CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The "green goddess" is definitely bringing in some green for Illinois - nearly $40 million worth in the first 31 days.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced Monday that statewide adult-use cannabis sales in January totaled $39,247,840.83.
According to the total, sales to Illinois residents totaled over $30.6 million, while sales to out-of-state residents totaled over $8.6 million. Dispensaries across the state sold over 970,000 items over the 31-day period.
“The successful launch of the Illinois’ legal cannabis industry represents new opportunities for entrepreneurs and the very communities that have historically been harmed by the failed war on drugs,” said Toi Hutchinson, Senior Advisor for Cannabis Control to Gov. Pritzker, in a statement.
A portion of every cannabis sale will be "reinvested in communities harmed most by the failed war on drugs," according to the IDFPR.
Last month, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) released applications for cannabis infuser, craft grower, and transporter licenses. The applications are available on the Department's website. IDOA will begin accepting completed applications on Friday, February 14 and all cannabis infuser, transporter, and craft grower applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 16. Social equity applicants will receive "additional points" on their application and are eligible to receive technical assistance, grants, low-interest loans and fee reductions and waivers.
“The administration is dedicated to providing multiple points of entry into this new industry, from dispensary owners to transporters, to ensure legalization is equitable and accessible for all Illinoisans," Hutchinson said.
Listen to a full podcast from the city's first, free Cannabis Resource Fair held Saturday at the UIC Forum, connecting residents with employment and business opportunities, expungement and legal aid assistance, and more information on cannabis regulations and laws within the city.