Category: podcast
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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
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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…
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Episode 286 – Illinois Cannabis Omnibus Passes the House: What Happens Next?
The Illinois House passed Senate Bill 3222 in a 77-31 vote, advancing a sweeping cannabis omnibus package that would increase possession limits, expand medical cannabis access to adult-use dispensaries, allow later dispensary hours and drive-through service, increase craft grow canopy space, and make numerous other changes to Illinois cannabis regulations. The legislation would also create…
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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…
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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
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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
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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…
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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…
The Cole Memo 