Marijuana sales in Illinois passed $1 billion on July 1, ten days earlier than last year, according to the governor’s office. The state’s Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office shows Illinois residents made 81% of the total value of cannabis purchases for the first six months of the year, according to CBS Chicago. Out-of-state consumers made the other 19%. The sales broke down to 49% cannabis flower, 32% vape, and 22% edibles —along with liquid edibles at 1.1%, the state said.
The governor lauded the development as significant in producing funds for the corrections system and communities affected by crime. Cannabis sales have produced $244 million in grants for youth programs, economic development, and violence prevention, the state said.
There are 218 licensed dispensaries in Illinois.
– CBS Chicago