Recreational Cannabis

The State of Illinois has approved the possession and use of cannabis for recreational purposes for adults over 21 years old in all Illinois communities beginning on January 1, 2020.  
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Question Answer
What regulations were approved for recreational dispensaries? On October 21, 2019, the Buffalo Grove Village Board approved zoning regulations pertaining to recreational cannabis dispensaries, which could potentially be located in the Village. This action follows the State of Illinois’ approval of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA), which will go into effect January 1, 2020 and allows for the use and personal possession of recreational cannabis for individuals 21 years of age and older. Key points of the approved Buffalo Grove Village Ordinance include:

  • No more than two recreational dispensaries will be allowed in the Village.
  • All owners of cannabis dispensaries who wish to open and operate in Buffalo Grove will be required to go through a public hearing process and obtain special use approval from the Village.
  • Recreational dispensaries can be located only in certain business districts that have frontages on Milwaukee Avenue, Lake Road or Dundee Road. Recreational dispensaries may also locate in the industrial districts.
  • While recreational and/or medical cannabis dispensaries will be allowed as a special use, recreational cultivation centers, craft growers, processors, infusers and cannabis transporting organizations will be prohibited.
  • A 1,000-foot buffer will be established between recreational/medical cannabis facilities and schools, daycares museums, libraries, substance abuse treatment or counseling centers. Dispensaries cannot be located in a residential area.
  • The consumption of cannabis on-site at recreational cannabis dispensaries will be strictly prohibited.
  • Access to recreational dispensaries to any individual under the age of 21 will be strictly prohibited.
On January 6, 2020, the Village of Buffalo Grove approved the special use application for Sunnyside, a recreational and medical cannabis facility, at 830-840 Milwaukee Avenue. PDI Medical, and their parent company, Cresco Labs, will operate the facility and their existing medical cannabis facility at 1623 Barclay Blvd will be closing.
How will the Village ensure recreational cannabis isn’t made available to persons under the age of 21? Similarly to alcohol and tobacco, the Village’s Police Department will be able to conduct compliance checks at a dispensary in Buffalo Grove to ensure that they are not allowing for the underage sale. If a dispensary is located adjacent to our boundaries, but not in our community, Buffalo Grove cannot conduct the compliance checks.
Is medical cannabis permitted and available in Buffalo Grove? Yes. The Village has an existing medical cannabis dispensary in the Industrial park. This business has been operating since 2015. To date, the facility has had no issues.PDI and Cresco, was approved for a special use by the Village of Buffalo Grove on January 6, 2020 to open Sunnyside, a recreational and medical cannabis facility at 830-840 Milwaukee Avenue. 
Can a recreational cannabis dispensary locate in my neighborhood? No. Recreational cannabis dispensaries cannot be located in an area zoned for residential.
What are the requirements to possess recreational cannabis in a home with persons under the age of 21? Parents or guardians are responsible to ensure that anyone under the age of 21 cannot have access to recreational cannabis within their private property.
Can people drive under the influence of cannabis in Buffalo Grove? No. Driving under the influence of cannabis remains illegal, and law enforcement officials may use validated standardized field sobriety tests approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. At this time, there is no approved roadside chemical tests.
If the Village had “opted-out” of the sale of recreational cannabis, would  the possession and consumption of recreational cannabis been considered illegal in Buffalo Grove? No. The Village cannot prohibit the possession and use of cannabis for recreational purposes by adults 21 years of age or older.
Can recreational cannabis be consumed in parks or other public places? No. Use of recreational cannabis is prohibited in:

  • Any public place, such as streets or parks
  • In any motor vehicle
  • On school grounds, with the exception of medical users
  • Near someone under the age of 21
  • Near an on-duty school bus driver, police officer, firefighter or corrections office
Can recreational cannabis be grown in someone’s private residence or home? No. Pursuant to State Law, home grow for recreational cannabis is prohibited. However, home grow is authorized for medical cannabis program participants only, is limited to five plants in their residence, and subject to specified restrictions.
For more information contact the Village at info@vbg.org or 847-459-2500.

General Information

What can Buffalo Grove regulate?
When is recreational cannabis legal in Illinois?
Has the Village made any decisions regarding regulations?

Frequently Asked Questions

Per the State Law, where will consumption be allowed? Can cannabis be consumed in public?
Per State Law, what regulatory abilities, if any, do business owners and landlords have?
Per the State Law, who can legally sell recreational cannabis in Illinois? Who can legally purchase and consume cannabis?
Per the State Law, how much cannabis may an individual possess in Illinois?
Per the State Law, are there rules for how legal recreational cannabis can be transported in a vehicle?
What does the State Law cover?
Latest Update
January 8, 2020
On October 21st, the Village Board approved an ordinance regarding recreational cannabis in the Village. View the meeting materials at the Board Meeting Agenda and Minutes Webpage.  

View for the Village's press release regarding the Village Board's decision on October 21st.  

PDI and their parent company, Cresco, was approved for a special use by the Village of Buffalo Grove on January 6, 2020 to open Sunnyside, a recreational and medical cannabis facility at 830-840 Milwaukee Avenue. View the meeting materials at the Board Meeting Agenda and Minutes Webpage. For more information email the Village at info@vbg.org  
Key Facts 
  • Effective 1/1/2020, possession and use of cannabis for recreational purposes for adults over 21 years old becomes legal in Illinois. 
  • Consumption of cannabis is prohibited in public places.
  • Only State-licensed businesses will be able to sell cannabis. 
  • Any person, business, public entity, or landlord may prohibit the use of cannabis on private property, per the state law.