Author: Cole Preston
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Episode 126 – News in Under 10 Minutes
In this episode, I provide a high-level overview and commentary on cannabis-related stories that caught my attention. Topics include the launch of the Cannabis Research Institute in Chicago, the Illinois dispensary regulations effective as of August 2024, and the recent statements from former President Donald Trump endorsing Florida’s Amendment 3. Links mentioned during show The…
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Episode 125 – Inside the Loopholes: Hemp, THC, and Cannabis in 2024 with Zack Huffman
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston sits down with Zack Huffman, a journalist with roots in cannabis reporting, to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of cannabis regulation. They explore the impact of the 2018 Farm Bill, the controversy over hemp-derived THC products, and how states like Michigan and Missouri are cracking down…
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Episode 124 – Eli Lilly’s Secret Role in Cannabis Prohibition: A Deep Dive with Kelly Rippel
In this insightful episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston is joined by Kelly Rippel, an advocate with deep ties to Kansas cannabis reform and industrial hemp policy. Kelly shares groundbreaking research on the long-standing connections between pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly and cannabis, including how corporate interests influenced cannabis prohibition in the Midwest. Kelly…
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Episode 123 – California’s Cannabis Crackdown with Cantrip CEO Adam Terry
In this episode, Cole Preston sits down with Adam, co-founder and CEO of Cantrip, to discuss the latest developments in California’s evolving hemp beverage regulations. Adam’s own product, Cantrip, made an unexpected appearance in a state press conference, and he shares his thoughts on the surprise and its implications for the hemp industry. They discuss…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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