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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 282 – Illinois Cannabis Hearing: Possession Limits, Drive-Thrus, and 2 A.M. Dispensaries
Illinois lawmakers held a major subject matter hearing on Senate Bill 20, a sweeping cannabis and hemp proposal that could reshape the Illinois market. In this episode, Cole breaks down the hearing in real time, covering proposed increases to possession limits, expanded dispensary hours, drive-thru sales, medical access changes, hemp regulation, and the ongoing debate…
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Episode 281 – Midwest Cannabis Forum Preview with Brad Spirrison
Cole Preston is joined by Brad Spirrison to preview the upcoming Midwest Cannabis Forum, a regional event bringing together voices from across the cannabis, hemp, beverage, tech, finance, and regulatory worlds. The conversation explores why organizers are trying to create a space for dialogue between industries that are often at odds, while also discussing the…
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Episode 280 – New Illinois Cannabis Bill Expands Access, Drive-Thrus, and More + DUI Charges Dropped
Cole breaks down Illinois House Bill 5784, a sweeping new cannabis omnibus proposal that could dramatically reshape cannabis policy in the state. The bill would double possession limits for adults, expand medical access by allowing patients to shop at more dispensaries with lower tax rates, extend dispensary operating hours until 2 a.m., expand drive-thru and…
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Episode 279 – Illinois Cannabis Policy Updates, TSA Marijuana Confusion, and the Midwest Cannabis Forum
Cole breaks down the latest cannabis policy developments unfolding in Illinois, including concerns surrounding House Bill 4782, the state’s odor-proof vehicle law, and discussions about possible changes tied to a broader cannabis omnibus package. Cole also shares what advocates are hearing behind the scenes about lawmakers tightening the circle around cannabis policymaking and what that…
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Episode 278 – Homegrow, Schedule III, and the Future of Cannabis with Madeline Scanlon
Cole Preston is joined by Madeline Scanlon for a wide-ranging conversation about homegrow culture, cannabis legalization, Schedule III concerns, and the future of cannabis access in Illinois. Maddie shares details about her new Outdoor Grow Club through High Focus Media, designed to help everyday people successfully grow outdoor cannabis with community support, clones, supplies, and…
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Episode 277 – How rescheduling might impact Illinois cannabis industry and patients
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I sit down with Michael Lasley to discuss the potential impact, or lack thereof, of rescheduling. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 275 – Illinois Cannabis News
In this episode of The Cole Memo, we take a closer look at where Illinois cannabis tax revenue is actually going and whether it’s living up to the promises made at legalization. From general revenue funds to reinvestment programs, we break down what’s known, what’s unclear, and why transparency still matters. We also highlight an…
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Episode 274 – Illinois Policy Stalls, Data Privacy Concerns, and the Hemp Drink Boom
This episode covers a range of developing stories shaping the cannabis landscape. Cole breaks down allegations against Verano involving the exposure of sensitive patient data, highlighting ongoing concerns around privacy in the medical market. He also explores Target’s expansion into hemp-derived THC drinks in Minnesota, raising questions about corporate influence and what companies may be…
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Episode 273 – Jimmy Young on Media, Nixon, and the Cannabis Industry Today
In this episode, I sit down with Jimmy Young, executive producer of Cannabis Coast to Coast News and an Emmy award-winning broadcaster, to talk about his journey from sports media into cannabis journalism. We discuss how he built a national platform covering cannabis policy, the challenges of censorship in the space, and what it really…
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Episode 272 – IL Cannabis Town Hall and Mislabeled Products in Dispensaries?
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole covers a major upcoming Illinois cannabis town hall and breaks down a viral controversy surrounding inflated THC potency labels in dispensaries. A Reddit post and independent testing results raise serious questions about accuracy and trust in cannabis testing, highlighting how young and evolving the industry still is.…
The Cole Memo
Conversations for Change
The Cole Memo 