We’ve heard promises of equity and transparency, but has Illinois delivered? Chicago Sun-Times reporter Tom Schuba joins me to unpack how political connections, limited transparency, and data protections have shaped Illinois’ cannabis rollout. We discuss his latest story for the Sun-Times, which details how insiders with clout have secured a foothold in the market—and how state laws continue to keep key ownership information out of public view. These themes and some of the stories we reference are explored in my mini documentary, now streaming at ColeMemo.com/MiniDoc.
- 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
- ColeMemo.com/MiniDoc
- Inside a clout-heavy company’s yearslong bid to open a cannabis dispensary in Bolingbrook – Chicago Sun-Times
- Clouted mix of insiders, others tied to state politics behind social equity pot bid – Chicago Sun-Times
- This story was explored in my mini doc.
- State’s ex-pot regulators, pols are cashing in on the exploding industry. A proposed crackdown won’t stop all of them. – Chicago Sun-Times
- This story was explored in my mini doc.
- Illinois pot business owners seek relief from costly regulations – Chicago Sun-Times
- Who’s profiting off the millions that Illinois’ marijuana business is bringing in? State officials are keeping that secret.
- This story was explored in my mini doc.
- Finalist for marijuana dispensary licenses also works for firm that graded applications – Chicago Sun-Times
- Tom’s recent appearances on the show:
The Cole Memo 
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