Category: Article
-
Outdoor Cannabis Is Quietly Being Allowed in Illinois
As first reported by The Cole Memo, two Illinois cannabis cultivators, Nature’s Grace and Wellness (NGW) and Green Thumb Industries (GTI), found themselves in years-long litigation with the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) after the state attempted to walk back permits for their outdoor screenhouses. Both companies said the facilities were necessary to meet rising…
-
‘State’s Medical Cannabis Programs: In The Rearview Mirror’ by Kirsten Velasco
Editor’s note: This article was written by Kirsten Velasco and originally published at VapeNProp.com. It is republished here with permission. Cannabis advocates fuel their work with vivid memories and current damage of the diabolical drug war. Expanding access legislatively progresses at a snail’s pace. Each state’s transition from prohibition to safe access began by registering…
-
High-level overview of Illinois’ Annual Cannabis Reports for 2025 – Part 1
I recently shared the 2025 annual cannabis reports for the state of Illinois. The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act requires the release of annual cannabis reports from various state agencies. The Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office compiled reporting from several state agencies overseeing cannabis regulation, enforcement, public health, and revenue. In this article, I plan to…
-
From Testing Labs to Patient Portals: Key Takeaways from Illinois’ Medical Cannabis Advisory Board Meeting
Yesterday I attended a meeting with the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board, a body that makes recommendations to the Illinois Department of Public Health on additions to the list of qualifying conditions for the medical cannabis program. At this meeting, representatives from several cannabis-related state agencies gave presentations about their roles, work, and what patients &…
-
Illinois Governor Pritzker Renews Push for Hemp Regulation, Cites Child Safety Concerns
Earlier this week, the ATF, working with the U.S. Marshals Service, conducted raids across Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, and North Carolina. In April, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the FDA’s ban on the sale of unauthorized flavored vapes, citing concerns they could encourage youth tobacco use. By August, Attorney General Pam Bondi directed…
-
Outdoor Cannabis Cultivation in Illinois: Tribune Highlights Story First Reported by The Cole Memo
The Chicago Tribune recently covered the ongoing debate over outdoor cannabis cultivation in Illinois, a story first reported here at The Cole Memo. Their coverage highlights lawsuits and regulatory battles involving companies like Curaleaf, GTI, and Nature’s Grace, who are seeking permission to grow outdoors using hoop houses and screen houses. While state agriculture regulators…
-
Start Here: The Cole Memo
This page brings together a sample of my best work — from expert interviews to deep dives into cannabis history, culture, and policy. You’ll also find documentaries, archives, and special projects here. Whether you’re a longtime follower or a first-time visitor, this page is designed to help you dive in at your own pace. Explore…
-
Another Outdoor-Cannabis Lawsuit Hits Illinois
Article Updated 07/25/25 at 4:43PM: This article now includes a statement shared by a representative for Curaleaf Chairman & CEO Boris Jordan. For nearly two years, I’ve been sharing details about a little-discussed aspect of Illinois cannabis policy: the state’s brief allowance and attempted reversal of outdoor cannabis cultivation for a small number of licensees.…
-
Illinois May Cut 280E Tax Relief, According to Industry Group
Updated on 5/23/25 to include new posts/pictures from an Illinois cannabis industry group on this topic. In 2023, Illinois joined a growing number of states that decoupled from Section 280E of the federal tax code, allowing licensed cannabis businesses to deduct ordinary business expenses on their state taxes. The change was enacted as part of…
-
Cannabis Odor Search Ban Advances in Illinois, but a “Compromise” Could Undermine Its Intent
On Friday, May 9th, an Illinois House committee voted 8-6 to advance Senate Bill 42, a measure sponsored by Senator Rachel Ventura (D) and House Representative Curtis J. Tarver, II (D). If the original language of SB42 is passed into law, the legislation that would prohibit law enforcement from using the smell of cannabis—raw or…
The Cole Memo 