impaired remains a felony under 625 ILCS 5/11-501.
Public cannabis consumption is a civil violation with fines from $100 to $500 under 410 ILCS 705/10-35(d). Use within a vehicle adds DUI exposure under 625 ILCS 5/11-501. Use in a forest preserve carries a separate Ch. 90 fine.
Evanston, IL
Evanston allows licensed cannabis dispensaries in designated commercial zoning districts with a special use permit. Dispensaries must maintain 1,500-foot buf...
Evanston, IL
Home cultivation of recreational cannabis is illegal in Evanston and throughout Illinois. The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act legalized adult-use cannabis in...
See how Evanston's public marijuana use rules stack up against other locations.
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