Category: podcast
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Episode 302 – Illinois Cannabis: Hidden Camera Investigation, Home Grow Debate, and Industry Consolidation
This week, I react to the disturbing discovery of a hidden camera inside an Illinois dispensary restroom before diving into a broader discussion about Illinois cannabis policy. I also share an update on the state’s cannabis seed tracking system, discuss why home grow remains illegal for most adults, and explore questions surrounding dispensary ownership limits…
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Episode 301 – Six Years of Illinois Cannabis: A Conversation with Chicago Tribune Reporter Robert McCoppin
For more than six years, Chicago Tribune reporter Robert McCoppin has documented the evolution of Illinois’ cannabis industry, from the earliest legalization debates to today’s fights over home grow, market concentration, ownership transparency, hemp, and continued criminalization. In this episode, Robert joins me to reflect on the stories behind the headlines and what he’s learned…
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Episode 300 – Illinois Has More Cannabis Brands Than Ever. Fewer Companies Own Them.
Damian Fagon, policy director at the Parabola Center for Law and Policy, joins the show to discuss a new analysis of Illinois’ cannabis market and the structural advantages held by large multi-state operators and incumbent medical cannabis companies. We discuss market concentration, cultivation capacity, vertical integration, management agreements, consumer choice, and why hundreds of cannabis…
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Episode 299 – Oregon’s Legal Psilocybin Experiment Faces a Major Test
Dr. Eric Lee returns to The Cole Memo to discuss major changes facing Oregon’s legal psilocybin program. Lee explains how rising licensing fees could push operators out of the industry, why legal psilocybin sessions remain unaffordable for many people, and how his clinic is working to keep services accessible. Cole and Dr. Lee also discuss…
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Episode 298 – Illinois Signs Major Cannabis Overhaul, Plus Q&A With Brad Spirrison
The governor has officially signed Illinois’ latest cannabis omnibus bill into law, marking one of the biggest updates to the state’s cannabis regulations since adult-use legalization. In this episode, we livestream the signing ceremony from Sway Dispensary, break down the bill’s major provisions, and hear directly from Governor J.B. Pritzker, social equity operators, patient advocates,…
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Episode 297 – Illinois Homegrow: Can Medical Patients Actually Buy Cannabis Seeds?
Illinois law has allowed qualifying medical cannabis patients to purchase cannabis seeds from licensed dispensaries since adult-use legalization took effect, but six years later, patients still can’t buy them. In this episode, Cole Preston revisits reporting dating back to 2020, examines a 2022 response from state officials identifying Illinois’ seed-to-sale software as a potential obstacle,…
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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…
