Sales of recreational marijuana during the first month since it became legal approached nearly $40 million, according to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. In a news release, the department said statewide adult-use cannabis sales since purchase became legal on Jan. 1 totaled $39,247,840.83. Dispensaries across the state sold 972,045 items during the first 31 days. “The successful launch of the Illinois legal cannabis industry represents new opportunities for entrepreneurs and the very communities that have historically been harmed by the failed war on drugs,” Toi Hutchinson, Senior Advisor for Cannabis Control to Gov.