Damian Fagon, Policy Director at the Parabola Center for Law and Policy, returns to The Cole Memo to discuss the future of cannabis legalization following the 2026 midterm elections. We examine the latest federal cannabis rescheduling developments, the DEA’s restrictions on medical cannabis businesses, and why Fagon believes comprehensive federal reform and descheduling would better serve consumers and patients.
We also explore the topic of corporate consolidation in state cannabis markets, how management agreements may allow companies to circumvent ownership caps, and the challenges facing independent businesses in Illinois and beyond. Finally, we discuss the impending hemp restrictions, what the hemp industry got right about cannabis access, and why consumer interests should play a greater role in shaping cannabis policy.
- Watch the episode on Youtube here
- Stream the episode on Soundcloud here (coming soon)
- Stream the episode on Spotify here (coming soon)
- Stream the episode on Apple Podcast here (coming soon)
- Stream the episode on X here
Links mentioned during show
- ParabolaCenter.com
- Episode 300 – Illinois Has More Cannabis Brands Than Ever. Fewer Companies Own Them.
- DEA Refuses To Approve Marijuana Businesses In States That Allow Dual Medical And Recreational Licensing
- DEA Warns Medical Marijuana Businesses To Only Obtain Products From Federally Registered Companies
- Federal Marijuana Rescheduling Explainer
- Pritzker mentions hemp – https://gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker-releases-fighting-for-illinois-day-one-agenda
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