Author: Cole Preston
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Episode 278 – Homegrow, Schedule III, and the Future of Cannabis with Madeline Scanlon
Cole Preston is joined by Madeline Scanlon for a wide-ranging conversation about homegrow culture, cannabis legalization, Schedule III concerns, and the future of cannabis access in Illinois. Maddie shares details about her new Outdoor Grow Club through High Focus Media, designed to help everyday people successfully grow outdoor cannabis with community support, clones, supplies, and…
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Episode 277 – How rescheduling might impact Illinois cannabis industry and patients
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I sit down with Michael Lasley to discuss the potential impact, or lack thereof, of rescheduling. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 275 – Illinois Cannabis News
In this episode of The Cole Memo, we take a closer look at where Illinois cannabis tax revenue is actually going and whether it’s living up to the promises made at legalization. From general revenue funds to reinvestment programs, we break down what’s known, what’s unclear, and why transparency still matters. We also highlight an…
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Episode 274 – Illinois Policy Stalls, Data Privacy Concerns, and the Hemp Drink Boom
This episode covers a range of developing stories shaping the cannabis landscape. Cole breaks down allegations against Verano involving the exposure of sensitive patient data, highlighting ongoing concerns around privacy in the medical market. He also explores Target’s expansion into hemp-derived THC drinks in Minnesota, raising questions about corporate influence and what companies may be…
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Episode 273 – Jimmy Young on Media, Nixon, and the Cannabis Industry Today
In this episode, I sit down with Jimmy Young, executive producer of Cannabis Coast to Coast News and an Emmy award-winning broadcaster, to talk about his journey from sports media into cannabis journalism. We discuss how he built a national platform covering cannabis policy, the challenges of censorship in the space, and what it really…
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Episode 272 – IL Cannabis Town Hall and Mislabeled Products in Dispensaries?
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole covers a major upcoming Illinois cannabis town hall and breaks down a viral controversy surrounding inflated THC potency labels in dispensaries. A Reddit post and independent testing results raise serious questions about accuracy and trust in cannabis testing, highlighting how young and evolving the industry still is.…
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Episode 271 – GrownIn Relaunch and Midwest Cannabis Forum Preview
In this episode, I’m joined by Brad Spirrison to discuss the relaunch of GrownIn and what it means for cannabis commerce and culture in Chicago and the broader Midwest. We talk about why the region is uniquely positioned as a hub for cannabis talent, business, and innovation, and how this next chapter aims to bring…
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Episode 270 – Illinois Licensing Case Heads to Court + Big Personal Announcement
In this episode, Cole breaks down a major Illinois cannabis licensing case heading to court, where questions around transparency, fairness, and hidden relationships are front and center. With hundreds of allegedly ineligible applications impacting the odds, the outcome of this case could reshape how people view the state’s licensing process. Cole also shares a personal…
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Episode 269 – Inside Springfield: How Lobbying Really Works
In this episode, Cole sits down with longtime lobbyist Mark Peysakhovich to unpack how policy actually gets made behind the scenes in Springfield. With over 30 years of experience, Mark shares his journey from immigrating to the United States to becoming a key figure in state legislative affairs, working across cannabis, hemp, healthcare, and more.…
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Episode 268 – Cocaine Cash in Illinois? + Latest Cannabis Policy Updates
In this episode, I sit down with a fellow advocate to discuss a headline story involving alleged cocaine cash laundering tied to an Illinois cannabis licensee, along with the latest updates from Springfield. Links mentioned during show
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