Chicago's Cannabis & Hemp Culture

Just like your favorite High Hemp herbal wrap, Chicago and cannabis go hand-in-hand. Fortunately, as public perception shifts around cannabis use, cannabis arrests have begun to drop in the Windy City. 

Additionally, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act of 2019 requires all non-felony cannabis arrests to be expunged in Illinois. Despite only 10 of the 102 counties in Illinois having started this process, there have been nearly 500,000 records that have been cleared. 

The remaining 92 counties are required to expunge all of these records by 2025, so within the next 3 years justice will finally have been achieved in Illinois.

As cannabis events and culture make its way mainstream in Chicago, more and more people will have the opportunity to learn more about the cannabis plant. 

Whether these events are fun, educational, or business oriented, the public exposure to them will continue to put pressure on the remaining counties to expedite their expungement process. 

Keep reading to find out more about some exciting upcoming cannabis events in the Chicago area!

Smokus Pocus (The Newport Theater - Chicago, IL - April 22)

First, arriving in town just after our favorite holiday, is “the world’s dopest magic show”, Smokus Pocus. Hosted by renowned magician, comedian, and ex-weed dealer, Ben Zabin, this hour long performance is truly a magical time, especially when combining the experience with your favorite cannabis products. 

Although you can’t consume cannabis on site, it is HIGHLY recommended to indulge before the show to get the most out of the experience. 

Tickets go on sale soon, and historically prices have been at $28. Whether you want to be around like minded cannabis users or to be blown away by the trippy magic tricks, this will be an unforgettable night!

NECANN: The Illinois Cannabis Convention (McCormick Place Lakeside Center - Chicago, IL - June 10-11)

Next, arriving in the Windy City this summer, is The Illinois Cannabis Convention hosted by NECANN. 

This educational event is exclusively focused on the Illinois cannabis market, giving companies the opportunity to set up booths highlighting their services and commitment to spreading cannabis culture throughout the area. 

Two well known organizations that will be there are Weedmaps and Students for Sensible Drug Policy. Stay tuned for the full programming schedule and exhibitor list, as they are continually being updated.

Tickets come in 1 or 2 Day Passes, with both options providing full access to the exhibit hall floor and programming sessions. Pricing is as follows:

• 1 Day Pass (Good for Friday OR Saturday) for $40

• 2 Day Pass (Good for Friday AND Saturday) for $70

CannaCon MidWest Chicago (Donald E. Stephens Convention Center - Rosemont, IL - August 26-27)

Lastly, end your summer on a high note with the business-focused CannaCon MidWest Chicago convention. 

Similar to the Illinois Cannabis Convention, this event features an exhibitor floor where Illinois cannabis companies can show off their products, as well as unique seminar sessions hosted by some of the biggest names in the industry. 

Currently, they are still confirming their exhibitors and speaking seminars, so stay tuned as they release more information.

Also, there are plenty of ticket options, giving you full control of how you spend your time and money:

• 1 Day Pass
• Expo Only for $50 ($70 Door Price)
• Expo & Seminar for $110 ($135 Door Price)

• 2 Day Pass
• Expo Only for $80 ($100 Door Price)
• Expo & Seminar for $160 ($185 Door Price)

Ultimately, there really is no better time than NOW to get involved in the Chicago cannabis community.

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