Our GreenState Curators independently research and recommend merchants in these cannabis dispensaries in Jefferson County Illinois listings. There is no newsroom involvement in this process. Merchants can pay for a sponsored listing. Any paid listings are marked as “Paid Advertisement” and include a disclaimer on the merchant-provided content for transparency. 

In 2024, we are saying yes to cannabis. Ever since Illinois legalized the purchase, possession, and use of recreational cannabis in 2020, Illinoisans from Jo Daviess to Jefferson County have been flocking to dispensaries to sample the latest bud. There are options for you, whether you’re looking to take the edge off after a long day with some recreational cannabis or you just got your Illinois medical marijuana card. Finding the perfect dispensary near you in Jefferson County has never been easier with the GreenState guide. 

Factors such as price point, variety of inventory, and educational services played a role in determining the selections on this list. However, the following dispensaries were selected first and foremost according to a strict set of criteria: licensure to sell recreational cannabis in the state of Illinois, top online ratings, highly qualified budtenders, and a location within driving distance from the heart of Jefferson County.

Blyss Dispensary

Blyss Dispensary only opened in Mt. Vernon in November of 2023, but it’s already made a huge impact on the local community. Owned by Navada Labs, a family-owned business operated by siblings Angela, Michele, Seaphe, and Theron Miller, Blyss Dispensary seeks to balance the needs of recreational users with those seeking cannabis for health and wellness reasons. Their relatively limited inventory is intentionally curated to appeal to both types of customers, offering products like

THC-infused bath soaks for mindfulness gurus and pre-rolls for those seeking a more traditional high. The Miller siblings hold transportation and dispensary licenses and plan to expand into the craft grow sector next, so this is a space to watch.

• Visit their website

Address:

610 S. 42nd St., Mt Vernon, IL 62864 618-417-1001

Cannabis dispensaries in Jefferson County Illinois FAQ

How much recreational cannabis can I purchase at one time in IL?

There are strict guidelines around cannabis purchase and possession in Illinois. But the rules differ when it comes to residents and non-residents:

• Cannabis Flower: residents: 30g, non-residents: 15g
• Concentrates, whether vape cartridges, budder, or resin: residents: 5g, non-residents: 2.5g
• THC-Infused Products (tinctures, beverages, edibles, etc): residents: 500mg, non-residents: 250mg

How long will it take me to feel the effects of cannabis?

How long edibles stay in your system and take to kick in truly depends, but it could take up to two hours to feel the effects. Various factors impact how long it takes for CBD and THC to enter your bloodstream and begin to take effect. One especially influential factor is the form of cannabis ingested and the percentage of THC and/or CBD in the product. Another factor is your bodily condition prior to ingestion—how hydrated you are, how well-fed you are, your mental and emotional state, and whether you have any bodily reactions to cannabinoid compounds. You should also consider environmental factors—where you are, how safe you feel, etc. 

Is recreational cannabis legal in IL?

Recreational cannabis is now legal for purchase, possession, and use in Illinois. The state of Illinois passed the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act on January 1, 2020, with six stipulations meant to guarantee the secure and ethical circulation of cannabis. The customer must show proof of age before purchase, the selling, distributing, and transferring of cannabis to minors remains illegal, and driving under the influence of cannabis remains illegal.

What is the tax rate on recreational cannabis purchases in IL?

Cannabis tax policy has been a heated subject of debate ever since the recreational purchase, possession, and use of cannabis was legalized in 2020. Because recreational cannabis hasn’t been legalized at the federal level, tax policy remains inconsistent from state to state. Illinois has some of the steepest cannabis taxes in the country:

• 7 percent excise tax of value at wholesale level
• 10 percent tax on cannabis flower or products with less than 35 percent THC
• 20 percent tax on products infused with cannabis, such as edible products
• 25 percent tax on any product with a THC concentration higher than 35percent

What is the difference between medical and recreational cannabis?

There can be slight differences between medical cannabis and recreational cannabis in terms of the product. It’s processed from the same plant but the primary difference between the two lies in how they’re sold. In Illinois, anyone over the age of 21 can purchase cannabis so long as they have a valid form of ID. 

Illinoisans under 21 can be prescribed medical marijuana, but minors and those aged 18-20 must complete an application to receive the proper permit first. To obtain one of these permits, you must submit yourself to evaluation by a medical professional and submit proof of the evaluation and a review physician’s evaluation of that evaluation. Medical cannabis purchases may qualify for an exemption from sales tax.

Can recreational cannabis use affect my appetite?

Scientific research into the link between cannabis use and appetite has shown that recreational cannabis inhalation and ingestion may stimulate the appetite. A recent study demonstrated for the first time that cannabis use often leads to a spike in insulin. Insulin surge has an impact on glucose regulation and overall energy management. It may be that using recreational cannabis sometimes leads to increased appetite due to this impact on insulin. In short, yes — for many people, the munchies are very real.