The Cole Memo

Conversations for Change

Biography

Cole Preston is a passionate advocate for drug policy reform. As the independent host of the acclaimed podcast and website, “The Cole Memo,” Cole channels his advocacy efforts into meaningful dialogue and exploration of pertinent issues.

The podcast’s namesake, the Cole Memorandum, is a memo that was issued by the United States Department of Justice in 2013. The memo marked a pivotal shift in the federal government’s approach towards cannabis regulation. While cannabis is largely discussed on the show, “The Cole Memo” extends its focus beyond cannabis, embracing a diverse range of topics while upholding its commitment to informed discourse.

Through engaging conversations with influential figures like lawmakers, state regulators, and industry executives, Cole navigates the intricate landscapes of perspectives on policy and regulations.

Cole’s advocacy extends to community engagement and collaboration with regulatory bodies. Invited to speak at events hosted by the Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office, he has shed light on crucial topics like home cultivation of medical cannabis and associated regulations in collaboration with the state of Illinois. Cole’s involvement in investigations into cannabis quality in Illinois underscores his dedication to ensuring high standards within the industry. 

Notably, Cole has played a pivotal role in shedding light on the ongoing challenges caused by the continued criminalization of cannabis, particularly within Illinois. While the state adopted a framework for regulation and taxation of the cannabis plant, it unfortunately fell short of achieving complete decriminalization. This discrepancy has significant implications for the citizens of Illinois.

In an era where legalization risks being co-opted solely for profit, Cole remains dedicated to ensuring that the cannabis movement stays true to its roots. By addressing the policy issues that prompted our calls for legalization in the first place, Cole strives to ensure that the industry’s growth is accompanied by meaningful progress in justice and equity. His efforts in uncovering and addressing the continued criminalization of cannabis underscore his dedication to upholding the principles of fairness and justice in drug policy reform.

With a diverse array of guests ranging from comedians and musicians to regulators and legal experts, “The Cole Memo” serves as an inclusive platform for nuanced discussions. Cole’s advocacy journey is defined by a steadfast commitment to fostering informed discourse and effecting positive change, not only in drug policy but also in broader societal issues.

Portfolio

Interviews with State Regulators

  1. Danielle Perry
  2. David Lakeman
  3. Steve Marks
  4. Shaleen Title

Elected Officials

  1. Rep. Carol Ammons
  2. Rep. Bob Morgan
  3. Rep. La Shawn Ford
    1. Interview #2
  4. Senator Rachel Ventura
  5. Rep. Daniel Swanson
  6. Rep. Dan Caulkins

Journalists

  1. Jeremy Gorner
  2. Tom Schuba
  3. Stephanie Zimmerman
  4. Mike Fourcher
  5. Ray Long

Cannabis/Psychedelic Executives

  1. Charlie Bachtell
  2. Jon Levine
  3. Rick Doblin
  4. Dustin Shroyer

Higher Education

  1. Dr. Karla Gage
  2. Dr. Buck Hales
  3. Dr. Jose Leme
  4. Dr. DoKyoung Lee
  5. Daniel Silver
  6. Justin Leiby

Legal Professionals

  1. Kulmeet Galholtra
  2. Evan Bruno
  3. Thomas Howard
  4. Rod Kight
  5. Ali Jubelirer

Economist

  1. Beau Whitney

Cannabis Licensees

  1. Dan Schlasmof
  2. Scott Redman
  3. Reese Xavier
  4. Akele Parnell

Hash Wednesday

What is Hash Wednesday? According to the NewsGazette: “With the click of a lighter, Hash Wednesday was born on the University of Illinois Quad in 1977. It was modeled after other “hash bashes,” particularly the one in Ann Arbor, Mich., which supported reform of  marijuana laws, according to co-founder Mitch Altman.”

I collaborated with past participants of Hash Wednesday to create a compelling series. Please find the episodes available for streaming below.

  • Watch the first episode in our series on Hash Wednesday here
  • Watch the second episode in our series on Hash Wednesday here
  • Watch the third episode in our series on Hash Wednesday here
  • Watch the fourth episode in our series on Hash Wednesday here
  • Watch the fifth episode in our series on Hash Wednesday here
  • Watch the sixth episode in our series on Hash Wednesday here

Document/Photo Archive

In collaboration with some of the participants, I have produced a free-to-view archive. You can view the archive here.

Cole Preston – Mentioned in the Media