Author: Cole Preston
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Episode 170 – Illinois Hemp Farm Raided by Police
In this special live episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston is joined by co-host Phil and guest Demarcus Medley, owner of Green Lords Farms in Galesburg, Illinois. They dive into Demarcus’s journey from urban farming with aquaponics to becoming one of Illinois’ first Black hemp farmers. Demarcus shares the harrowing story of being raided…
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Episode 169 – RFK Jr. Comments on Cannabis, New Consumption Bill in Illinois, and more!
In this live Valentine’s Day episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston covers major cannabis policy updates in Illinois, including new bills that could legalize on-premise consumption at hospitality venues and eliminate the state’s controversial odor-proof container requirement. He also breaks down RFK Jr.’s recent comments on cannabis and their potential impact on federal rescheduling…
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Episode 168 – Is Hemp Hurting Illinois’ Cannabis Market? Solutions & Must-Know News
In this episode of The Cole Memo, we break down Illinois’ record-breaking cannabis sales in 2024 and explore what these numbers really mean. While the state touts economic growth, we examine the growing divide between corporate operators and social equity businesses, as well as the ongoing battle over hemp-derived cannabinoids. Plus, we discuss Governor Pritzker’s…
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Episode 167 – Chicago City Hall Discusses Regulating Hemp Instead of Banning
As Illinois braces for snow, Cole and Phil dive into a jam-packed episode covering recent cannabis legislation, regulatory updates, and the ongoing debate over hemp-derived THC. They break down new proposals, including a bill to expand home cultivation limits and efforts to introduce cannabis delivery in the state. The conversation also explores the Chicago City…
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Illinois Bill Proposes Expanded Expungement for Cannabis Offenses
A newly introduced bill in the Illinois House seeks to expand eligibility for expungement of cannabis-related offenses. House Bill 1055 (HB1055), introduced by Rep. Dave Vella on January 9, 2025, proposes changes to the Criminal Identification Act. According to the bill synopsis, it would modify the definition of a “Minor Cannabis Offense” by increasing the…
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Illinois Lawmakers Propose Bills to Allow Cannabis Delivery and Expand Access for Medical Patients
Two new bills filed in the Illinois House aim to expand cannabis access, including allowing home delivery and easing restrictions on medical cannabis purchases. House Bill 2557 (HB2557), introduced by Rep. Sonya M. Harper on February 4, 2025, would create the Cannabis Delivery License Act, establishing a licensing system for businesses to deliver cannabis products…
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Illinois Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Expand Home Cultivation Limits and Medical Cannabis Caregivers
A new bill filed in the Illinois House aims to expand access to medical cannabis and increase the number of plants residents can legally grow at home. According to the synopsis for the legislation, House Bill 3498 (HB3498), introduced by Rep. Rita Mayfield on February 7, 2025, proposes amendments to Illinois’ cannabis laws. The bill…
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Episode 166 – Goblin Roasts Verano, Illinois Cannabis Sales Soar, and THC Limits Challenged
In this live episode of The Cole Memo, we discuss cannabis influencer Goblin’s scathing response to Verano’s sponsorship offer. We also break down Illinois’ record-breaking cannabis sales, surpassing $2 billion in 2024, and dive into a bizarre lawsuit challenging THC potency limits in concentrates. Plus, I’m joined by live callers! Want to call in live…
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Illinois Officially Announces Transition to Metrc for Cannabis Seed-to-Sale Tracking
On May 16, 2023, Metrc announced that Illinois planned to award the company a contract for its cannabis seed-to-sale tracking system. According to a press release issued today by the State of Illinois, the state will transition to Metrc as its new seed-to-sale tracking system for medical and adult-use cannabis sometime this summer. The system…
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Episode 165 – Latest Illinois Cannabis News
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I review the latest in Illinois cannabis news: A new bill in the Illinois General Assembly could put an end to vehicle searches based solely on cannabis odor. I break down what this means, the legal background, and the potential impact. I also touch on the ongoing debate…
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