In this episode of The Cole Memo, we break down Illinois’ record-breaking cannabis sales in 2024 and explore what these numbers really mean. While the state touts economic growth, we examine the growing divide between corporate operators and social equity businesses, as well as the ongoing battle over hemp-derived cannabinoids. Plus, we discuss Governor Pritzker’s stance on the “unchecked” hemp market and its impact on legal cannabis businesses.
Later, we dive into Illinois’ cannabis policy issues, including home cultivation, high taxes, and the need for market reforms. We also touch on breaking news about former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s conviction and what it signals for the state’s political landscape.
- Watch the episode on Youtube here
- Stream the episode on Soundcloud here
- Stream the episode on Spotify here
- Stream the episode on Apple Podcast here
- Stream the episode on X here
Links mentioned during show
- Record-breaking Illinois pot sales light up ‘thriving cannabis industry’ — despite unregulated hemp market
- 2024 breaks records for legal marijuana sales in Illinois
- The Great Cannabis Clash: Luke Niforatos Faces Off with Martha Bueno
- Ex-speaker Mike Madigan convicted on 10 corruption counts; acquitted on 7 others
- Madigan Photos: https://x.com/jmetr22b/status/1889792890949210325?s=46&t=0PLYa-N86WITob0Gfr_4mA
- Michigan Vs Cannabis Sales Numbers : https://x.com/ChillinoisState/status/1876715339712446555/photo/1
- Clip from Mad Money – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7uS8RrWbuU
- Clip from Pennsylvania that we played – https://x.com/thecolememo/status/1849114676497444910/video/1
- Illinois Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Expand Home Cultivation Limits and Medical Cannabis Caregivers
- World Cocaine “no worse than whiskey,” would be “sold like wine” if legalized worldwide, Colombia’s president says
- What would make the Illinois cannabis industry better for consumers and industry participants?
The Cole Memo 
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