A Complete Guide to Cannabis Tourism in Chicago

Come January 1, 2020, the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act will come into force, meaning it will be legal to purchase and possess recreational marijuana in Chicago. Presently, medical marijuana is legal in Chicago and eligible patients with a doctor’s recommendation may legally consume medical marijuana in Chicago. Although Chicago has not been a good fit for cannabis tourists due to the illegalization of the sale and purchase of recreational marijuana, things are expected to change tremendously. The Jan, 1 legalization of recreational marijuana is expected to have a huge impact on cannabis tourism in Chicago. The ripple effect of marijuana legalization in Illinois will extend far beyond getting high. Recreational dispensaries in Chicago are expecting huge crowds and Chicago is set to become a must-stop city for cannabis enthusiasts. Presently, Chicago receives more than 50 million visitors each year. This number is expected to increase dramatically once the legalization of weed comes into force on New Year’s Day. Get ready to explore the limitless options for 420 fun in Chicago starting from Jan 1, 2020.

Chicago weed laws

Chicago weed laws allow Chicago residents aged 21 and over to purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis flower, up to 5 grams of cannabis concentrate, and up to 500 milligrams of THC in products such as edibles. Non-Chicago residents may possess up to only half as much as residents. Anyone purchasing recreational weed will be required to provide a valid state ID or driver’s license.

Chicago weed laws prohibit the use of cannabis in public spaces such as parks, schools, government buildings, hospitals, public housing, buses, or near someone under 21. Generally, it’s illegal to use recreational weed anywhere you can reasonably be observed by others. It’s also illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana in Chicago.

Medical marijuana patients are allowed to grow up to five plants at home in a closed area. Chicago weed laws also allow property owners to ban marijuana on their premises.

Where to find the best recreational and medical weed in Chicago

The countdown is on until the purchase and possession of recreational weed become legal in Chicago on New Year’s Day. Licensed recreational dispensaries in Chicago will be able to sell cannabis products to persons aged 21 and older. Many cannabis enthusiasts are excited to visit Chicago for the opportunity to purchase and experience recreational weed freely and legally.

Cannabis dispensaries in Chicago:

The following some of the best recreational dispensaries in Chicago where you can purchase recreational weed.

#1 MOCA

MOCA is one of the cannabis dispensaries that have been licensed to offer both medical and recreational weed products in Chicago. Located in the heart of Logan Square, MOCA offers the best product selection and amazing shopping experience.  This cannabis dispensary in Chicago offers a wide range of high-quality cannabis products including flowers, concentrates, edibles, and other cannabis-infused products.

MOCA has two entrances: one at 2847 W Fullerton Ave and another one at 2369 N Milwaukee Ave. They have metered parking and a temporary handicap loading zone. MOCA will start their operations on Jan 1, 2020, and will be open every day from 10 a.m to 7 p.m, 7 days a week.  You can order medical cannabis or recreational weed online through their website and it will be delivered right to your doorstep.  You can browse their incredible selection based on weed type, brand, or your desired effect.

#2 Columbia Care – Chicago

Located in 4758 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, Columbia Care is a premium cannabis chain store with over 50 facilities across the U.S. It is one of the recreational dispensaries in Chicago that have been awarded a license to offer recreational weed. This store has been offering medical cannabis in Chicago since 2016, and with the addition of its recreational cannabis dispensary license, the store will leverage its existing infrastructure to serve all cannabis enthusiasts in Chicago when legalization begins on January 1, 2020. Columbia care offers cannabis flower, edibles, extracts, vape, topicals, tinctures, pre-rolls, and marijuana accessories. You can visit their website and explore their wide selection of high-quality cannabis products. They also provide home deliveries. All you need to do is place your order online and your medical marijuana or recreational weed will be delivered right to you. Columbia care is renowned for high standards for growing and production, knowledgeable staff, an incredible selection, finest cannabis products, and a safe location. The store is open from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m – 7 p.m and on Saturdays from 10 a.m to 5 p.m.

#3 Dispensary 33

Dispensary 33, 5001 N. Clark St. in Ravenswood is one of the first cannabis dispensaries that have been permitted to sell recreational weed starting Jan 1, 2020. The cannabis store offers both medical marijuana and recreational weed.  Dispensary 33 carries only the highest quality products in Chicago and has a pre-order system for convenience.  The store offers dry flower, pre-rolled joints, concentrates, edibles, vape pens & cartridges, sublinguals, topicals, and transdermals. Dispensary 33 is open from 10.00 am – 3.00 am on Mondays and 10.00 a.m -7.00 p.m Tuesday to Sunday. The store has knowledge and friendly staff who are passionate about recreational weed.

Chicago smoke shops:

There are quite a number of smoke shops that have been licensed by the state to sell pot products starting Jan 1, 2020.

#4 Roots smoke & vapor

This smoke shop has two locations in Chicago: one in 2626 N Milwaukee Ave. and another location in 4006 N Sheridan RD. The shop offers a huge selection of products including novelty pipes, herb grinders, pot accessories, and rolling paper. Roots Smoke & Vapor carries popular brands and offers rewards, deals, coupons, and loyalty programs to give customers an exceptional shopping experience. You must be 21+ to purchase cannabis accessories from Roots Smoke & Vapor. Whether you’re looking to replace your favorite products or stock up on supplies, just browse on the massive selection of unique products on their website.

Cannabis-friendly places to stay in Chicago

Recreational use is now legal in Chicago, so we’ve unveiled the most 420-friendly hotel for cannabis enthusiasts.

#5 Aldrich Guest House

Aldrich Guest House will be available for reservations starting January 1, 2020, when recreational marijuana is officially legal in Illinois. The hotel offers free parking, free Wi-Fi, patio, complimentary toiletries, breakfast, and air conditioning.  With its beautifully decorated rooms, beautiful gardens, cozy parlor, and screened porch, Aldrich Guest House is the perfect spot to relax. The facility has a potting shed where cannabis consumers can enjoy their favorite products. Nearby attractions include casinos, coffee shops, live music, museums, and many other recreational activities. Visit their website to learn more about their packages.

Adventures and activities

Cannabis Tours:

#6 Chicago 420 Tours

Chicago Cannabis Tours offers a lively section of weed tours for cannabis lovers in their super-comfortable bus. On the tour, you will have fun, learn and enjoy cannabis with other pot lovers. During the tour, you’ll visit top recreational dispensaries in Chicago, led by hilarious tour guides. You’ll also be given tasty snacks and the tour guides will teach you stuff you didn’t know about cannabis.  Chicago Cannabis Tours craft their tours around themes like the ’60s or weed movies. The first tour date is on January 4^th, 2020. All tours leave at noon and come back at 4.20 p.m.  Book your marijuana tour and have a lifetime experience while you learn more about marijuana.

#7 Loopr

Cannabis-themed city tours are a fun way to make new friends and experience the best of cannabis tourism in Chicago. Loopr’s luxurious party bus will show you the sights of downtown Chicago, while you kick back and enjoy the fully-stocked dab bar (complete with drinks, snacks, and all the smoking accessories you might need). Tour options include sampling Chicago’s famous pizza on a “Pizza and Pot” tour, an afternoon 420 Crawl (which even includes a visit to Loopr’s own cannabis lounge), and a Nightlife tour that gives you a taste of the hottest spots in downtown Chicago. Dispensary stops are included on all tours except for the Nightlife tour, so be sure to plan ahead! All riders must be 21 or over.

The Best Munchies in Chicago:

#8 Dante’s Pizzeria

If you’re craving pizza, Dante’s Pizzeria is one of the best spots in Chicago to satisfy those munchies. Their signature 20” pizza pies come in a variety of decadent flavor combinations, including a vegan option and the supremely spicy “Inferno” – or you can create your own! Stromboli, salads, and favorite appetizers like mozzarella sticks, garlic bread, and wings are on the menu, too. Dante’s Pizzeria has two locations, in Avondale and Logan Square, both open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. And they offer delivery, in case you find it hard to leave your hotel room!

Cannabis restaurants & lounges:

Starting from Jan 1, 2020, cannabis lovers can be able to enjoy their favorite bud in cannabis-friendly restaurants and lounges in Chicago. The following are the best 3 lounges where you can hang out with bud in Chicago.

#9 The Rocking Horse

When the munchies hit, The Rocking Horse is a welcoming and comfortable spot to settle in and enjoy a full bar, tasty food, and great music. Located in Logan Square and close to Interstate 90, this cozy, dimly-lit pub stays open late, and on some nights you can even join in on bingo, trivia, or karaoke. They serve up an amazing weekend brunch, too. The menu at the Rocking Horse is full of delicious comfort food classics that are anything but basic. A plate of seasoned fries or tater tots with one of their many gourmet sauces or dips (including chimichurri, poutine, and white truffle aioli) is sure to hit the spot! Those fries and tots happen to taste amazing alongside the decadent patty melt (which features three kinds of cheese, mushrooms, and caramelized onions on rye). If you’re more of an herbivore, veggie burgers and Beyond Sausage are on the menu, too!

#10 Herbal Notes

Founded by Manny Mendoza, Herbal Notes is a Chicago-based social club that serves cannabis-infused meals. The club serves six courses with an infused beverage and a take-home kit. Herbal Notes has talented chefs and amazing staff to guarantee an elevated dining experience centered around culinary and cannabis exploration. The social club provides a safe space for positive dialogue on social responsibility regarding the legalization of marijuana in Chicago.  At every meal, there is an emphasis on education. Along with CBD infused meals, Herbal Notes invites top-rated DJ’s to put out the vibes. They also offer custom private catering for special events such as corporate events.  You can request a reservation by visiting the Herbal Notes website.

#11 Joe’s on Weed St.

This is a warehouse-style, cannabis-friendly night club located near Lincoln Park in Chicago.  Joe’s is the perfect night club where cannabis lovers can hang out and enjoy live music, watch games, and hold private parties while being able to enjoy their favorite bud.  The night club offers five party rooms, each offering a unique environment. Some of the amenities provided by Joe’s on Weed St. include outdoor seating, rooftop seating, bar games, toilets and fast service. They also have offerings including happy hour food & drinks, cocktails, dancing, wine and alcohol. The venue is wheelchair accessible. You can make reservations by visiting their website, though you must be 21 or older to make a reservation.

#12 The Lodge Tavern

Located in 21 W Division St, Chicago, the Lodge Tavern is an infamous themed bar that will start allowing cannabis consumers to enjoy weed in their premises the new Chicago weed laws come into force in New Year’s Day. The Lodge Tavern is a favorite spot for locals and tourists. It is notable for its wooden theme and plant life hanging from its shingled roof to offer revelers and weed enthusiasts a pleasant atmosphere. The bar offers free Wi-Fi, toilets, fast service, great cocktails, and a great beer selection. Some of their offerings include happy hour drinks, wine, and spirits.

Places to explore when you’re stoned:

There are many amazing places you can explore in Chicago when you are stoned. Here is a list of popular places to spend time when you’re stoned.

#13 Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)

This is one of the few cannabis-friendly museums in Chicago. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the best in culture from the 1920s through to the present day. With its interactive approach to performances and exhibitions, expect to breathe in history, art and diverse culture with a new perspective. The MCA Chicago showcases a diverse mix of exhibits along with live arts, jazz music  and workshops. The museum also boasts an award-winning in-museum restaurant where you’ll sample delicacies such as grilled cheese, jam sandwiches, and sunbutter.  A visit to the MCA Chicago isn’t complete without exploring the gift shop and sample the great selection of art books, kits and other items.

#14 Get the best of every cuisine

Chicago boasts an unending lineup of food options to sample when you’re stoned. Whether you like Italian, Sushi, Mexican or pizza, Chicago has everything for you. You can take a food tour and experience all of Chicago’s biggest food hits and beers from Chicago’s newest craft hot-spots with expert guides. Whether sampling the most iconic eats in the heart of downtown or getting off the beaten path to explore something new, it will be worth it. Chef-driven tours will deliver a better culinary adventure than embarking on a food tour by yourself.

#15 Walk through Millennium Park

This is one of the best places you can hang out in Chicago when you’re stoned. The 25-acre public green space is filled with iconic art and hundreds of free public events. Here, you’ll learn about Millennium Park’s roots since the times it was an industrial park and discover state-of-the-art landscape design and jaw-dropping architecture. At the Millennium Park, you’ll visit the Bean– the city’s most famous outdoor public sculpture and take selfies. Your tour to the Millennium Park will not be complete without visiting Lurie Garden, where you will discover the brilliance of the 3.5 –acre botanical garden.

Make Chicago your next cannabis vacation destination

With the legalization of marijuana taking effect on New Year’s Day, cannabis tourism in Chicago is expected to grow tremendously. From well-stocked Chicago pot stores to finest quality cannabis, and cannabis-friendly facilities, Chicago has everything you need for the best cannabis vacation ever.

Did we miss anything? Let us know! We’d love to hear about your favorite Chicago activities for the perfect cannabis vacation!