Illinois marijuana sales revenue falls for first time

CHICAGO — Revenue from marijuana sales in Illinois were down a little more than 2 percent in September, the first year-over-year decline since the state began recreational sales nearly five years ago.

Data published by the Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer showed sales totaled $136.5 million last month, down 2.2 percent from $139.5 million in September 2023.

Sales volume continues to increase, but the growth rate is slowing, the data show. The number of items sold was up 8.6 percent in September, the smallest increase in more than a year. The number of items sold was under four million for the first time since February. August was a record-making month, with nearly 4,285,600 items sold.

Illinois has some of the highest retail prices and taxes on marijuana in the country, and some operators report losing business to Michigan where prices and taxes are lower. The average price of cannabis products also continues to fall nationwide in response to steep competition.

There are now 230 marijuana dispensaries in Illinois.

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