Category: illinois cannabis news
-
Episode 287 – Illinois Lawmakers Approve Cannabis Reform Package
Illinois lawmakers have approved a wide-ranging cannabis, hemp, and regulatory omnibus bill, sending one of the most significant cannabis policy packages in years to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk. In this episode, Cole breaks down the major provisions, including proposed increases to possession limits, drive-thru and curbside dispensary pickup, expanded medical access, telehealth certifications, fee relief…
-
Episode 286 – Illinois Cannabis Omnibus Passes the House: What Happens Next?
Cole Preston goes live from Springfield with a Sunday morning update as the Illinois legislative session enters its final stretch. He breaks down the latest developments surrounding Senate Bill 3229, including new amendment language tied to federal hemp law, ongoing negotiations between lawmakers, and reporting from Capital News Illinois on the state’s cannabis and hemp…
-
Episode 285 – Illinois Cannabis Omnibus Nears Finish Line as Lawmakers Race the Clock
Cole Preston goes live from Springfield with a Sunday morning update as the Illinois legislative session enters its final stretch. He breaks down the latest developments surrounding Senate Bill 3229, including new amendment language tied to federal hemp law, ongoing negotiations between lawmakers, and reporting from Capital News Illinois on the state’s cannabis and hemp…
-
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…
-
Episode 284 – Illinois cannabis policy update for 5/30/2026
In this short episode, I give a brief update on how the end of the legislative session seems to be shaping up. Links mentioned during show
-
Episode 283 – Illinois Policy Updates & Takeaways from the Midwest Cannabis Forum
In this live to tape episode, I share the latest developments that I’m hearing on Illinois cannabis policy. Then, I end the show by playing clips that I captured from the Midwest Cannabis Forum, including a panel that I was invited to be on at a moments nice. Links mentioned during show
-
Episode 282 – Illinois Cannabis Hearing: Possession Limits, Drive-Thrus, and 2 A.M. Dispensaries
Illinois lawmakers held a major subject matter hearing on Senate Bill 20, a sweeping cannabis and hemp proposal that could reshape the Illinois market. In this episode, Cole breaks down the hearing in real time, covering proposed increases to possession limits, expanded dispensary hours, drive-thru sales, medical access changes, hemp regulation, and the ongoing debate…
-
Episode 281 – Midwest Cannabis Forum Preview with Brad Spirrison
Cole Preston is joined by Brad Spirrison to preview the upcoming Midwest Cannabis Forum, a regional event bringing together voices from across the cannabis, hemp, beverage, tech, finance, and regulatory worlds. The conversation explores why organizers are trying to create a space for dialogue between industries that are often at odds, while also discussing the…
-
Episode 280 – New Illinois Cannabis Bill Expands Access, Drive-Thrus, and More + DUI Charges Dropped
Cole breaks down Illinois House Bill 5784, a sweeping new cannabis omnibus proposal that could dramatically reshape cannabis policy in the state. The bill would double possession limits for adults, expand medical access by allowing patients to shop at more dispensaries with lower tax rates, extend dispensary operating hours until 2 a.m., expand drive-thru and…
-
Episode 279 – Illinois Cannabis Policy Updates, TSA Marijuana Confusion, and the Midwest Cannabis Forum
Cole breaks down the latest cannabis policy developments unfolding in Illinois, including concerns surrounding House Bill 4782, the state’s odor-proof vehicle law, and discussions about possible changes tied to a broader cannabis omnibus package. Cole also shares what advocates are hearing behind the scenes about lawmakers tightening the circle around cannabis policymaking and what that…
The Cole Memo 