Illinois cannabis report cites record sales, more dispensaries
Published 3:06 pm Thursday, October 8, 2026
CHICAGO — Illinois regulators have released the state’s 2026 Annual Cannabis Report, which describes continued growth in the industry, more dispensaries, increased inspections, and the effects of a new law that changes how cannabis is regulated, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation said.
The department and the Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office released the report, which covers fiscal year 2026. It examines cannabis licensing, regulation, public health, public safety, economic development, and reinvestment.
The report highlights Senate Bill 3222, the Cannabis and Hemp Omnibus, which was signed into law in June 2026. The department said it is one of the most significant changes to the state’s cannabis framework since the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act passed in 2019. Among other provisions, the law allows adult-use dispensaries across Illinois to opt in to serving medical cannabis patients, reduces certain barriers to entry, and increases transparency around cannabis business ownership. It also removes certain barriers for people seeking to work at dispensaries.
“Fiscal Year 2026 was an important year for Illinois’ cannabis program, and the changes we have been implementing from SB 3222 continue to strengthen the regulatory framework and build on the progress we have made since adult-use cannabis was first legalized,” said Mario Treto Jr., secretary of the department. “We are focused on expanding access for patients and consumers, creating opportunities for businesses and ensuring that Illinois continues to have a cannabis industry that is safe, transparent, and responsibly regulated.”
Sales and dispensaries
The report says more than 5 million adult-use items were sold in July 2026, the highest monthly total to date. Sales in August 2026 totaled nearly 4.9 million items, a 9 percent increase in items sold from August 2025.
The department issued 29 operational dispensary licenses during the fiscal year, increasing the number of retail locations by more than 10 percent. It also added eight investigators to its Cannabis Control Section to support the growing number of dispensaries.
“As our regulatory structure and industry both mature, we saw record number of sales last year, with the best prices yet for Illinois consumers,” said Erin Johnson, the state’s cannabis regulation oversight officer.
Oversight
The department conducted 755 dispensary inspections in fiscal year 2026, up from 625 in fiscal year 2025, and expanded its inspection staff from 11 to 16 inspectors. It reported no mandatory cannabis product recalls during the year.
Medical cannabis
Before the new law, medical cannabis patients were limited to a small number of designated medical dispensaries. The department said Senate Bill 3222 increased patient options, added new qualifying medical conditions, reduced certification fees, and codified the ability to hold certification visits by telehealth. The department said it continues to process applications and issue licenses to eligible dispensaries as they complete the required review and approval process.
Research and public health
The report also covers state investment in research, public health, and education. It includes information from the Illinois Department of Human Services on the Cannabis Research Institute, which examines cannabis markets, safety literacy, workforce development, community-based education, and the health effects of cannabis.
The Cannabis Health Advisory Committee also recently released its annual report on the public health effects of adult-use cannabis legalization. The committee’s report draws on multiple data sources to track health and behavioral trends.
The annual report compiles required reporting from the department, the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois State Police, the Adult Use Cannabis Health Advisory Committee, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the Illinois Department of Public Health. It also includes supporting information from the Illinois Department of Revenue and the Department of Human Services.
