Illinois has achieved over $1 billion in cannabis retail sales by July 1, 2024, surpassing the milestone faster than in 2023. Governor JB Pritzker highlighted the state's equitable cannabis industry, with sales exceeding $2 billion in Fiscal Year 2024. Tax revenue from cannabis sales, amounting to over $244 million, is funding initiatives for economic development and social equity programs. The majority of purchases are by in-state residents, with cannabis flower being the most popular product category. The state has provided nearly $22 million in forgivable loans to support social equity cannabis businesses and plans to issue more dispensary licenses to qualified applicants.