How Much Does Medical Marijuana Cost in Illinois?

How Much Does Medical Marijuana Cost in Illinois?

In Illinois, the cost of medical marijuana in dispensaries is influenced by factors like cannabis strain, ingestion method, and weed quality. In the state, the average cost of 1 ounce of high quality marijuana is $354 while the same quantity of medium quality marijuana costs $297. Meanwhile, the average cost of a high quality cannabis joint (0.66 grams) in Illinois dispensaries is $8.23.

Can You Use a Credit Card at a Dispensary in Illinois?

No. Cannabis dispensaries in Illinois do not accept credit cards for in-store or online purchases of medical cannabis. Banks and credit card companies do not process cannabis-related transactions due to its federal classification as a Schedule I substance. However, these dispensaries accept cash and debit cards for medical marijuana orders.

Does Illinois Tax Medical Marijuana Sales?

Yes. Medical marijuana in Illinois is subject to a 1% State Retailers’ Occupation Tax and a medical cannabis cultivation privilege tax calculated as 7% of the sales price per ounce of marijuana sold by the cultivation center.

Does Recreational Marijuana Cost More than Medical Marijuana in Illinois?

In Illinois, adult-use cannabis is subject to a 6.25% State Retailers’ Occupation Tax and 7% tax on the gross receipt on the first sale of cannabis by a cultivator to a dispensary organization. Illinois also imposes a Cannabis Purchaser Excise Tax based on the purchase price of cannabis and cannabis products. This is calculated at the following rate:

• 10% of the purchase price: for cannabis products or flower with a THC level of 35% or less
• 20% of the purchase price: for a cannabis infused product
• 25% of the purchase price: for cannabis with a THC level above 35%

Furthermore, adult-use cannabis is subject to Local Retailers’ Occupation Tax imposed by municipalities and counties. The Municipal Cannabis Occupation Tax and Cannabis County Retailers’ Occupation Tax are imposed on the gross receipts from sales of adult-use cannabis. With many more taxes on adult-use marijuana, it is likely to cost more than medical marijuana in Illinois.

How to Save Money on the Cost of Medical Marijuana in Illinois

Currently, Illinois does not have a program that offers lower medical marijuana prices to certain groups of registered patients. However, medical marijuana patients can save on the costs of their preferred cannabis products by taking advantage of deals and loyalty programs provided by licensed dispensaries in the state. Some dispensaries offer up to 15% discount on cannabis and cannabis products purchased by veterans and seniors. Furthermore, medical marijuana patients in Illinois can do the following to save money at dispensaries:

• Grow their own marijuana: Illinois allows a registered medical cannabis patient, aged 21 or older, to cultivate up to 5 cannabis plants, measuring up to 5 inches, at home for their personal consumption
• Shop around: patients can get the best prices for their preferred cannabis products by comparing prices at different dispensaries
• Buy in bulk: they can buy up to the maximum quantity allowed for their monthly supply in order to save money and prevent frequent trips to dispensaries