The Cole Memo

I wanted to spotlight the Chicago Tribune for covering the growing debate around outdoor cannabis cultivation in Illinois, a topic I first broke details on right here on TheColeMemo.com.

The Tribune highlights how companies like Curaleaf, GTI, and Nature’s Grace are pushing to grow outdoors using hoop houses and screen houses. Former Illinois agriculture regulators granted permission for these kinds of grows, but when new leadership took over, they attempted to revoke that permission and lost in court. The current Curaleaf lawsuit seems to be building on that precedent, seeking the same flexibility. The article also cites my original articles and includes my perspective on why Illinois should rethink its restrictions.

I’ll be sharing the print version of the Chicago Tribune’s coverage below and linking back to my earlier reporting for anyone who wants to dig deeper. I plan to share additional details on this subject in the future.

Original Articles by The Cole Memo

• Exclusive: Outdoor cultivation of cannabis in Illinois – 12/09/2023.
• Exclusive Follow Up: Outdoor cultivation of cannabis in Illinois – 08/19/2024.
• Another Outdoor-Cannabis Lawsuit Hits Illinois – 07/25/2025.

From the Pages of the Chicago Tribune

Note: If the article seems hard to read, you can adjust your view using the Zoom feature.

Below is a text excerpt from the article that features my perspective.

Other industry participants are watching the outcome of the case closely. Cole Preston, author of TheColeMemo.com website and podcast, who first reported on the outdoor grows, sees them not only as a boon for licensed growers, but says it should extend to home growers.

Currently, Illinois law limits home growing to medical cannabis patients, who may grow up to five plants indoors.

“I believe that as long as operators can produce a product that meets Illinois’ strict testing standards, there shouldn’t be an issue with how they grow — be it in an indoor cultivation center, a screen house, a hoop house, a green house, or another type of setup,” he said. Judging from the successful use of outdoor grows so far, he said, “There don’t appear to be any issues.”

Excerpt from Chicago Tribune article

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#239 – A Look Inside the Veto Session and How Cannabis Policy Gets Made in Illinois – The Cole Memo

In this episode, Cole is joined by Doug Kelly and Peter Contos of the Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition to unpack several major developments in Illinois and across the country. Illinois recently wrapped its fall veto session, and while cannabis policy did not move, lawmakers advanced key criminal justice measures. Doug and Peter break down what passed, why it matters, and how these changes affect everyday residents and cannabis consumers. Cole, Doug, and Peter talk candidly about how cannabis policy has often been developed behind closed doors in Illinois, then close with a first look at the Cannabis Research Institute’s statewide listening sessions and what this new research effort could mean for Illinois. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/11/21/e239/

1. #239 – A Look Inside the Veto Session and How Cannabis Policy Gets Made in Illinois 01:04:24
2. #238 – Live Q&A: Cole Breaks Down the Looming Federal Cannabis Ban 02:06:29
3. #237 – Politicians react to new federal ban on cannabis products 01:47:36
4. #236 – Senate passes a federal ban on cannabis. What does it mean? 01:36:56
5. #235 – Auditing the label on dispensary products 01:07:32