6 surprising ways to enjoy cannabis in Illinois

Chicago gets the most love and attention when it comes to Illinois weed, but the state’s cannabis scene isn’t limited to the big city. There are plenty of great cannabis options to discover in other regions as well. So remember to consider other areas of the state when looking for cannabis crops.

Here are six surprising options for 420 friendly days and nights in Illinois.

1. Stay in this weed-friendly tree house

Have you always wanted to spend the night in a tree house? Ever wanted to get high in a tree house? If so, you are in luck. The Enchanted Garden Treehouse in Schaumburg, 45 minutes outside of Chicago, is a true tree house. The owners claim that it is the third most popular tree house in the world. And you are welcome to smoke weed there.

A house. In a tree. For smoking and sleeping in. (Courtesy photo of Enchanted Garden Treehouse)

Owner Daniel Alexander says: “We were weed friendly before you could say we were. Guests are welcome to smoke in the outside areas as we have the perfect outside areas for smoking and relaxing. Sit by the koi pond in the backyard and listen to the waterfall and the splash of the koi, or just sit in the hot tub. Relax by the fire table and fireplace. And in the tree house, guests can also consume food. “

In the tree house: plush and cozy. (Enchanted Garden Tree House)

2. Bring a hot dish (and the nibbles) to a potluck dinner

The Luna Lounge, which we covered earlier, recently opened a consumption lounge in Sesser, Illinois, and is receiving rave reviews. The lounge will host regular Cannabis Family Potluck dinners on Sundays in addition to other events (see upcoming calendar).

Luna Lounge owner Holly Roeder firmly believes that cannabis users should have a place to enjoy weed without being around people getting drunk. “These are the places that will pop up for people like me.”

3. Go camping 420

Yes, weed-friendly camping is one thing and it’s growing in popularity. You see it a lot on the west coast. It’s expanding in Maine too, and now it’s come to Illinois.

The nice thing about 420 Camping is that you can’t do it exactly at Millenium Park: camp on a site that not only allows the cannabis lifestyle, but also promotes it. Think of a campsite where you can do the traditional things like biking, fishing and cooking, but also smoke or vape outdoors.

Willow Springs Campground and Venue is one such place. This laid-back, weed-friendly campsite is in Tamms, at the foot of the Shawnee National Forest, south of Anna, Illinois.

The owners launched the campsite and their new business after the tragic loss of their daughter in 2019 to make the place a community of friends and family. You are welcome to smoke and vape on site. According to the owners Andrew and Robyn Mouser: “Our premises are open to all genres who want to enjoy a more balanced life together with other good souls in a peaceful and beautiful environment.”

Willow Springs Fall Fest (October 22-24, 2021) features 15 local and national artists, as well as a variety of food and merchandising vendors. (Image courtesy Willow Springs Campground)

4. Hang up at a cannabis music festival

In addition to being a weed-friendly campsite, Willow Springs hosts a seasonally held music and arts festival at the campsite with talent from southern Illinois and the surrounding area, as well as art, merchandise, bodywork, and grocery sellers.

The next Willow Springs Music Festival is slated for the weekend October 22-24 and features 15 local and national artists. See the lineup here.

The Consume Cannabis Co., based in Carbondale, recently helped host the Southern Illinois 10/7 Fest, a free (and hopefully annual) outdoor event that featured cannabis vendors, games, live music, art, food, and more.

5. Take a cannabis class

Consume Cannabis Co. also offers weekly classes on everything from cannabis 101 to cannabis cooking, how to enjoy concentrates, using cannabis to treat chronic pain, and other topics. Connect with the experts in the store to expand your cannabis knowledge and enjoyment – and meet others in the local cannabis community.

Follow Consume’s website to keep up-to-date on other upcoming events in the Carbondale area.

6. Go to the “cannabis camp”

Another outdoor festival coming up is the 5th Annual Cannabis Camp, organized by Trinity Compassionate Care Centers in the soon-to-be-opened High Harbor Cannabis Lounge in Peoria later this month (September 2021). The event, September 10-11, is designed to include cannabis industry vendors, live bands, artists, food, and designated areas for you to consume cannabis (bring your own).

The Trinity Compassion Care Center opens its new High Harbor Lounge in Peoria with a breathtaking “Cannabis Camp” show, two days of music and cannabis culture from September 10-11, 2021. (Courtesy of the Trinity Compassion Center)

Helaine Krysik

Chicago-based author Helaine Krysik is the founder of Illinois cannabis lifestyle brand potinillinois.com.

View article by Helaine Krysik

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