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Illinois Begins Transition to Metrc for Cannabis Tracking; BioTrack Shutdown Set for July 1
On May 16, 2023, Metrc announced that Illinois intended to award the company a contract for its cannabis seed-to-sale tracking system. A press release from the State of Illinois on February 4, 2025, confirmed that the state will transition to Metrc this summer, replacing BioTrack. According to new implementation documents shared by Metrc, the phased…
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Episode 179 – Illinois Senator Ventura’s Push for Reform: Cannabis, Drug Policy, and Campaign Finance
In this episode, I travel to Joliet, Illinois, to sit down with Senator Rachel Ventura. We discuss her groundbreaking legislation that could end vehicle searches based solely on the smell of cannabis, a longstanding issue impacting cannabis consumers across Illinois. Senator Ventura shares the story behind the bill, the challenges with current laws, and how…
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Episode 178 – Medical or Rec? Why This Receipt is Raising Questions.
In this stream, I’m breaking down a strange dispensary glitch with the customer who caught it. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 177 – “Booger Sugar” in Smoke Shops? Plus the Latest Cannabis News!
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I talk about legal “booger sugar” that is for sale in smoke shops and I share some cannabis news stories that caught my eye. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 176 – How YOU Can Help Legalize Cannabis Lounges & Events in Illinois
In this episode of The Cole Memo, host Cole Preston discusses House Bill 3061, the On-Premise Cannabis Consumption Act, with advocates Nathan, Maddie, and Dipesh from the Illinois Cannabis Consumption Association. They break down how the bill would allow municipalities to permit cannabis lounges and events, creating safer spaces for consumers while addressing gaps in…
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Episode 175 – Debating Prohibitionists & Cannabis Industry Moves
Cole responds to criticism over his interview with Every Brain Matters’ Aubrey Adams(episode available soon at ColeMemo.com/Patreon), defending open dialogue and the importance of engaging with opposing views. He tackles claims that hosting prohibitionists is harmful, arguing that avoiding an echo chamber only weakens the movement. The episode also covers local cannabis news, including a…
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Episode 174 – Inside the Honeycomb Hideout Retreat: Illinois’ Cannabis Oasis
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I visit the Honeycomb Hideout Retreat in Addison, Illinois, for a deep dive into this unique cannabis-friendly space. I sit down with Mark Kunicki, the founder, to discuss how the retreat fosters community, education, and access to high-quality cannabis products. From networking and game nights to medical card…
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Episode 173 – Madigan’s Fall and Illinois’ Ethics Crossroads featuring Jeremy Gorner
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole sits down with Jeremy Gorner of the Chicago Tribune to discuss the fallout from former Speaker Michael Madigan’s conviction and its implications for Illinois politics. They explore Governor Pritzker’s brief, off-the-cuff reference to Madigan during his budget address, the GOP’s renewed calls for ethics reform, and whether…
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Episode 172 – I testified against police
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole breaks down Senate Bill 42, which could end Illinois’ requirement for odor-proof cannabis containers and stop police from searching cars based solely on the smell of weed. Joined by Phil, they discuss Cole’s testimony at the state Senate hearing, law enforcement pushback, and the broader implications for…
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Episode 171 – Illinois resident sues law enforcement for seizing legal cannabis
In this live episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston kicks things off with updates on the Real ID deadline and other news before diving into the main story: a groundbreaking lawsuit where Illinois State Police were forced to return legally seized cannabis and cash. He also explores racial disparities in enforcement and breaks down…
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