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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 301 – Six Years of Illinois Cannabis: A Conversation with Chicago Tribune Reporter Robert McCoppin
For more than six years, Chicago Tribune reporter Robert McCoppin has documented the evolution of Illinois’ cannabis industry, from the earliest legalization debates to today’s fights over home grow, market concentration, ownership transparency, hemp, and continued criminalization. In this episode, Robert joins me to reflect on the stories behind the headlines and what he’s learned…
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Illinois Officials Respond to Questions About Cannabis Seed Sales
In a statement provided to The Cole Memo, Illinois state officials addressed questions surrounding cannabis seed sales. Questions on the topic cannabis seed sales are not new. In February 2020, the Chicago Tribune reported that the Pritzker administration was working with state agencies, cultivators, and dispensaries to develop a process that would allow medical cannabis…
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Episode 300 – Illinois Has More Cannabis Brands Than Ever. Fewer Companies Own Them.
Damian Fagon, policy director at the Parabola Center for Law and Policy, joins the show to discuss a new analysis of Illinois’ cannabis market and the structural advantages held by large multi-state operators and incumbent medical cannabis companies. We discuss market concentration, cultivation capacity, vertical integration, management agreements, consumer choice, and why hundreds of cannabis…
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Episode 299 – Oregon’s Legal Psilocybin Experiment Faces a Major Test
Dr. Eric Lee returns to The Cole Memo to discuss major changes facing Oregon’s legal psilocybin program. Lee explains how rising licensing fees could push operators out of the industry, why legal psilocybin sessions remain unaffordable for many people, and how his clinic is working to keep services accessible. Cole and Dr. Lee also discuss…
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Episode 298 – Illinois Signs Major Cannabis Overhaul, Plus Q&A With Brad Spirrison
The governor has officially signed Illinois’ latest cannabis omnibus bill into law, marking one of the biggest updates to the state’s cannabis regulations since adult-use legalization. In this episode, we livestream the signing ceremony from Sway Dispensary, break down the bill’s major provisions, and hear directly from Governor J.B. Pritzker, social equity operators, patient advocates,…
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Episode 297 – Illinois Homegrow: Can Medical Patients Actually Buy Cannabis Seeds?
Illinois law has allowed qualifying medical cannabis patients to purchase cannabis seeds from licensed dispensaries since adult-use legalization took effect, but six years later, patients still can’t buy them. In this episode, Cole Preston revisits reporting dating back to 2020, examines a 2022 response from state officials identifying Illinois’ seed-to-sale software as a potential obstacle,…
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Gov. Pritzker highlights SB3222 during ceremonial bill signing in Chicago
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday ceremonially signed Senate Bill 3222 during an event at SWAY Cannabis Dispensary in Chicago, where administration officials and lawmakers highlighted the measure’s changes to Illinois cannabis and hemp law. The Cole Memo live-streamed the entire ceremony and press conference. Readers can watch the full event here: https://youtube.com/live/-m2BZXC2ohU?feature=share According to…
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Gov. Pritzker to hold ceremonial signing for Illinois cannabis bill SB3222
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is scheduled to ceremonially sign Senate Bill 3222 at 10 a.m. Thursday during an event at SWAY Cannabis Dispensary in Chicago. According to the governor’s office, the ceremony will celebrate legislation intended to advance equity and strengthen oversight in Illinois’ cannabis industry. According to the governor’s office, an option for media…
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Illinois Law Allows Medical Cannabis Patients to Purchase Cannabis Seeds. One Question About Their Availability Remains Unanswered.
I discussed this article on my podcast. You can view the episode here. Illinois law has allowed qualifying medical cannabis patients to cultivate up to five cannabis plants since the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA) took effect in 2020. The CRTA also authorizes registered qualifying patients to purchase cannabis seeds from licensed dispensaries for…
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Episode 296 – Federal Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings Begin: Key Takeaways from Days 1 & 2
The federal cannabis rescheduling hearings are underway, and this episode breaks down the biggest developments from the first two days. We cover testimony from DEA and FDA officials, arguments over the government’s shift from a five-part to a two-part medical use test, and reactions from opponents of the proposed move to Schedule III. We also…
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