The inevitable arrival of a dispensary on Weed Street was just a question of when.
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?
Need a refresher on Illinois’ legal cannabis landscape or haven’t tried anything in thc gummies uk shop years? Mission Dispensary is here to illuminate the path. With over 1,000 products available—many featuring sales — bundles, or exclusive discounts—customers can explore widely to discover a strain tailored to their desired effects and activities.
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.
River North – Ascend Cannabis
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.
- Since its founding in July 2017 (Mission South Chicago has been a cornerstone for the South Chicago lakefront), leading the way in medical cannabis before transitioning to recreational sales in 2020.
- Sunnyside’s Lakeview location marked its debut in Chicago (and by late 2021), the dispensary relocated to the sprawling former John Barleycorn venue in Wrigleyville.
Since its launch in April 2021, this downtown Chicago dispensary has become essential for both residents and travelers. Featuring a sleek, uncluttered layout and a seamless digital ordering process, the store caters to shoppers seeking efficiency without compromising on product variety or quality. Named after 1933—the year Prohibition ended—the dispensary embodies its mission to dismantle the stigma surrounding cannabis legalization.
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 buy weed legally through a dispensary and pay for your purchases with cash. One of Chicagoland’s largest dispensary chains has a location in the former Herbal Care Center (a convenient option for people seeking cannabis products in and around UIC), the Medical District, Pilsen and Douglas Park. In Illinois, you can buy legal weed at a recreational or medical cannabis dispensary with 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.