Illinois' Marijuana Market Flourishes Thanks to 'Cannabis Tourists' from Neighboring States
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently highlighted the state's booming marijuana market, attributing significant growth to "cannabis tourists" from neighboring states where cannabis remains illegal. Speaking at the International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA) event, Pritzker emphasized Illinois's achievements in promoting equity within the legal cannabis industry while acknowledging the work still needed to repair the damage caused by marijuana prohibition.
Economic Boom from Cannabis Tourism
Governor Pritzker estimated that about 25% of Illinois’s cannabis sales are from out-of-state visitors. This influx of "cannabis tourists" has been a substantial contributor to the state’s marijuana market, which saw nearly $2 billion in sales in 2023. Pritzker humorously remarked on how residents from Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Kentucky cross state lines to purchase cannabis in Illinois, benefiting the state's economy through taxes on these products.
Focus on Social Equity
Pritzker is particularly proud of Illinois’s efforts to pair cannabis legalization with social equity initiatives. According to a study by the state's Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office, 60% of adult-use marijuana business licenses have been granted to minority- or women-owned businesses. This follows the opening of the 100th social equity-owned marijuana store in Illinois, highlighting the state's commitment to reparative justice for communities most impacted by the war on drugs.
"It hasn't been easy. We have more work to do—there's no doubt," said Pritzker. "I'm not satisfied with where we are. We have a long way to go to repair the damage done by the war on drugs."
- Cannabis Tourists Boost Sales: 25% of Illinois’s cannabis sales are from out-of-state visitors.
- Economic Milestone: Illinois's cannabis industry reached nearly $2 billion in sales in 2023.
- Social Equity Achievements: 60% of business licenses granted to minority- or women-owned businesses.