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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Collin Corbett Reflects on Illinois Governor's Race and Election Results | E336 – The Cole Memo

Former independent Illinois gubernatorial candidate Collin Corbett returns to The Cole Memo for a post-election conversation about his campaign, the results of the 2026 election, and the challenges facing candidates outside the two-party system. Cole and Collin discuss his campaign's performance, his exclusion from the gubernatorial media coverage, the growing influence of national politics on state elections, and the importance of longer, more substantive political discussions. They also reflect on the broader election results, Governor JB Pritzker's political future, and what might come next for independent political movements. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/11/11/e336/

1. Collin Corbett Reflects on Illinois Governor's Race and Election Results | E336 46:06
2. Damian Fagon on Cannabis Rescheduling, Corporate Control, and Hemp Reform | E335 01:15:34
3. Illinois Election Night: Pritzker Wins, Plus Massachusetts Cannabis Vote | E334 32:32
4. The Future of Hemp: A Farmer’s Perspective with Alex Mootz | E333 01:19:24
5. Federal Cannabis Rescheduling Raises New Questions, Plus Illinois Political Shakeup? | E332 01:03:26