Category: Article
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How Cannabis Policy Could Change for “Legal” Illinois in 2025
Illinois cannabis policy has made little headway over the last decade. Only a small number of proposed changes have successfully become law. This article explores what the future may hold for cannabis consumers and entrepreneurs in Illinois in 2025. The end of the article highlights key cannabis policy developments over the years. 2025: The Year…
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Illinois’ Cannabis Crackdown: Protecting Kids or Protecting Profits?
Earlier last week, I hinted that something interesting might happen on Friday the 13th. True to form, Governor Pritzker, after a surprise appearance in Paris and nearly three weeks out of the public eye, reemerged alongside cannabis regulators, lawmakers, the CEO of a candy company, and others to announce his support for a bill that…
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Illinois Supreme Court Upholds Odor-Proof Cannabis Container Law
As predicted on The Cole Memo, the Illinois Supreme Court has delivered a pivotal decision affirming that the state’s odor-proof container requirement for cannabis remains enforceable, solidifying its status as the law of the land. In People v. Vincent Molina (2024 IL 129237), issued on December 5, 2024, the court ruled that the smell of…
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David Lakeman Reportedly Declines Top Role at Massachusetts Cannabis Commission
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) is facing renewed challenges in its efforts to stabilize and lead the state’s cannabis industry. According to reporting by the Boston Globe, David Lakeman, an official with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the CCC’s unanimous choice for executive director, has declined the role and will remain in Illinois.…
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DEA Hearing on Rescheduling of Marijuana
You can tune in NOW to the historic commencement of formal hearing proceedings regarding the proposed rescheduling of marijuana by viewing below or by going directly to this link.
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The Future of Cannabis & Hemp Policy: Taking the Best, Leaving the Rest
As debates around hemp’s place in the cannabis industry intensify, it’s frustrating to see efforts to re-criminalize a plant that represents one of the cannabis movement’s greatest wins. Today, the state-legal marijuana industry face several challenges due to their federal illegality, including the burden of 280E tax restrictions, lack of access to banking services, inability…
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Exploring the Future: Key Takeaways from the Illinois Cannabis Research Institute Launch
I recently wrote about a new state reference lab, mentioned in the Chicago Tribune, which is part of the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI). CRI operates under the Discovery Partners Institute, a research center within the University of Illinois system. The Cannabis Research Institute (CRI) officially launched with an event, which was live-streamed on Youtube. Supported…
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Update from Illinois Cannabis Research Institute
I recently wrote about a new state reference lab, mentioned in the Chicago Tribune, which is part of the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI). CRI operates under the Discovery Partners Institute, a research center within the University of Illinois system. Tomorrow at 1 PM, the Cannabis Research Institute will host a livestream update featuring panelists and…
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Illinois Responds to ‘Hemp Hysteria’: Officials Clarify Intent of New Regulations
On November 12th, during a scheduled second reading of Illinois’ new hemp regulatory rules, state officials addressed mounting confusion and panic within the Illinois hemp industry. In the lead-up to the hearing, many people became increasingly concerned that these changes would drastically impact the market. In this article, I share perspectives from both the industry…
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Illinois Bureau of Cannabis Testing is Focusing “Exclusively on Getting Lab Open for State Testing”
Background I recently published an article that detailed the ongoing development of a state-run cannabis testing lab in Illinois. It highlighted my interactions with state officials, including representatives from the IDFPR and IDOA, who provided insights into the lab’s purpose and the anticipated role it will play in enhancing cannabis safety and regulatory compliance. The…
The Cole Memo 