A high-level overview of the Illinois cannabis market

Introduction

This report provides an overview of the Illinois adult-use and medical cannabis markets, exploring various sales trends including month over month growth, cannabis category trends, and some pricing insights as well. All of the data in this report can be accessed in our market intelligence tool, Headset Insights. To explore market reads for Illinois and other legal cannabis markets further, sign up for a demo of Headset Insights.

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Executive summary

Illinois reached $1.1B in total cannabis sales so far this year, and is only a little more than $400K away from surpassing Michigan as the third highest market for cannabis sales in the US. Illinois has the second highest Vapor Pen share (+26.2%) compared to other US markets that we track in Headset Insights, and the second lowest share for Flower at 42.7%. While there haven't been any major shifts in category market shares so far this year, Concentrates share has decreased slightly from 8.5% to 6.9% from January to August, and Vapor Pens have increased their share from 25.6% to 27.2% from January to July this year.

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Methodology

All data for this report was sourced directly from Headset Insights from January to August 2021. Data for Michigan, Illinois, and Oregon include both medical and recreational sales. Data for the Pennsylvania market is medical sales only.

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Total cannabis sales by state

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In this first graph, we look at total cannabis sales in US markets this year through August 2021. Illinois ranked fourth amongst all US cannabis markets that we track in Headset Insights, with $1.1B total cannabis sales so far this year. Illinois is a little more than $400K away from surpassing Michigan as the third highest cannabis market in sales in the US.

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Cannabis sales by month

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Next, we break down cannabis sales by month in different US markets so far this year. Illinois surpassed Michigan in sales in January, February, and May, and has been close to Michigan in sales the five other months as well. Illinois was also close to surpassing Colorado in sales in June, when there was only $5.4M difference in sales.

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Month over month growth by state

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Here, we look at month over month growth of Illinois and see that Illinois' growth is in line with other comparable markets. Illinois experienced the least amount of growth in July (+2.5%), compared to other markets analyzed. All markets experienced the most amount of growth in March, since March has more days in the the month than February. Compared to the other markets analyzed here, Illinois had the second largest amount of growth in March (+31.3%) and May (+0.2%).

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Cannabis category market share by state

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This graph looks at the market share of the different cannabis categories in US markets this year through August 2021. Illinois has the second highest Vapor Pen share among the other states at 26.2%. When we look at Flower, we see that Illinois has the second lowest share at 42.7%.

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Cannabis category shares in Illinois

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Now, let's focus on category shares in Illinois. So far in 2021, Illinois hasn't seen any major shifts in category shares, but there are some minor differences. Pre-Roll share has grown slightly so far this year, starting at 6.1% in January and increasing to 7.8% by August. Share of Vapor Pens has also grown a little since the year started, beginning in January at 25.6% and reaching it's highest market share in July at 27.2%. Share of Concentrates has been slightly decreasing however, starting at 8.5% in January and declining to 6.9% in August.

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Price of Vapor Pens in Illinois

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Since Illinois had the second highest share to Vapor Pens compared to other markets, let's take a closer look at average item price and units sold of Vapor Pens in Illinois and other comparable markets. Illinois has the second highest Vapor Pen average item price, $49.65, compared to California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. California sold over three times the amount of units as Illinois so far this year, and their average item price of Vapor Pens is over $10 less than in Illinois.

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Conclusion

Headset Insights provides a detailed look at the Illinois cannabis market so that you can monitor cannabis sales, category trends, product pricing and more in order to stay ahead of the opportunities in the market. To keep track of Illinois and other legal states and provinces, sign up for a demo.

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Key takeaways

• Illinois reached $1.1B in total cannabis sales so far this year, and is only a little more than $400K away from surpassing Michigan as the third highest market for cannabis sales in the US.
• Illinois has the second highest Vapor Pen share compared to other US markets at 26.2% and the second lowest share to Flower at 42.7%.
• Compared to CA, MI, and PA, Illinois has the second highest average item price of Vapor Pens at $49.65. California's average item price is over $10 less than in Illinois, and California sold over three times as many Vapor Pens than Illinois.

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