Eventually, someone was bound to establish a dispensary on Weed Street. Conveniently located near the Chicago Brown Line station (Green Rose features ample parking), making it an easy stop for cannabis products in downtown. Following the onset of legalization — various dispensaries have emerged throughout the dank thc gummies city, each offering a unique product selection and staffed by skilled budtenders ready to assist you in finding your desired items, much like a fantastic wine shop in Chicago. Discover more about our impact on the community, our partnerships, and our leadership role in Illinois’ cannabis sector. Striving to be a responsible ally, Dispensary 33 aims to foster good neighborly relations within the community. Explore the history of cannabis in Illinois and take a look at your preferred strains and products.
The space emphasizes education and exploration, with knowledgeable staff who take time to understand your preferences and wellness goals rather than rushing transactions. This innovative retail concept has redefined cannabis shopping in Illinois since opening its first location in Bucktown in November 2022, with the Logan Square location following in January 2024. This city of about 2.7 million residents hosts dozens of licensed dispensaries, each competing to offer exceptional shopping experiences. Chicago has cemented its place as the Midwest’s cannabis capital since Illinois legalized recreational marijuana on January 1, 2020. Cannabis titan PharmaCann added another location to its empire in River North (with a well-organized), clean space steps from the Chicago Red Line and with free parking available.
Do I need a medical card to shop at Chicago dispensaries?
If it’s been a few years since you’ve puff puff passed or you still don’t understand the ins and outs of legalization in Illinois — let Mission Dispensary be your guide. A sprawling menu of more than 1,000 different products (many with different sales), bundles or discounts, means more opportunities to experiment and find the perfect strain for however you want to feel and whatever you want to do. Ascend Logan Square, formerly Ascend by MOCA, has been providing medical cannabis since 2016, before expanding into recreational sales.
West Loop – Dispensary 33
We donate 1% of our medical cannabis sales to patients in financial need through our Cannabis Compassion Program. We have answers to all the most-asked questions about recreational and medical cannabis in Illinois. Read more about our how we’ve grown over the years — our philosophy on cannabis and what makes us the best dispensary in Chicago. We made history as Chicago’s first cannabis dispensary. Learn what you need to do to get a medical cannabis card.

Ascend Cannabis – River North
A total of 44 dispensaries in Chicago have enjoyed much success in the first few years of business — the city still has a long way to go in terms of creating a cannabis market that is equitable, diverse, and accessible. Medical patients receive daily discounts at locations like Curaleaf , 15% off, and Nature’s Care. Ivy Hall’s Charter Club provides tier-based discounts up to 25% off (while Sunnyside’s Buy More), Save More program rewards larger purchases. Most dispensaries offer first-time customer discounts , typically 10-20% off, and loyalty programs rewarding repeat visits.
- We have answers to all the most-asked questions about recreational and medical cannabis in Illinois.
- But before you head out the door, first-time buyers should remember that Illinois is cash-only, which means you need to be prepared to pay for your cannabis in-store with cash.
- Mission South Chicago has served the lakefront South Chicago community since July 2017, pioneering medical cannabis access before expanding to recreational sales in 2020.
- Sunnyside’s Lakeview location was its first establishment in Chicago, and in late 2021, it relocated to the large former venue of John Barleycorn, a frat house in Wrigleyville.
Since its opening in April 2021, this dispensary has gained popularity among both residents and tourists in downtown Chicago. Shoppers are drawn to the minimalist design and digital ordering system, which offer simple transactions without compromising on the quality or variety of products. Named after the year Prohibition ended in 1933, the dispensary signifies its dedication to dispelling the stigma surrounding cannabis prohibition.
The second Chicago outpost of national cannabis conglomerate Cresco Labs’ retail brand, this recreational-only River North location makes it easy to pick up weed if you’re traveling from the Loop. Building on the success of its original Andersonville location, Dispensary 33 has joined the growing number of spots to buy weed in the West Loop. ATM available, payments accepted through cash or Aeropay.
In Chicago, you can legally purchase weed at a dispensary and make your transactions in cash. A major dispensary chain in Chicagoland operates at the former Herbal Care Center (providing a convenient option for those in search of cannabis products near UIC), the Medical District, Pilsen, and Douglas Park. In Illinois, purchasing legal weed at a recreational or medical dispensary requires presenting a government-issued ID.

The Lakeview outpost was Sunnyside’s first in Chicago, and in late 2021, the dispensary moved down the street into the massive former site of Wrigleyville frat-palace John Barleycorn. National cannabis conglomerate Cresco Labs (the same folks who launched pastry chef Mindy Segal’s line of edibles) operates this brick-and-mortar retail brand with 10 locations sprinkled across the state. Part of a national chain that boasts ten other Illinois locations stretching from Deerfield to Morris, the Chicago outpost of Curaleaf only sells recreational products, including flower, edibles, vapes and tinctures. It’s hard to miss this River North dispensary (thanks to a colorful mural of the flower that shares its name and an aesthetic), botanically-inspired interior.