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Adult Use Recreational Cannabis

Illinois state law allows adults over the age of 21 to legally consume, purchase, and possess cannabis, with certain restrictions.  The information on this page is provided to help answer many of the questions which residents may have about the consumption of cannabis in the Champaign city limits. Residents may also wish to consult the following resources to learn more about the regulation of recreational cannabis in Champaign and the state of Illinois.

Champaign’s City Ordinances Regarding Recreational Cannabis

  • Cannabis Ordinance (Chapter 10.5)
  • Zoning Requirements for Cannabis Business Establishments
  • Municipal Cannabis Retailers’ Occupation Tax

State Law Legalizing Recreational Cannabis

  • Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Public Act 101-0027)

Informational Video About Adult Use Cannabis


Frequently Asked Questions


Has the City of Champaign authorized the licensed sale of recreational cannabis within City limits?

Yes. The Champaign City Council has authorized the sale of recreational use cannabis and cannabis-infused products within the Champaign City limits, as outlined in the Champaign Municipal Code. The City of Champaign regulates locations where cannabis businesses can be located through regulations outlined in the City’s Zoning Ordinance. The City of Champaign also taxes the sale of cannabis and cannabis-infused products.

Can I possess cannabis within the City of Champaign?

The State of Illinois’ Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act legalizes the possession and private use of cannabis for Illinois residents age 21 and older. This State law created most regulations about consumption and possession of recreational, non-medical cannabis. The City of Champaign has adopted these regulations into its Municipal Code as Chapter 10.5, making them part of the City’s local laws. All State law rules and requirements about consumption of cannabis apply within the City of Champaign.

When can I start legally buying cannabis for recreational use in Illinois?

Consumers were able to buy, possess, and consume cannabis and cannabis-infused products for recreational use from licensed sellers starting on January 1, 2020.

What is the minimum age to buy cannabis?

Consumers age 21 and older will be able to buy cannabis products and items of cannabis-related paraphernalia from licensed sellers in Illinois.

Who can sell cannabis legally in Illinois?

At first only medical cannabis dispensaries are able to legally sell cannabis for recreational use.  Over time the State of Illinois will grant additional licenses to dozens of new stores, processors, cultivators and transporters. New dispensary locations may open within and around Champaign at a future date.

How much cannabis can I possess at one time?

A person will be able to legally possess 30 grams, or about one ounce, of cannabis flower. The legal limit for cannabis concentrate is 5 grams. The limit for cannabis-infused products, such as edibles, is 500 milligrams of THC, the chemical that gives users a “high.” These limits are considered cumulative.

Where can I legally consume cannabis?

Adults can consume cannabis in the privacy of one’s own home within the City of Champaign. Use of cannabis in any public place, which is anywhere a person can reasonably be expected to be observed by others, is not allowed by State law or City ordinance.

Where am I NOT allowed to consume cannabis?

Cannabis consumption is not allowed:
• In any public place. A public place is anywhere a person could reasonably be expected to be observed by others. This includes but is not limited to sidewalks, parking lots, and parks, as well as buildings and businesses both public and private.
• Inside any motor vehicle.
• On school grounds, including daycares, preschools, primary and secondary schools.
• On colleges and university campuses that have chosen to restrict or prohibit cannabis on school property.
• In a rental unit if the property owner, such as the landlord or homeowner, chooses to prohibit use on their property.
• In a private residence that is used at any time to provide licensed childcare or other similar social service care on the premises.
• In close physical proximity to individuals under the age of 21.
• In close physical proximity to any on-duty school bus driver, police officer, firefighter, or corrections officer.
• Smoking cannabis is prohibited in any location where smoking tobacco is prohibited by the Smoke Free Illinois Act, including hospitals, restaurants, retail stores, offices, and other commercial businesses.

Can my landlord prevent me from consuming cannabis in a property I rent?

Yes. Landlords can establish rules to prohibit tenants from possessing or consuming cannabis in their rental properties.

Are there certain specific activities that an individual may not perform while using cannabis?

Yes. Certain activities are prohibited, including:
• Operating, navigating or being in actual physical control of any motor vehicle, aircraft, or motorboat while using or under the influence of cannabis.
• Use of cannabis by a law enforcement officer, corrections officer, probation officer or firefighter while on duty.
• Use of cannabis by a person who has a school bus driver’s permit or a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) while on duty.
• Driving under the influence and reckless driving based on THC impairment may continue to be charged by law enforcement.

Can I grow my own cannabis?

Only if you have a prescription for medical cannabis, and are over the age of 21. Medical patients will be permitted to possess up to five cannabis plants more than 5 inches tall under certain conditions. Cannabis plants must be kept on a resident’s private property away from public view. The growing location must be in a closed and locked space that is reasonably inaccessible by a person under 21 years of age. Those without a medical cannabis prescription and who are under age of 21 are not allowed to grow cannabis at home.

How are cannabis products taxed?

Purchases of cannabis flower or products with less than 35% THC will include a 10% sales tax. Cannabis-infused products, like edibles, include a 20% tax. Products with a THC concentration higher than 35% include a 25% tax. Illinois state law allows municipalities and counties to levy additional local sales taxes. The City of Champaign will impose an additional 3% tax on cannabis and cannabis-infused products sold within the city limits effective July 1, 2020.

What happens to past criminal records for cannabis-related offenses?

The City of Champaign cannot provide individuals with legal advice about expungement. Please review Section 5.2 of the State’s Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act and/or consult an attorney for more information about the State of Illinois’ expungement process.

What about driving under the influence?

Drivers with THC blood concentration of five nanograms or more per milliliter (5 ng/ml) are guilty of driving under the influence, regardless of whether the driver is showing signs of impairment. The new state law creates a DUI Task Force, led by Illinois State Police, to examine best practices for roadside testing. The DUI Task Force is to present a report and recommendations on improvements to enforcement of driving under the influence of cannabis to the Governor and General Assembly no later than July 1, 2020

Can my employer prevent me from consuming cannabis on my own time?

Yes, employers may maintain a zero-drug tolerance workplace and individuals can continue to be drug tested in accordance with an employer’s workplace rules.

How does Federal law affect Illinois’ law?

Any questions related to Federal regulations should be directed to the proper Federal agencies.

Can I take cannabis with me when traveling in a vehicle?

A person cannot possess cannabis in a vehicle not open to the public unless the cannabis is in a reasonably secured, sealed container that is reasonably inaccessible while the vehicle is moving.

Can I take cannabis with me when I travel to another state?

No. Cannabis cannot be transported across the Illinois state line.


All information provided on this page is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided on this webpage does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice, and cannot be relied upon as legal advice or as a defense to any proceeding. The information does not cover everything that may be applicable in the law or to any one person’s individual circumstances. Individuals are encouraged to review the State of Illinois’ Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, and to seek personalized legal advice for any specific questions they may have.

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Legal News

  • City Staff Recognized at Forty Under 40 Luncheon October 28, 2022
  • City Manager Announces Appointment of New City Attorney August 30, 2022
  • Champaign City Attorney Announces Upcoming Retirement April 13, 2022
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