Category: podcast
-
Episode 148 – Unequal Road Ahead: Examining Disparities in Cannabis Transport Rules
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole sits down with attorney Ali Jubelirer to discuss her groundbreaking lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The case alleges discriminatory practices in the state’s cannabis transport licensing process, disproportionately affecting minority and women-owned businesses. Ali shares insights into the legal strategy, the real-world impacts on small…
-
Episode 147 – Illinois Cannabis Lawsuit: Live with the Lawyer Behind the Case
Join me LIVE on Monday, December 2nd, at 4:20 p.m. Central for an all-new episode of The Cole Memo! I’ll be speaking with the lawyer at the center of the Illinois cannabis lawsuit that’s been featured in major outlets like the Chicago Sun-Times. Don’t miss this exclusive conversation about the fight for equity in the…
-
Episode 146 – From Paperwork to Progress: A Follow-Up on Illinois Medical Cannabis Evolution
Join me for a reflective dive into the evolution of Illinois’ medical cannabis program. From navigating outdated paper processes and restrictive dispensary registrations to today’s streamlined patient portals, we’ve come a long way—but there’s still more to achieve. I discuss the milestones, challenges, and opportunities for further progress, including better caregiver rights and expanded cultivation…
-
Episode 145 – Lone Star Liberation: Texas Cannabis Battles and Triumphs
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole is joined by Austin, the executive director of the Texas Cannabis Collective, to dive into the dynamic and evolving world of cannabis policy in Texas. They discuss the recent decriminalization wins in cities like Dallas, the contrasts between Texas’s restrictive medical program and its flourishing hemp market,…
-
Episode 144 – Legal Psychedelics in Oregon: Dr. Eric Lee’s Approach to Healing
Cole chats with Dr. Eric Lee, founder of Space, a psychedelic clinic in Portland. Dr. Lee shares his journey from telemedicine to making guided psychedelic experiences affordable and accessible, all while navigating Oregon’s unique regulatory landscape. They discuss how Dr. Lee keeps costs low, the concept of insurance-covered sessions, and the role of psychedelics in…
-
Episode 143 – From “Loophole” to Lifeline: How Hemp Could Shape the Future of Cannabis featuring Rod Kight
In this episode, Cole sits down with Rod Kight, an attorney and hemp advocate, to explore the ongoing battle over hemp regulations and what it means for consumers, small businesses, and the cannabis industry at large. They discuss the crucial freedoms granted by the 2018 Farm Bill, the three-pillar regulatory approach to keep consumers safe,…
-
Episode 142 – Ash & Ivy – A Family-Backed Dispensary Blooms In Illinois
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I interview Holly Roeder, owner of Ash & Ivy, a new self-funded, family-backed dispensary in Southern Illinois. Holly shares that their dispensary is preparing for a soft opening on November 13, 2024, with the grand opening on Saturday. After facing challenges with opening a lounge in Sesser, Illinois,…
-
Episode 141 – Addressing Illinois Hemp Panic + New Hemp Legislation Explained
In this episode, we’re sparking a conversation with Chris and Rachel from the Illinois Hemp Growers Association. Join us as we discuss the potential impact of House Bill 5903, which aims to reshape hemp regulations in Illinois by aligning them with federal standards. We dive into recent headlines around proposed state regulations and the growing…
-
Episode 140 – History of Missouri Cannabis Reform, Government Corruption, and the Rise of Hemp
In this episode, I speak with Eapen Thampy, a longtime cannabis lobbyist in Missouri, about the restrictive licensing models that limit access and fuel corruption within the cannabis industry. Eapen shares his insights on the rise of hemp-derived THC products, which he sees as an accessible alternative that bypasses the dispensary model, offering consumers greater…
-
Episode 139 – Luke Niforatos
In this episode of The Cole Memo, host Cole Preston connects with Luke Niforatos, Executive Vice President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). SAM advocates for a “third-way” approach to cannabis policy, opposing full legalization and commercialization while promoting responsible regulation. Cole and Luke discuss current events, including recent state ballot measures and the evolving…
The Cole Memo 