Category: illinois cannabis news
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Episode 296 – Federal Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings Begin: Key Takeaways from Days 1 & 2
The federal cannabis rescheduling hearings are underway, and this episode breaks down the biggest developments from the first two days. We cover testimony from DEA and FDA officials, arguments over the government’s shift from a five-part to a two-part medical use test, and reactions from opponents of the proposed move to Schedule III. We also…
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Episode 295 – Inside the Ascend Strike: Cannabis Workers Speak Out
Cole sits down with striking workers and representatives from Teamsters Local 916 to discuss the ongoing labor dispute at Ascend Wellness’ cultivation facility in Barry, Illinois. They explain why more than 300 workers walked off the job, outline their concerns over wages, health care, overtime, workplace safety, and contract negotiations, and respond directly to portions…
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Episode 294 – Federal Cannabis Developments & Illinois Cannabis Law Updates
Illinois cannabis laws continue to evolve, and this week we’re breaking down some of the latest developments. We discuss the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s new informational bulletin on Senate Bill 3222, including expanded craft grow canopy limits, new labeling requirements for medical cannabis, transporter updates, and other regulatory changes. We also take a look at…
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Episode 293 – Federal Cannabis Developments & What We Learned in Chicago
Fresh off the IgniteIt Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago, Cole shares reactions from cannabis operators, industry stakeholders, and policymakers following the passage of Illinois’ landmark cannabis omnibus legislation. Hear what business owners, advocates, and legal professionals are saying about expanded possession limits, medical cannabis access, hemp regulation, and the many unanswered questions that remain as…
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Episode 292 – Governor Pritzker Signs Illinois Cannabis Omnibus Into Law
Governor JB Pritzker has signed Illinois’ cannabis omnibus legislation into law, marking one of the most significant updates to the state’s cannabis regulations since adult-use sales began in 2020. In this episode, we break down the new law, including expanded possession limits, free medical cannabis licenses for adult-use dispensaries, drive-thru and curbside sales, telehealth certifications,…
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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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Episode 291 – Trulieve’s NYSE Milestone, Upcoming Illinois Reporting, and Live Grow Cam Launch
On this impromptu live episode of The Cole Memo, Cole discusses reports that Trulieve is set to become the first U.S. cannabis company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, what that development could mean for the industry, and why other major operators appear to be preparing for similar moves. Cole also shares updates on…
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Episode 290 – Dose of Reality: What Illinois’ New Cannabis Rules Would Change
Illinois lawmakers have finally passed a long-discussed cannabis omnibus bill, but what does it actually mean for consumers, home growers, hemp operators, and the broader cannabis industry? Cole is joined by longtime friend Phil for a candid conversation about possession limit increases, medical access expansion, hemp restrictions, social equity transporters, security requirements, and why many…
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Episode 289 – Illinois Cannabis Omnibus Heads to the Governor’s Desk
In Episode 289 of The Cole Memo, Cole recaps a major week in Illinois cannabis policy as the omnibus cannabis and hemp legislation officially heads to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk. He highlights key developments from recent coverage, reflects on conversations with advocates and lawmakers, and shares where listeners can find deeper analysis of the legislation.…
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Episode 288 – Illinois cannabis bill heads to Governor’s desk for signage
Cole is joined by Peter Contos in this live to tape broadcast of The Cole Memo. Links mentioned during show
The Cole Memo 