Category: podcast
-
Episode 190 – Help End Cannabis-Odor-Based Vehicle Searches in Illinois
In this quick update, I share important news about Senate Bill 42, which would remove Illinois’ requirement that cannabis be transported in an odorproof container—helping to end police searches based solely on the smell of cannabis. I explain where the bill stands, how you can help by filing a witness slip before the April 29…
-
Episode 189 – Banning Progress: How Texas Could Roll Back Cannabis Reform
On this special Bicycle Day episode of The Cole Memo, I’m joined by Austin Zamhariri of the Texas Cannabis Collective for a deep dive into Texas’ escalating cannabis policy battles. We discuss the looming threat of a full hemp ban, the failures of the state’s restrictive medical program, and how Texas’ hemp market has provided…
-
Episode 188 – Power, Patronage, and the House That Madigan Built: A Conversation with Ray Long
Award-winning investigative journalist Ray Long joins Cole Preston for a deep dive into the political legacy of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan—arguably the most powerful figure in the state’s modern political history Links mentioned during show
-
Episode 187 – Illinois Medical Cannabis Portal Is Getting an Upgrade
In this episode, I share updates on the upcoming changes to Illinois’ medical cannabis portal—something I’ve been tracking since 2023. Links mentioned during show
-
Episode 186 – Behind the Counter: A Perspective on Smoke Shops & Legal Highs
Step inside the world of smoke shops with this eye-opening episode as we talk with Justine about the surprising—and sometimes concerning—realities of selling legal highs. From kratom and tianeptine (aka “gas station heroin”) to meth pipes, fake pee, and THCP gummies that can leave you high for days, we explore what people are really buying,…
-
Episode 185 – Recapping Hash Bash of 2025
This live episode of The Cole Memo takes you straight to Ann Arbor for a boots-on-the-ground look at Hash Bash 2025. Phil returns from Michigan to talk about the storied cannabis protest, the wild mix of licensed and underground vendors, and how Ann Arbor feels like another country when it comes to drug policy. We…
-
Episode 184 – Breaking: Illinois Senate Advances SB42 to Curb Vehicle Searches Based on Cannabis Odor
In this episode, I share some breaking news for Illinois cannabis consumers. Links mentioned during show
-
Episode 183 – Is Your Legal Weed Safe? Hemp’s Future and Other Cannabis News
In this live stream, I will dive into surprising findings from journalists on the safety of legal weed, explore what’s ahead for hemp, and cover other key stories from the cannabis world. Links mentioned during show
-
Episode 182 – The State of Cannabis: Finding Common Ground with Livi McKay
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I’m joined by Livi McKay, CEO and founder of MyTEPI and the Discover Your Color platform, for a deep dive into cannabis, “hemp”, and the evolving landscape of plant-based wellness. Livi shares her powerful personal journey—from overcoming severe health issues using cannabis to becoming a leader in quality…
-
Episode 181 – Behind the Brothel Door: A Candid Look at Legal Sex Work with Ash
In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Ash, a former legal sex worker in Nevada, who shares her perspective on the harsh realities behind the glitzy illusion of brothel work. From starting on OnlyFans to navigating the complexities of legal brothels, Ash offers firsthand accounts of financial struggles, safety concerns, and the psychological toll…
The Cole Memo 