Review: Gusher by Cronja
Continuing with the Cronja strain reviews (Illemonati, Melted Cherries, Ism Punch, Chicago Runtz, and Knockout #12), I rounded out this batch with Cronja’s Gusher.
Continue reading →IDFPR touts ‘transformative year’ in FY2025 cannabis report
The Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office (CROO) compiled and released Illinois’ Annual Cannabis Report for Fiscal Year 2025. The 144-page report incorporates data from several state departments. This article highlights the Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) portion of the report.
Continue reading →‘Favorite Finds’ for 2025
The year delivered a lot of unexpected changes, both personally and professionally. For the first time since I started working with Illinois News Joint, I reviewed fewer products this year than the year before. Industry progress marched on as more craft brands came online, some older medical producers faltered, and cannabis once again came into the federal spotlight. Here are a few of the products that left an impression on me in 2025:
Continue reading →DCEO touts $22.6M in direct forgivable loans in FY2025 report
The Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office (CROO) compiled and released Illinois’ Annual Cannabis Report for Fiscal Year 2025. The 144-page report incorporates data from several state departments. This article highlights the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) portion of the report.
Continue reading →Review: Roll Aways Infused Caramels by Zoi
One of the categories lacking real depth in the Illinois market is chocolate. While there are a handful of companies working the confection, the specialty processing required keeps many producers away. Craft infuser Zoi has recently hit the market with an entire line of chocolates, so I picked up the Zoi Roll Away Infused Caramels to review.
Continue reading →IDOA releases FY2025 data on operational cannabis licenses
The Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office (CROO) compiled and released Illinois’ Annual Cannabis Report for Fiscal Year 2025. The 144-page report incorporates data from seven state departments. This article highlights the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) portion of the report.
Continue reading →Flower Expo Illinois opens registration for retailers and exhibitors
The Flower Expo recently opened portals for retailer and budtender applications, exhibitor forms, and general admission tickets for the Illinois event Sept. 15–16. The Flower Expo Illinois is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at The Geraghty.
Continue reading →IDPH pledges better access for Medical Cannabis Program participants
The Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office (CROO) compiled and released Illinois’ Annual Cannabis Report for Fiscal Year 2025. The 144-page report incorporates data from several state departments. This article covers the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) portion of the report.
Continue reading →Review: Mango and Cocoa Prerolls by Spliff Society
Spliff Society has come out of the gate swinging with six different preroll options on dispensary menus across Illinois. I’ve reviewed the Rose Petal and Lotus Flower as well as the Blueberry and Goji Berry. Now, I’m finishing up the new releases with Mango and Cocoa.
Continue reading →Aroma Grow to host New Year’s Eve Party
Looking for a chill environment for New Year’s Eve? Aroma Grow Store is scheduled to host a New Year’s Eve Party on Dec. 31. The party starts at 7 p.m. and will have games and other entertainment.
Continue reading →Review: Holiday Cookies Vape by Select
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and cannabis brands are celebrating. Curaleaf imprint Select recently released a pair of holiday-themed Briq vapes. I recently stopped at Curaleaf Morris and picked up a Select Holiday Cookies Briq Vape to review.
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