Category: Article
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Illinois Officials Respond to Questions About Cannabis Seed Sales
In a statement provided to The Cole Memo, Illinois state officials addressed questions surrounding cannabis seed sales. Questions on the topic cannabis seed sales are not new. In February 2020, the Chicago Tribune reported that the Pritzker administration was working with state agencies, cultivators, and dispensaries to develop a process that would allow medical cannabis…
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Gov. Pritzker highlights SB3222 during ceremonial bill signing in Chicago
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday ceremonially signed Senate Bill 3222 during an event at SWAY Cannabis Dispensary in Chicago, where administration officials and lawmakers highlighted the measure’s changes to Illinois cannabis and hemp law. The Cole Memo live-streamed the entire ceremony and press conference. Readers can watch the full event here: https://youtube.com/live/-m2BZXC2ohU?feature=share According to…
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Gov. Pritzker to hold ceremonial signing for Illinois cannabis bill SB3222
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is scheduled to ceremonially sign Senate Bill 3222 at 10 a.m. Thursday during an event at SWAY Cannabis Dispensary in Chicago. According to the governor’s office, the ceremony will celebrate legislation intended to advance equity and strengthen oversight in Illinois’ cannabis industry. According to the governor’s office, an option for media…
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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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Illinois Gov. Pritzker Signs Major Cannabis and Hemp Reform Package
Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed a sweeping cannabis and hemp omnibus bill into law, enacting one of the most significant updates to Illinois cannabis regulations since adult-use legalization took effect in 2020. The legislation passed the Illinois House 77-31 and the Senate 47-10 during the final days of the spring legislative session. Legislative records show…
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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. Watch the episode on Patreon, now, here Watch the episode on Youtube here Stream the episode on Soundcloud…
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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…
