The Cole Memo

I recently wrote about a new state reference lab, mentioned in the Chicago Tribune, which is part of the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI). CRI operates under the Discovery Partners Institute, a research center within the University of Illinois system.

Tomorrow at 1 PM, the Cannabis Research Institute will host a livestream update featuring panelists and possible appearances by Governor Pritzker and University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen.

Important Note: You can read key takeaways from the Cannabis Research Institute’s live stream by clicking here.

Members of the news media and the public are invited to register.

CRI, a collaborative initiative with Illinois’ Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office, recently secured $7 million in funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Panelists include:

• Reggie Gaudino: CRI Director and molecular geneticist
• Donell Barnett: Behavioral health advisor and CRI program officer
• Nathaniel Inglis Steinfeld: Deputy Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer
• Eva-Dina Delgado: Illinois State Representative

Mila Marshall, who writes and edits the “Cannabis Corner” column for Chicago News Weekly, will moderate. Marshall helped write Illinois HB1438, which makes legal cannabis use, possession and purchase in limited amounts and provides for regulation and licensing in its distribution.

Click here to register. (Registrants later will have access to a recording of the session)

Learn more about CRI here

#278 – Homegrow, Schedule III, and the Future of Cannabis with Madeline Scanlon – The Cole Memo

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 education throughout the season. The conversation also explores regulatory capture, hemp bans, medical cannabis, testing standards, cannabis lounges, certified supply models, and why both Maddie and Cole believe growing your own cannabis remains one of the most important forms of access and autonomy for consumers. Plus, they discuss cannabis beverages, hashmaking, outdoor cultivation myths, and the ongoing push to normalize the plant in Illinois and beyond. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/05/14/e278/

1. #278 – Homegrow, Schedule III, and the Future of Cannabis with Madeline Scanlon 01:08:40
2. #277 – Schedule III, Homegrow, and Interstate Cannabis? Breaking Down the Questions 01:14:23
3. Announcement and Quick Illinois Cannabis News Report 06:26
4. #275 – Illinois Cannabis News 46:33
5. #274 – Illinois Policy Stalls, Data Privacy Concerns, and the Hemp Drink Boom 33:51