The Cole Memo

A newly introduced bill in the Illinois House seeks to expand eligibility for expungement of cannabis-related offenses.

House Bill 1055 (HB1055), introduced by Rep. Dave Vella on January 9, 2025, proposes changes to the Criminal Identification Act. According to the bill synopsis, it would modify the definition of a “Minor Cannabis Offense” by increasing the possession threshold from 30 grams to 100 grams for expungement eligibility. The bill would still exclude cases involving violent crimes or penalty enhancements under the Cannabis Control Act.

If passed, the bill could broaden access to expungement for individuals with past cannabis convictions, further aligning Illinois’ record-clearing policies with its broader cannabis reform efforts.

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#254 – Announcing the Midwest Cannabis Forum + Other Discussion on Cannabis Policy Today – The Cole Memo

In this broadcast, Brad Spirrison joins the show to announce the Midwest Cannabis Forum. Learn more at MidwestCannabisForum.com. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/01/22/e254/

1. #254 – Announcing the Midwest Cannabis Forum + Other Discussion on Cannabis Policy Today 59:16
2. #256 – Illinois Cannabis Reform 2026: What Advocates Want and What Might Actually Move 01:22:48
3. #255 – Arrests Keep Coming in “Legal” Illinois 01:18:46
4. #253 – Illinois Cannabis Legislation Update With Live Callers 01:51:51
5. #252 – Ashley’s Story: A Family’s Fight for Medical Cannabis 01:59:13