Author: Cole Preston
-
Episode 122 – Unpacking Illinois Cannabis Regulations, Industry Hurdles, and Hemp
In this episode, I sit down with Scott Redman and Reese Xavier. The conversation covers key topics such as the hurdles in operationalizing craft grow licenses, the implications of federal and state regulations on the industry, and the ongoing debate around the regulation of hemp-derived intoxicants. About IICGA:The Illinois Independent Craft Growers Association (IICGA) was…
-
Episode 121 – Trump vs Harris: Debating Cannabis Policies and Political Stances
In this live episode, Cole Preston hosts a spirited debate between Jason Beck and Michael Malcolm. The discussion dives into the evolving cannabis policies of both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the implications of cannabis rescheduling, and the broader impact of political decisions on the cannabis industry. With differing views, the conversation covers everything from…
-
Episode 120 – Jason Beck – HighAt9News.com
In this episode, I am joined by Jason Beck, the longest continuous cannabis retail operator in the United States. Jason shares his journey, starting from his beginnings in San Francisco in 2001 to establishing his presence in West Hollywood in 2004. He also discusses his current role with High at 9 News, a daily cannabis…
-
Episode 119 – Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM) – Caleb Howard
In this episode, I sit down with Caleb Howard, CEO and founder of Flower Girl and the Illinois State Director for Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM). We dive deep into the challenges facing the hemp industry and the complex landscape of cannabis regulation in Illinois. Caleb shares his personal journey, the obstacles he’s faced, and…
-
Mini Doc Screening in Chicagoland on 9/18 at 5:30PM
Hi everyone, I’m thrilled to announce that we’ve booked another location for the screening of my mini-documentary! This event will be hosted by the amazing folks at Blue Island Beer Company and High Focus Media. You can purchase your tickets here. Limited seating available. If you can’t make it to the screening, the documentary will…
-
Episode 118 – Smoke, Mirrors, and Illinois’ Cannabis Legacy: A Deep Dive with Phillip
In this episode of The Cole Memo, host Cole Preston sits down with fellow advocate and friend, Phillip. They spark up a candid conversation about Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s recent speech at the International Cannabis Bar Association, dissecting the claims of progress in Illinois’ cannabis industry. Specifically, they discuss the stark realities behind the state’s…
-
Exclusive Follow Up: Outdoor cultivation of cannabis in Illinois
Traditionally, the cultivation of cannabis in Illinois has been confined to indoor facilities, with strict regulations ensuring that the plant is grown in controlled environments. In December 2023, after over a year of casual investigation, I released information suggesting that a select few cultivation centers in Illinois had been quietly granted permission to grow cannabis…
-
Exclusive: Illinois State Cannabis Lab Nears Completion
Inspiration for This Article On December 10, 2021, the Chicago Sun-Times published a series of articles about cannabis testing in Illinois. On February 2nd, 2022, I released a conversation that I had with the lead journalists behind the Sun-Times commissioned lab testing, Tom Schuba and Stephanie Zimmerman. During the conversation, they explain their research which…
-
Episode 117 – Pushing Boundaries in Illinois Cannabis Culture
In this episode, Cole sits down with Phillip, a fellow advocate, and the organizer of the Melt Market, a unique cannabis farmers market in Illinois. Together, they explore the challenges and rewards of organizing underground cannabis events, discuss the importance of community involvement, and reflect on the evolving cannabis landscape in the state. Tune in…
-
Episode 116 – Hemp in the Heartland: Legislative Insight with IL Rep. Dan Swanson
In this episode, I interview Illinois State Representative Dan Swanson at the 2024 Hemp Research Open House, co-hosted by the Illinois Hemp Growers Association and the University of Illinois. Recorded in the hemp fields of Urbana-Champaign, this conversation covers the latest legislative session, the ongoing debate between the hemp and cannabis industries, and the bipartisan…
The Cole Memo 