Cannabis markets expand in Illinois and California

The legal cannabis landscape in the United States continues to evolve through state-level regulations in Illinois and California.

In Illinois, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, which took effect in 2020, established a regulated marketplace for adult-use cannabis. As of 2026, residents aged 21 and older can purchase and possess specific amounts from licensed dispensaries. However, a legal distinction remains between state and federal law, as marijuana is still classified as a controlled substance at the federal level, affecting activities on federal property.

California maintains one of the largest recreational marijuana markets globally. Following the legalization of medical marijuana in 1996 and recreational use via a 2016 referendum, the state has seen significant economic activity. Under current laws, citizens over 21 are permitted to grow up to six cannabis plants and possess up to one ounce of the herb, with smoking restrictions applied to public places similar to tobacco products.