Illinois awards $31.8 million for third round of Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced the recipients of $31.8 million in loans through Round III of the Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program. Through the program, 95 qualified, licensed social equity businesses across all license types are receiving Direct Forgivable Loans (DFL) financed by the State of Illinois. The full list of this round’s recipients can be found here.
Continue reading →Review: Infused Chamoy by NuEra
With the release of the brand’s infused giardiniera last year, nuEra is no stranger to infused foods. The brand recently followed up by partnering with Michelin-starred Chicago restaurant Carino to release an infused chamoy. I recently stopped at nuEra Champaign to pick up a jar of nuEra x Carino Chamoy to review.
Continue reading →Southern Illinois Hemp Cannabis Symposium accepting applications
The Southern Illinois University Cannabis Science Center is set to host the 7th annual Southern Illinois Hemp Cannabis Symposium on Sept. 18 and is currently accepting applications for sponsors, exhibitors, presenters, and attendees.
Continue reading →Review: Banoreoz by Ozone
Last month, Ascend Wellness Holdings announced a full brand and quality relaunch of its flagship lifestyle brand, Ozone. The relaunch introduces full-spectrum gummies, macro-dose gummies, new flower strains, and new liquid diamonds and live resin vapes. I picked up from Ascend (Horizon Drive) Springfield a batch of Ozone’s Banoreoz to review.
Continue reading →CRI seed funding program Cycle 2 deadline May 15
The Cannabis Research Institute (CRI) sent out a reminder for the May 15 deadline for the Cycle 2 seed funding program, which supports equity-centric research and community action to advance cannabis equity in Illinois.
Continue reading →Cannabis occupation tax rate changes start July 1
The Illinois Department of Revenue today posted a reminder notice for all dispensaries engaged in the business of selling adult-use cannabis at retail in taxing jurisdictions that have enacted Municipal or County Cannabis Retailers’ Occupation Taxes. Effective July 1, 2025, certain taxing jurisdictions have, by ordinance, imposed or changed their Municipal or County Cannabis Retailers’ Occupation Tax on the gross receipts from sales of adult-use cannabis. These taxes are in addition to Illinois Retailers’ Occupation … Continue reading →
Review: Cross Joint by nuEra
Each year, the 420 holiday provides an opportunity for customers to try new specialty items and limited releases. This year, nuEra is celebrating the holiday with a promotion for its limited-release Cross Joint. The Cross Joint, popularized by the movie Pineapple Express, will be available with special purchase details, starting tomorrow. I picked one up from nuEra Champaign to review.
Continue reading →Illinois adopts amendments to cannabis rules
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced adopted amendments to the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Patient Program, which took effect April 1, 2026. The adopted amendments include expanding qualifying conditions and eligibility for reduced patient registration and renewal card fees.
Continue reading →Review: Hawaiian Ran & London Pound Cake 75 Dual Chamber Vape by Cookies
Vape companies have been adding space to tanks for years, but the latest trend seems to be adding flavors with dual chamber vapes. Multi-state brand Cookies recently released a 3-in-1 vape with dual flavors. I stopped at Cookies Bloomington and picked up a Hawaiian Rain & London Pound Cake 75 Dual Chamber Vape to review.
Continue reading →Illinois releases March medical cannabis sales totals
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) released March medical cannabis sales totals of $13,369,358.67. This total tracks with medical sales numbers after a “new Medical Cannabis Patient Registry System was launched. Numbers of patients reported may vary between systems.”
Continue reading →IDOA releases reminder for cannabis testing labs
The Illinois Department of Agriculture – Division of Cannabis Regulation (IDOA–DCR) posted an information bulletin reminding licensed cannabis establishments and approved cannabis testing labs to review and, when necessary, update their Licensing and Registration Portal account users and contacts.
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