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Start Here: The Cole Memo
This page brings together a sample of my best work — from expert interviews to deep dives into cannabis history, culture, and policy. You’ll also find documentaries, archives, and special projects here. Whether you’re a longtime follower or a first-time visitor, this page is designed to help you dive in at your own pace. Explore
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Episode 251 – Announcement episode, cannabis news
In this episode, Cole makes a few announcements and shares the latest in Illinois cannabis news. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 250 – Illinois Is Still Arresting People for Weed, Even After “Legalization”
Cole is joined by recurring guest Phil to break down Part 1 of ColeMemo.com’s overview of Illinois’ 2025 annual cannabis report, a required compilation of updates from state agencies covering licensing, enforcement, public health, and revenue. They discuss IDFPR reporting that 93 dispensaries received operational licenses, the agency’s description of Metrc entering its post-launch phase,
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‘State’s Medical Cannabis Programs: In The Rearview Mirror’ by Kirsten Velasco
Editor’s note: This article was written by Kirsten Velasco and originally published at VapeNProp.com. It is republished here with permission. Cannabis advocates fuel their work with vivid memories and current damage of the diabolical drug war. Expanding access legislatively progresses at a snail’s pace. Each state’s transition from prohibition to safe access began by registering
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High-level overview of Illinois’ Annual Cannabis Reports for 2025 – Part 1
I recently shared the 2025 annual cannabis reports for the state of Illinois. The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act requires the release of annual cannabis reports from various state agencies. The Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office compiled reporting from several state agencies overseeing cannabis regulation, enforcement, public health, and revenue. In this article, I plan to
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Episode 249 – A Year in Review – Recapping 2025 Illinois and Federal Cannabis News
In this Three Dope Dudes crossover episode, Cole is joined by Aaron and Dave from Support Dope People to recap some of the most important cannabis stories of 2025. The conversation spans declining Illinois cannabis sales, stalled social equity licensing, continued arrests in a so called legal state, medical program updates, hemp policy confusion, and
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Episode 248 – Live smoke session: Cole returns for the New Year!
I’ll be smoking with a surprise guest. We might even take callers! Links mentioned during show
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Illinois Releases 2025 Annual Cannabis Reports
The Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office for the state of Illinois published the 2025 Annual Cannabis Reports. The reports from 2025 can be viewed in the entirety below. The 2024 report can be viewed here, and reports from prior years can be viewed here.
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Episode 247 – What could rescheduling mean for cannabis policy?
In this live stream, I was joined by Brad Spirrison to discuss the latest potential developments in the cannabis industry. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 246 – Arrests continue in “legal” Illinois
Despite cannabis being legal in Illinois, people are still being arrested, charged, and even serving long prison sentences for marijuana related offenses. In this episode, I unpack recent reporting that highlights just how much criminalization remains baked into Illinois law and why legalization did not bring the relief many expected. We dig into possession limits,
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Episode 245 – Live From the Oval Office: Trump Directs AG to Expedite Cannabis Rescheduling Process
President Trump announces an executive order directing the Attorney General to expedite the process of moving marijuana to Schedule III, emphasizing medical research access while rejecting legalization or recreational use. Links mentioned during show
The Cole Memo
Conversations for Change
The Cole Memo 