The state of Illinois expects to reach a $1 billion marijuana sales mark by year’s end, far surpassing the $1 billion liquor industry has accumulated in the state to date. Its legalization will have positive consequences for the state’s economy and citizens. Chicago, which is known for its high crime rate, is one of the worst cities to have been hit by the war on drugs, but this legalization plan addressed the city’s history.
The state’s government has resisted imposing steep taxes on marijuana because it is so dangerous. Tobacco taxes have driven people into the black market and created a grey market. The influx of marijuana sales will be tempered colorado cannabis seeds by other states opening up their recreational markets. The opening of other states’ markets could prevent continued growth in Illinois, flattening the demand curve and reducing the demand from Illinois residents.
The state of Illinois is on track to reach a $1 billion mark for marijuana sales by the end of the year, surpassing alcohol. Last year, Illinoisans spent more than $110 million on recreational marijuana. Although the estimate is conservative, it does indicate that cannabis sales in Illinois have already surpassed the state’s alcohol tax revenue. If this trend continues, the state will surpass the $1 billion mark this year.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced in March that the marijuana market would generate more tax revenue than liquor in the first quarter of 2021, surpassing liquor. The state’s marijuana tax revenue will help support programs aimed at empowering those impacted by the war on drugs. In addition, Illinois has a strong track record of breaking monthly records for recreational marijuana sales. It has consistently surpassed its monthly sales record, and its government is actively funding equity initiatives throughout the state. For example, officials in Illinois recently announced the award of $45 million in grants to support programs designed to reinvest in communities affected by the war on drugs.
Despite the high crime rates, Illinois has been able to attract a large number of medical marijuana patients and regulated the industry to reduce violence and provide medical relief. The revenue generated by marijuana sales will go toward programs that help reduce substance abuse, including drug treatment. And in Vermont, marijuana sales will go towards social equity programs and school districts. It is a major step toward legalizing marijuana in the state.
Despite its high crime rate, Illinois will see a surge in medical marijuana use, as well as retail sales. A pair of state senators announced in February that they plan to introduce a bill to legalize marijuana sales by the year’s end, which would allow the use of medicinal cannabis. But there is a big problem: the church opposes recreational marijuana, and the state legislature is conservative.
As cannabis use grows, taxes from marijuana sales will rise. The state will earn more than $1 billion a year, far exceeding the state’s revenue from alcohol and tobacco. In fact, Illinois will have a $1 billion marijuana market by year’s end, surpassing liquor sales. However, the marijuana industry in Illinois is still small, and it will take years to reach that level.
Localities in Illinois can also levy their own sales taxes for cannabis. If the local governments pass the appropriate ordinances, the tax rate will go up. Marijuana sales taxes will be applied by local governments to retail businesses. The state’s IDOR will also notify cannabis retailers of any changes to tax rates. The state has not yet begun legal sales of recreational marijuana, but the legalization of marijuana will allow for higher sales tax revenues.
While marijuana use is still illegal under federal law, it is legal in eighteen states and the District of Columbia. Illinois’ legalization program will help the state collect revenue, but the taxes on marijuana sales will be high. Besides the state’s general revenue fund, about a third of the money will go to the state’s general fund. The remaining percentage will go to unpaid bills and law enforcement campaigns. Nearly one-fourth of the revenue is distributed to community groups through the Restore, Reinvest and Renew program.
Legalization of marijuana will be an enormous economic boost to the state. While it is still early in its development, Colorado’s legalization of cannabis has already helped the state achieve $2 billion sales by 2020. The state is targeting small growers and a few large lastest about cannabis cannabis corporations, which they fear will lead to a dwindling number of local businesses. These businesses are now under attack by big multi-state cannabis companies. Meanwhile, the small businesses are concerned about losing their local independent legacy.