The Cole Memo

Cannabis tax revenue from legal sales is being used to help fund automated license plate readers operated by the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff Dustin Heuerman.

Heuerman said the revenue originates from taxes collected on legal cannabis sales and is distributed by the state to local governments.

“There was a question about this a couple of years ago,” Heuerman said before explaining that the revenues come from “taxes from the legal sale of cannabis to help combat the illegal sale and consumption of cannabis.”

Heuerman said expenditures from the revenue are restricted by state law and must be used for purposes related to preventing or enforcing laws against the illegal cannabis market, including drug-impaired driving.

The cameras, commonly known as automated license plate readers, capture information about passing vehicles. The use of these cameras has been the subject of intense debate across the country.

Question: “What type of software are we buying for cannabis enforcement?”

Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman: “License plate readers.”

Question: “Is this just the Flock cameras?”

Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman: “Just the Flock cameras, yes.”

You can watch these statements on Youtube by clicking here.

Credit to Bryan Maxwell at Smile Politely, where I first saw this information highlighted in an opinion article, which you can read here.

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Rep. La Shawn Ford on What's Next for Illinois Cannabis Legalization | E327 – The Cole Memo

Illinois State Representative and Democratic congressional nominee La Shawn Ford returns to The Cole Memo to discuss the future of cannabis policy in Illinois. Following the passage of major cannabis reforms earlier this year, Ford shares his thoughts on the legislation, his disappointment with the state's approach to hemp, and what additional reforms lawmakers may consider. The conversation also explores Ford's proposal to use cannabis tax revenue to support struggling families, industry opposition to expanding home grow rights to all adults, and concerns about consolidation in Illinois' cannabis market. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/10/16/e327/

1. Rep. La Shawn Ford on What's Next for Illinois Cannabis Legalization | E327 35:03
2. Illinois Cannabis Sales Rebound, DEA Rescheduling Update & Governor's Forum | E326 02:04:35
3. Massive Outdoor Home Grow, Patient Portal, & Cannabis Event This Week | E325 54:40
4. The Future of Illinois Cannabis: A Roundtable With Aaron Del Mar | E324 01:03:20
5. Should Cannabis Tax Dollars Pay for License Plate Readers? | E323 01:01:59