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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#296 – Federal Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings Begin: Key Takeaways from Days 1 & 2 – The Cole Memo

The federal cannabis rescheduling hearings are underway, and this episode breaks down the biggest developments from the first two days. We cover testimony from DEA and FDA officials, arguments over the government's shift from a five-part to a two-part medical use test, and reactions from opponents of the proposed move to Schedule III. We also discuss what the hearings do and do not address, including why the proceedings focus on regulation rather than legalization. Plus, we look at the U.S. Supreme Court's recent gun rights ruling for cannabis consumers and how that decision is already influencing other cases, including potential implications for Illinois. As always, you'll find links to the original reporting and sources discussed throughout the episode. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/30/e296/

1. #296 – Federal Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings Begin: Key Takeaways from Days 1 & 2 32:59
2. #295 – Inside the Ascend Strike: Cannabis Workers Speak Out [Illinois] 39:01
3. #294 – Federal Cannabis Developments & Illinois Cannabis Law Updates 47:03
4. #293 – Federal Cannabis Developments & What We Learned in Chicago 03:02:35
5. #292 – Governor Pritzker Signs Illinois Cannabis Omnibus Into Law 18:13