State of the Weed — Illinois • Q3 2025
**Leaning back in a lawn chair, speaking in that relaxed Midwest drawl**
Hey there, bud. So, Illinois, right? Man, lemme tell you about our weed situation while I finish this Spotted Cow … wait, that’s Wisconsin. Old Style, there we go.
Market Snapshot
It’s all good, man. I mean, prices are completely insane – like $80 eighths after tax insane – but hey, at least it’s legal now, right? No more sketchy deals in the Jewel-Osco parking lot. The state’s making bank on taxes, something like 40% all-in, but whatever, I’m not trying to harsh anyone’s mellow about it. Craft growers are finally getting licenses after waiting forever, but the big companies still run everything. It’s cool, though, my buddy grows better stuff in his garage anyway. Don’t tell anyone I said that.
Strain Leaderboard
Staples
| Strain | Why It Sticks |
|---|---|
| Mag Landrace | That old-school Chicago strain, smooth as Lake Shore Drive at 2 a.m. |
| Girl Scout Cookies | Reliable, like the Cubs disappointing U.S. … Wait, they won that one time |
| Wedding Cake | Popular at every dispensary, easy going, no complaints here |
Risers
| Strain | Genetics | Flavor | THC | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lou’s Lemon | Local creation | Citrus, pepper | 26%–30% | Named after Lou Malnati’s, supposedly, I dunno |
| Windy City Widow | White Widow cross | Earthy, smooth | 24%–28% | Chill strain for watching the Bears lose |
| Deep Dish Diesel | Sour D x Local | Gassy, thick | 28%–32% | Heavy, like actual deep dish, couch lock city |
Terp Lanes Trending
- Classic cookie profiles — People like what they know, no need to get fancy
- Gassy strains — Working folks want that strong stuff after a long day
- Fruity hybrids — Summer by the lake vibes, everyone’s into it
Price Bands (observational)
- Value: $200–$250/oz – Hard to find, but it’s out there if you’re patient
- Mid: $350–$400/oz – This is where most people land, it’s fine, whatever
- Top-shelf: $500–$600/oz – Crazy money, but some North Shore folks pay it
City Taste Map
- Chicago: Mix of everything – hipsters want craft, South Side wants value, North Side wants brands
- Rockford: Just happy to have legal options, not too picky out there
- Springfield: Government workers buying the expensive stuff with that state job money
Forward Look
- More craft growers coming online eventually – state moves slower than winter traffic on 290
- Prices might drop someday … or not, who knows, I’m not stressing about it
- Michigan’s still cheaper, so weekend trips up 94 aren’t stopping anytime soon – their gummies are fire
**Cracks another beer**
Yeah, man, that’s Illinois for ya. Everything’s expensive, the state’s getting its cut, but at least nobody’s going to jail for a joint anymore. Progress, I guess? My neighbor’s kid just got his med card for “back pain” – kid’s 21 and plays volleyball every weekend, haha. But hey, I’m not judging.
Want a beer? I got a cooler full. We can sit here and watch the sunset over … well, over that apartment building, but if you squint, you can pretend it’s the lake. Life’s good if you don’t think too hard about it, you know?
**Settles deeper into chair**
Oh, and don’t buy those $30 pre-rolls at the dispensary. Total ripoff, man. But you didn’t hear that from me. I’m Bill, by the way. Chill Bill, they call me. Or just Bill. Whatever works.
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03 Dec 2025 
7 min read
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September 09, 2025 
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