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David Lakeman Reportedly Declines Top Role at Massachusetts Cannabis Commission
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) is facing renewed challenges in its efforts to stabilize and lead the state’s cannabis industry. According to reporting by the Boston Globe, David Lakeman, an official with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the CCC’s unanimous choice for executive director, has declined the role and will remain in Illinois.
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Episode 148 – Unequal Road Ahead: Examining Disparities in Cannabis Transport Rules
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole sits down with attorney Ali Jubelirer to discuss her groundbreaking lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The case alleges discriminatory practices in the state’s cannabis transport licensing process, disproportionately affecting minority and women-owned businesses. Ali shares insights into the legal strategy, the real-world impacts on small
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DEA Hearing on Rescheduling of Marijuana
You can tune in NOW to the historic commencement of formal hearing proceedings regarding the proposed rescheduling of marijuana by viewing below or by going directly to this link.
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Episode 147 – Illinois Cannabis Lawsuit: Live with the Lawyer Behind the Case
Join me LIVE on Monday, December 2nd, at 4:20 p.m. Central for an all-new episode of The Cole Memo! I’ll be speaking with the lawyer at the center of the Illinois cannabis lawsuit that’s been featured in major outlets like the Chicago Sun-Times. Don’t miss this exclusive conversation about the fight for equity in the
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Episode 146 – From Paperwork to Progress: A Follow-Up on Illinois Medical Cannabis Evolution
Join me for a reflective dive into the evolution of Illinois’ medical cannabis program. From navigating outdated paper processes and restrictive dispensary registrations to today’s streamlined patient portals, we’ve come a long way—but there’s still more to achieve. I discuss the milestones, challenges, and opportunities for further progress, including better caregiver rights and expanded cultivation
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The Future of Cannabis & Hemp Policy: Taking the Best, Leaving the Rest
As debates around hemp’s place in the cannabis industry intensify, it’s frustrating to see efforts to re-criminalize a plant that represents one of the cannabis movement’s greatest wins. Today, the state-legal marijuana industry face several challenges due to their federal illegality, including the burden of 280E tax restrictions, lack of access to banking services, inability
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Exploring the Future: Key Takeaways from the Illinois Cannabis Research Institute Launch
I recently wrote about a new state reference lab, mentioned in the Chicago Tribune, which is part of the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI). CRI operates under the Discovery Partners Institute, a research center within the University of Illinois system. The Cannabis Research Institute (CRI) officially launched with an event, which was live-streamed on Youtube. Supported
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Update from Illinois Cannabis Research Institute
I recently wrote about a new state reference lab, mentioned in the Chicago Tribune, which is part of the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI). CRI operates under the Discovery Partners Institute, a research center within the University of Illinois system. Tomorrow at 1 PM, the Cannabis Research Institute will host a livestream update featuring panelists and
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Episode 145 – Lone Star Liberation: Texas Cannabis Battles and Triumphs
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole is joined by Austin, the executive director of the Texas Cannabis Collective, to dive into the dynamic and evolving world of cannabis policy in Texas. They discuss the recent decriminalization wins in cities like Dallas, the contrasts between Texas’s restrictive medical program and its flourishing hemp market,
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Episode 144 – Legal Psychedelics in Oregon: Dr. Eric Lee’s Approach to Healing
Cole chats with Dr. Eric Lee, founder of Space, a psychedelic clinic in Portland. Dr. Lee shares his journey from telemedicine to making guided psychedelic experiences affordable and accessible, all while navigating Oregon’s unique regulatory landscape. They discuss how Dr. Lee keeps costs low, the concept of insurance-covered sessions, and the role of psychedelics in
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