While by no means an exhaustive list of every Illinois city/town that features cannabis industry jobs, these are among the places that have become most strongly associated with cannabis jobs in Illinois and why.
Chicago, IL
Home to some of the US cannabis industry’s largest multi-state operators (MSOs), Chicago’s cannabis industry is flourishing with a robust market for retail dispensaries, cultivation and product manufacturing centers.
Aurora, IL
Aurora supports a growing cannabis market with many dispensaries and an emphasis on customer education and community outreach programs, fostering a well-informed consumer base.
Joliet, IL
Joliet’s cannabis industry offers diverse opportunities in cultivation, manufacturing and distribution logistics, leveraging its strategic location with access to major transportation routes.
Naperville, IL
Naperville’s cannabis jobs primarily focus on high-end MMJ dispensaries, catering to a wealthy clientele with a preference for premium cannabis products.
Rockford, IL
Rockford is home to some of the state’s most succesful minority owned cannabis companies with an emphasis on cultivation and dispensary operations.
Elgin, IL
Elgin’s cannabis market includes a mix of retail jobs and advocacy roles, with a strong focus on promoting cannabis education and responsible usage within the community.
Springfield, IL
As Illinois’ capital, Springfield has a significant number of cannabis-related governmental and regulatory jobs, in addition to retail and medical dispensary opportunities.
Peoria, IL
Peoria offers cannabis industry jobs mainly in retail, with a growing focus on incorporating CBD products into health and wellness businesses.
Champaign, IL
Champaign, home to the University of Illinois, bolsters cannabis research and development jobs, particularly in agronomy and sustainability practices.
Waukegan, IL
Waukegan’s cannabis industry provides retail opportunities and is growing in manufacturing and processing roles, serving both local and regional markets.
Bloomington, IL
Bloomington focuses on the agricultural aspects of the cannabis industry, offering jobs in cultivation with an emphasis on innovative farming techniques.
Schaumburg, IL
Schaumburg’s cannabis jobs are predominantly in retail and customer service, with a developing interest in cannabis tech solutions to enhance product tracking and customer experience.
Evanston, IL
Evanston’s cannabis market is distinguished by its focus on artisanal and boutique cannabis products, with jobs in small-scale, high-quality cultivation and specialty retail shops.
