Illinois Cannabis Sales Revenue Declines as Competition Rises

Okay Cannabis shop in Wheeling faces challenges from hemp and out-of-state markets.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The opening of the Okay Cannabis shop in Wheeling, Illinois three years ago seemed like a promising business opportunity as the first dispensary in the state to combine sales of marijuana, alcohol, and baked goods. However, the shop is now facing declining cannabis sales revenue as competition from hemp products and other state markets cuts into prices.

Why it matters

The drop in cannabis sales revenue for Okay Cannabis highlights the challenges facing Illinois' marijuana industry as it contends with an influx of hemp products and competition from more established markets in other states. This could impact tax revenue and job growth in Illinois' cannabis sector.

The details

Okay Cannabis, which combined a dispensary with the adjoining West Town Bakery, has seen its cannabis sales revenue decline in recent years. This is attributed to the rise of hemp products, which are similar to marijuana but contain less THC, as well as lower prices in more mature cannabis markets in other states.

  • Okay Cannabis opened its combined dispensary and bakery operation three years ago.
  • Cannabis sales revenue at Okay Cannabis has been declining over the past several years.

The players

Okay Cannabis

A cannabis dispensary in Wheeling, Illinois that also operates an adjoining bakery.

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The takeaway

The challenges facing Okay Cannabis highlight the competitive pressures facing Illinois' cannabis industry as it contends with an influx of hemp products and lower prices in more established marijuana markets in other states. This could impact the state's tax revenue and job growth in the cannabis sector going forward.