Since recreational marijuana was legalized in Illinois, more and more dispensaries have popped up across the state.
In fact, in 2021, there were 110 dispensaries—and they sold more than 30 million weed products that year alone.
With that being said, finding a dispensary near you can sometimes be a challenge.
Plus, let’s be honest—sometimes you need more than one option, just in case the closest dispensary doesn’t carry the products you want.
So in this blog post, we’re going to walk you through the process of finding a dispensary near you in Illinois.
These techniques should keep you covered, to help you find the best dispensary option nearby.
Let’s dive into it.
1. Use An Internet Search
Logging into your internet browser and performing a quick online search is usually the best way to find a dispensary near you.
And what’s even better is that this is an option you can usually utilize right from your phone.
And this is true in Illinois as well.
To start this process, you’ll want to pull up a web browser and type in one of the following searches.
- Marijuana dispensaries near me
- Marijuana dispensaries in [your hometown]
- Closest cannabis dispensary to [your hometown]
- (Or, something approximating one of these queries, which delivers the answer you’re looking for)
Sometimes, you may need to do a few different searches to locate the best options.
Keep in mind that smaller local dispensaries may not always have quite as ‘big’ of a web presence—so sometimes they don’t show up quite as easily in online searches as the larger options.
Plus, it’s important to note that some communities simply don’t have a dispensary. Thus, you may need to travel some distance (to the nearest option) to buy the products you’re looking for.
You may need to sift through your answers to find the very best possibilities.
Pro tip: Before driving to that dispensary that’s quite a ways away, you can call ahead to make sure that they’re open, and that they have the products you’re looking for.
This is always a good idea to avoid a wasted trip.
2. What If You Need A Medical Marijuana Card?
Some websites, like Veriheal, offer tools like this one that you can use to help you find local dispensaries near you and get set up with a medical cannabis card.
One of the great benefits of medical marijuana in Illinois is that it doesn’t come with nearly as much tax.
Recreational marijuana in Illinois is taxed up to 31.25%, while medical marijuana is only taxed to 1%.
This could save you some money, and also help you to get set up with a verified cannabis-friendly medical professional in your area.
For example—to use Veriheal’s tool, you can simply input your information, sign up for an easy doctor’s consultation online, and then get approved.
Your doctor may also be able to help you find a recommended dispensary near you.
3. Word Of Mouth
You can also find a dispensary near you by using word-of-mouth from friends, colleagues, family members, and acquaintances.
This is especially true if you have some cannabis users in your immediate circle.
To make use of this dispensary location method, you can simply ask your friends and family where they buy their cannabis—and then check out their recommended locations.
If you live in an area with more than one dispensary option, this can help you to narrow down your search results.
You can also locate specific products like this.
For example—if one of your friends shows up at a party with an amazing strain of cannabis, you can ask them where they got it—and then you can use that information to track down your own stash.
All things considered, tracking down a dispensary doesn’t have to be a chore or a nightmare.
Thankfully, the internet (and your circle of cannabis-smoking friends) should be able to give you all the help you’ll need.
Conclusion
There you have it.
Our 3 favorite options for finding a cannabis dispensary near you.
Equipped with this information, you can now go forth and find the best dispensary to help you fill your cannabis needs.
You’ve got this.
Now get out there and make it happen.
Dorothy Decker
Beauty Expert & Hairstylist, Contributing Editor
Dorothy has been a beauty fanatic since she was a preteen growing up in a small Idaho town. She honed her makeup and hair skills on her willing mother and she's a pro with a pair of tweezers, having fixed many a friend's unibrow in college. Susan believes the true secret to beauty comes from within, but the right application of mascara and lipstick can help.