Author: Cole Preston
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Update from Illinois Cannabis Research Institute
I recently wrote about a new state reference lab, mentioned in the Chicago Tribune, which is part of the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI). CRI operates under the Discovery Partners Institute, a research center within the University of Illinois system. Tomorrow at 1 PM, the Cannabis Research Institute will host a livestream update featuring panelists and…
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Episode 145 – Lone Star Liberation: Texas Cannabis Battles and Triumphs
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole is joined by Austin, the executive director of the Texas Cannabis Collective, to dive into the dynamic and evolving world of cannabis policy in Texas. They discuss the recent decriminalization wins in cities like Dallas, the contrasts between Texas’s restrictive medical program and its flourishing hemp market,…
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Episode 144 – Legal Psychedelics in Oregon: Dr. Eric Lee’s Approach to Healing
Cole chats with Dr. Eric Lee, founder of Space, a psychedelic clinic in Portland. Dr. Lee shares his journey from telemedicine to making guided psychedelic experiences affordable and accessible, all while navigating Oregon’s unique regulatory landscape. They discuss how Dr. Lee keeps costs low, the concept of insurance-covered sessions, and the role of psychedelics in…
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Episode 143 – From “Loophole” to Lifeline: How Hemp Could Shape the Future of Cannabis featuring Rod Kight
In this episode, Cole sits down with Rod Kight, an attorney and hemp advocate, to explore the ongoing battle over hemp regulations and what it means for consumers, small businesses, and the cannabis industry at large. They discuss the crucial freedoms granted by the 2018 Farm Bill, the three-pillar regulatory approach to keep consumers safe,…
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Episode 142 – Ash & Ivy – A Family-Backed Dispensary Blooms In Illinois
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I interview Holly Roeder, owner of Ash & Ivy, a new self-funded, family-backed dispensary in Southern Illinois. Holly shares that their dispensary is preparing for a soft opening on November 13, 2024, with the grand opening on Saturday. After facing challenges with opening a lounge in Sesser, Illinois,…
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Illinois Responds to ‘Hemp Hysteria’: Officials Clarify Intent of New Regulations
On November 12th, during a scheduled second reading of Illinois’ new hemp regulatory rules, state officials addressed mounting confusion and panic within the Illinois hemp industry. In the lead-up to the hearing, many people became increasingly concerned that these changes would drastically impact the market. In this article, I share perspectives from both the industry…
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Episode 141 – Addressing Illinois Hemp Panic + New Hemp Legislation Explained
In this episode, we’re sparking a conversation with Chris and Rachel from the Illinois Hemp Growers Association. Join us as we discuss the potential impact of House Bill 5903, which aims to reshape hemp regulations in Illinois by aligning them with federal standards. We dive into recent headlines around proposed state regulations and the growing…
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Episode 140 – History of Missouri Cannabis Reform, Government Corruption, and the Rise of Hemp
In this episode, I speak with Eapen Thampy, a longtime cannabis lobbyist in Missouri, about the restrictive licensing models that limit access and fuel corruption within the cannabis industry. Eapen shares his insights on the rise of hemp-derived THC products, which he sees as an accessible alternative that bypasses the dispensary model, offering consumers greater…
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Episode 139 – Luke Niforatos
In this episode of The Cole Memo, host Cole Preston connects with Luke Niforatos, Executive Vice President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). SAM advocates for a “third-way” approach to cannabis policy, opposing full legalization and commercialization while promoting responsible regulation. Cole and Luke discuss current events, including recent state ballot measures and the evolving…
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Episode 138 – Tyrone Muhammad – Prohibition THCafe
In this episode, I sit down with Tyrone Muhammad at a dispensary that he co-founded, Prohibition THCafe. At this location, they sell Support Your Local Weedman branded cannabis-hemp products such as edibles, pre-rolls, flower, and more. From what I can gather, the ProhibitionTHCafe was opened in response to the exclusionary nature of the Illinois cannabis…
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