Below is content that I created that has Illinois cannabis news in it.
- Episode 301 – Six Years of Illinois Cannabis: A Conversation with Chicago Tribune Reporter Robert McCoppinFor 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… Read more: Episode 301 – Six Years of Illinois Cannabis: A Conversation with Chicago Tribune Reporter Robert McCoppin
- 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… Read more: Episode 300 – Illinois Has More Cannabis Brands Than Ever. Fewer Companies Own Them.
- Episode 299 – Oregon’s Legal Psilocybin Experiment Faces a Major TestDr. 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… Read more: Episode 299 – Oregon’s Legal Psilocybin Experiment Faces a Major Test
- Episode 298 – Illinois Signs Major Cannabis Overhaul, Plus Q&A With Brad SpirrisonThe 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,… Read more: Episode 298 – Illinois Signs Major Cannabis Overhaul, Plus Q&A With Brad Spirrison
- 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… Read more: Episode 297 – Illinois Homegrow: Can Medical Patients Actually Buy Cannabis Seeds?
- Gov. Pritzker to hold ceremonial signing for Illinois cannabis bill SB3222Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is scheduled to ceremonially sign Senate Bill 3222 at 10 a.m. Thursday during an event at SWAY Cannabis Dispensary in Chicago. According to the governor’s office, the ceremony will celebrate legislation intended to advance equity and strengthen oversight in… Read more: Gov. Pritzker to hold ceremonial signing for Illinois cannabis bill SB3222
- Episode 296 – Federal Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings Begin: Key Takeaways from Days 1 & 2The 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… Read more: Episode 296 – Federal Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings Begin: Key Takeaways from Days 1 & 2
- Episode 295 – Inside the Ascend Strike: Cannabis Workers Speak OutCole 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… Read more: Episode 295 – Inside the Ascend Strike: Cannabis Workers Speak Out
- Episode 294 – Federal Cannabis Developments & Illinois Cannabis Law UpdatesIllinois 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,… Read more: Episode 294 – Federal Cannabis Developments & Illinois Cannabis Law Updates
- Episode 293 – Federal Cannabis Developments & What We Learned in ChicagoFresh 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… Read more: Episode 293 – Federal Cannabis Developments & What We Learned in Chicago
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