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CHICAGO CANNABIS MARKETING

Chicago, the Windy City, is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and bustling urban landscape. In recent years, it has also emerged as a significant player in the cannabis industry. As the largest city in Illinois, Chicago has experienced rapid growth in the cannabis market since the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2020. With a population of nearly 2.7 million residents and countless tourists, the city offers immense opportunities for cannabis entrepreneurs and investors. As the competition among cannabis businesses intensifies, it is essential for companies to develop a strong brand presence and effective marketing strategies in order to succeed in Chicago's thriving cannabis landscape.

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The Hood Collective, a leading, full-service digital marketing agency, specializes in catering to the unique needs of the cannabis industry. With a deep understanding of the Chicago cannabis market, our team is well-equipped to help local businesses navigate the competitive landscape and establish a strong presence in the city. Our roots in the Midwest and commitment to the regional market set us apart, as two of our founders originate from Michigan and Indiana. Our experienced team of graphic designers, videographers, photographers, and drone pilots provides exceptional marketing solutions for cannabis cultivators, dispensaries, CBD retailers, advocates, and event organizers in and around Chicago.

 

Partnering with The Hood Collective ensures your cannabis business benefits from cutting-edge digital and print content, high-definition video, and captivating photography, all designed to elevate your brand and engage your target audience. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

 

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WHEN DID CHICAGO LEGALIZE CANNABIS?

Cannabis in Illinois, including Chicago, was legalized for both medical and recreational use in separate instances. Medical cannabis was legalized in 2013, when the Illinois General Assembly passed the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act (MCPP). As of October 2020, the Medical Cannabis Patient Program had enrolled over 143,000 qualifying patients in the state's medical cannabis and opioid alternative programs.

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Illinois legalized recreational cannabis for Chicago and the rest of the state on January 1, 2020, following the passage of the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act in 2019. Illinois became the first state to legalize recreational sales through the state legislature rather than a voter initiative. When fully mature, Illinois' recreational cannabis market is expected to generate between $2 to $4 billion in annual revenues. The state will also expunge an estimated 700,000 marijuana-related police records and court convictions in a phased approach, scheduled to be completed by 2025.

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As a result of these legislative changes, Chicago now enjoys a booming cannabis market that offers significant opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors alike. In 2022 alone, the 113 dispensaries across Illinois sold $1.5 billion worth of marijuana products. Since the launch of the recreational market, retail sales from recreational cannabis in Illinois have averaged an estimated $40 million in revenue each month. Of course, Chicago accounts for the largest share of this burgeoning market.

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WHAT ARE THE CANNABIS ADVERTISING RULES IN CHICAGO?

In Chicago, as with the rest of Illinois, cannabis advertising is subject to strict rules and regulations to ensure that it is not promoting the irresponsible use of marijuana or targeting minors. The advertising rules for the cannabis industry in Chicago are outlined in the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act and enforced by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

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One of the key rules for cannabis advertising in Chicago is that it must not be designed to appeal to minors. This includes prohibiting the use of characters, symbols, or other elements that are commonly associated with targeting individuals under the age of 21. Additionally, advertising cannot contain any false or misleading claims about the benefits, safety, or efficacy of cannabis products.

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Another crucial rule is that cannabis advertisements cannot be placed within 1,000 feet of a school, playground, or other areas where minors frequently gather. Moreover, the ads cannot be placed on public transit vehicles, such as buses and trains, or on any public property.

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In terms of media, cannabis advertisements cannot be broadcast on television or radio unless the broadcaster has reliable evidence that at least 71.6% of the audience is 21 years or older. Similarly, print, digital, and social media advertisements must also be targeted to audiences with at least 71.6% of individuals aged 21 and above.

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Cannabis billboards are allowed in Chicago, but they must follow the same restrictions regarding proximity to schools and playgrounds. Furthermore, cannabis businesses are required to include health warnings and age restrictions in their advertisements, informing the public that the products are only for those aged 21 or older and highlighting potential health risks associated with cannabis consumption.

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Finally, cannabis businesses in Chicago are prohibited from engaging in any promotional activities, such as offering free samples, giveaways, or contests, which could encourage excessive or irresponsible consumption of cannabis products. It is essential for businesses operating in the cannabis industry to closely follow these advertising rules to ensure compliance with state and local regulations and to promote responsible cannabis consumption.

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, CANNABIS INDUSTRY PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS

Whether your cannabis company is located in the heart of Chicago or the surrounding areas, the professional team of photographers and videographers at The Hood Collective is dedicated to supporting the thriving Chicago cannabis industry. We tailor our services to ensure small- and medium-sized cannabis businesses have access to high-quality marketing materials, enabling you to connect with customers and expand your enterprise. Our photographers utilize cutting-edge camera and lighting equipment to deliver striking visuals for your website, marketing collateral, and social media presence. We even have licensed drone pilots on staff. All of our photography packages are designed to allow businesses to scale up as they grow and achieve greater success.

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Photography services offered by our specialized Chicago cannabis photography team include:

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  • Cannabis Packaging Photography

  • Cannabis Event Photography

  • Cannabis Team Headshots

  • Cannabis Indoor Farm Photography

  • Cannabis Premises Photography

  • Cannabis Macro Photography

  • Cannabis Lifestyle Photography

  • Cannabis Aerial Photography

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Video production has been at the core of our offerings since The Hood Collective's inception. We make it effortless for your business to obtain top-notch video content that will outshine your competitors. Our team can guide you through the entire filmmaking process, from scriptwriting and storyboarding to color grading and final post-production. We film with high-end production gear, including professional LED lighting, high-definition cameras, and crystal-clear audio. We even have an in-house animation team, ensuring your videos feature first-rate motion graphics and title designs. Above all, we collaborate with our clients to maximize the value of their video content and guarantee the highest possible return on their investment.

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Our video production experts provide the following types of Chicago-centric cannabis videos:

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  • Cannabis About Us Videos

  • Cannabis Educational Videos

  • Cannabis Testimonials

  • Cannabis Event Videos

  • Cannabis Motion Graphics

  • Cannabis Infographic Videos

  • Cannabis Drone Videos

  • Cannabis YouTube Videos

  • Cannabis Promo Videos

CHICAGO CANNABIS GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

The creative team of graphic designers at The Hood Collective is dedicated to supporting the dynamic Chicago cannabis industry. We customize our services to ensure that small- and medium-sized cannabis companies have access to exceptional graphic design materials, helping you connect with customers and grow your business. Our skilled designers are proficient in using the latest design software and tools to create captivating visuals for your website, marketing materials, packaging, and social media.

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Services provided by our specialized Chicago cannabis graphic design team include:

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  • Cannabis Logo Design

  • Cannabis Packaging Design

  • Cannabis Branding And Style Guides

  • Cannabis Web Design

  • Cannabis Social Media Images (and Social Media Management)

  • Cannabis Animation

  • Cannabis Infographics

  • Cannabis T-Shirt Design

  • Cannabis Business Card Design

  • Cannabis Ad Design And Layout

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WHERE WE OPERATE IN CHICAGO'S CANNABIS INDUSTRY

The Hood Collective is committed to helping cannabis businesses in Chicago succeed. We're able to work with businesses in the following neighborhoods, communities, and collar counties:

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  • Cook County

  • Lake County

  • DuPage County

  • Kane County

  • Will County

  • McHenry County

  • Kendall County

  • Chicago Loop

  • River North

  • West Loop

  • Wicker Park

  • Logan Square

  • Pilsen

  • Lincoln Park

  • Lakeview

  • Hyde Park

  • Uptown

  • Bridgeport

  • Humboldt Park

  • South Loop

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Don't see your neighborhood listed? Don't hesitate to reach out. We'll be happy to travel anywhere in Chicago to help our customers succeed.

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WHY PARTNER WITH THE HOOD COLLECTIVE FOR YOUR CANNABIS MARKETING

The Hood Collective understands the unique needs and challenges of the burgeoning cannabis industry in Chicago. Our team is dedicated to providing cost-effective, high-quality services that deliver tangible results for your business. From photography and videography to graphic design, our tailored solutions will elevate your brand and help you stand out in the competitive market. Don't miss the opportunity to showcase your cannabis business in the best possible light.

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Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how The Hood Collective can make a difference for your company.

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