Category: podcast
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Episode 208 – Walking back money laundering accusations + some Benzinga talk!
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I follow up on episode 207, share highlights from my time at Benzinga, preview upcoming live streams, and cover a few other updates. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 207 – Cannabis companies are laundering money?
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole breaks down a press release from MMJ BioPharma that’s shaking up the cannabis world. The company accuses the DEA of obstruction, selective enforcement, and unconstitutional practices—and it has people speculating that federal rescheduling might finally be near. But will it actually help? Cole analyzes what’s in the…
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Episode 206 – Elevated News X Cole Memo spring wrap up super show LIVE
Join Aaron, Dave and Cole as they join forces once again to bring you the latest news and discussing all that’s been happening in the legislative session in Illinois and elsewhere. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 205 – The End of Federally-Legal Cannabis in Texas?!
Austin from Texas Cannabis Collective joins me to break down the latest developments in Texas cannabis policy. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 204 – Friday Surprise: SB90 Sparks Cannabis Policy Movement in Springfield
In this Friday episode of The Cole Memo, Cole is joined by Peter Contos from the Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition to break down some exciting last-minute developments in Illinois cannabis policy. The two discuss the unexpected movement of Senate Bill 90, which includes long-sought provisions like allowing medical patients to shop at any dispensary, expanding…
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Episode 203 – The future of cannabis policy
On this Memorial Day episode of The Cole Memo, Cole is joined once again by cultivation consultant and cannabis industry veteran Dustin (aka Dusty) Shroyer for a deep, nuanced conversation about the evolving hemp and cannabis landscape. From the science behind THC testing to the market distortions caused by prohibition-era policies, the two unpack the…
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Episode 202 – The latest cannabis (and drug policy) news
In this packed Friday edition of The Cole Memo, Cole goes live to cover the latest developments in Illinois cannabis policy—including behind-the-scenes updates on proposed changes to licensing fees, adult-use purchase limits, and a potential fix for the controversial “odorproof” vehicle law. He also shares insider intel on efforts to expand access for medical patients,…
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Episode 201 – Clout and Cannabis in Illinois: A Conversation with Tom Schuba of the Sun-Times
We’ve heard promises of equity and transparency, but has Illinois delivered? Chicago Sun-Times reporter Tom Schuba joins me to unpack how political connections, limited transparency, and data protections have shaped Illinois’ cannabis rollout. We discuss his latest story for the Sun-Times, which details how insiders with clout have secured a foothold in the market—and how…
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Episode 200 – Ray Long returns to discuss Illinois’ Stalled Ethics Reform Efforts
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I’m joined once again by Chicago Tribune reporter and author Ray Long for a deep dive into Illinois’ ongoing ethics crisis. We discuss his recent reporting on how, despite a wave of public corruption convictions—including former House Speaker Mike Madigan—lawmakers have made little effort to close glaring loopholes…
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Episode 199 – Cannabis Odor Bill Moves Forward but a “Compromise” Could Weaken It
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I break down the latest twists in Illinois’ cannabis odorproof container bill—now the furthest it’s ever advanced. We look at the House committee vote, unpack surprising testimony, and examine concerns over racial disparities, DUI enforcement, and so-called “trafficking loopholes.” I also share exclusive info from a source about…
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