Category: Article
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Illinois Law Allows Medical Cannabis Patients to Purchase Cannabis Seeds. One Question About Their Availability Remains Unanswered.
I discussed this article on my podcast. You can view the episode here. Illinois law has allowed qualifying medical cannabis patients to cultivate up to five cannabis plants since the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA) took effect in 2020. The CRTA also authorizes registered qualifying patients to purchase cannabis seeds from licensed dispensaries for…
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State Reports Show Cannabis Arrests Continue Six Years After Legalization in Illinois
Cannabis Control Act arrests increased in Illinois in 2024, marking the first year-over-year increase since cannabis possession was decriminalized in 2016, according to newly released state data. A separate analysis released by the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) found Illinois had the highest cannabis arrest rate per capita among states that have legalized adult-use cannabis. Together,…
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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…
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Illinois Cannabis and Hemp Omnibus Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk
Update 6/12/2026: This legislation has been signed into law. Read more here. A sweeping cannabis and hemp omnibus bill is now headed to Governor J.B. Pritzker after receiving final approval from the Illinois General Assembly. The legislation passed the Illinois House by a vote of 77-31 and later cleared the Senate 47-10. The lengthy measure…
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Episode 258 – The Reality of Being a Craft Grower in Illinois
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I will sit down with an Illinois cannabis operator for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about what it actually takes to try to build a business in the state’s legal market.
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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…
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‘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…
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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…
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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 &…
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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…
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