Author: Cole Preston
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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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Illinois Bill Aims to End Cannabis Odor-Based Vehicle Searches
A new legislative effort in Illinois aims to standardize how law enforcement handles cannabis odor in vehicle searches, following conflicting rulings from the state’s Supreme Court. Introduced by State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet), Senate Bill 0042 (SB 42) would ensure that the odor of raw or burnt cannabis alone cannot justify the search of a…
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Episode 164 – Hemp Regulation Battles, Political Tensions, And Illinois Ethics In Focus
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I sit down with Jeremy Gorner from the Chicago Tribune to discuss the latest developments in Illinois politics and policy. We dive into the heated debate over hemp regulation, including the behind-the-scenes lobbying efforts by Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Jeremy shares insights on how these…
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Episode 163 – Did the Lame Duck Push to Ban Hemp in Illinois Lack Support?
In this episode of The Cole Memo, we examine the failed lame duck effort to ban federally-legal cannabis products in Illinois. Was there ever enough support for the controversial bill, or did political tensions and public opposition seal its fate? Tune in for a recap on this high-stakes legislative showdown. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 162 – Hash Wednesday: Reviving Tradition, Challenging the War on Drugs
In this episode, Cole Preston sits down with Jesus, a passionate advocate who helped reignite the historic Hash Wednesday tradition at the University of Illinois. You can learn more about Hash Wednesday at ColeMemo.com/History. During the episode, Cole and Jesus explore the event’s roots, the camaraderie it fosters, and the ongoing fight against the War…
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Episode 161 – Cannabis Remediation, Regulation, and Beyond
I’m joined by Maddie Scanlon, founder of High Focus Media and the Illinois Cannabis Consumption Association, to unpack the hot topic of cannabis remediation, Illinois’ strict testing standards, and the need for better transparency in labeling. We also explore the role of hemp in cannabis policy and how normalization through consumption advocacy is shaping the…
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Potential Changes To Medical Cannabis Patient Portal and Seed-to-Sale in Illinois
Article updated on April 16, 2025, to reflect the Division of Medical Cannabis’ official email announcement about the new portal for medical cannabis patients and caregivers. Click here to view the latest update. During a January 4, 2023, meeting with the Office of the Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer and the Illinois Department of Public Health…
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