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Illinois Bureau of Cannabis Testing is Focusing “Exclusively on Getting Lab Open for State Testing”
Background I recently published an article that detailed the ongoing development of a state-run cannabis testing lab in Illinois. It highlighted my interactions with state officials, including representatives from the IDFPR and IDOA, who provided insights into the lab’s purpose and the anticipated role it will play in enhancing cannabis safety and regulatory compliance. The
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Illinois Cannabis Division Manager David Lakeman Selected as Executive Director of Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission
UPDATE 12/4/2024: David Lakeman has reportedly declined the offer to lead the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission and will remain in Illinois On October 28, 2024, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) held final interviews for the Executive Director position. Among the candidates were Travis Ahern, Matt Giancola, Marty Golightly, and David Lakeman. The 3 commissioners
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Episode 134 – Jordan Davidson returns
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I reconnect with Jordan Davidson, the Government Affairs Manager for Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). SAM advocates for a “third-way” approach to cannabis policy; they oppose full legalization and commercialization. Jordan and Cole discuss legalization, a recent podcast from the New York Times, the shift from a five-part to
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Episode 133 – The Future of Cannabis & Hemp with Chris Fontes and Tom Howard
In this episode, I speak with Chris Fontes, CEO of Trojan Horse Cannabis and High Spirits Beverages, alongside returning guest Tom Howard, a cannabis attorney and legalization advocate. Chris and Tom cover the complexities of the current cannabis and hemp industries, examining how legislation, regulations, and market dynamics shape the sector. The discussion highlights the balance
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Episode 132 – Dana Larsen is back
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I reconnect with Dana Larsen, an influential Canadian author, businessman, and advocate for drug policy reform. Dana has been a trailblazer in this space, founding Vancouver’s third cannabis dispensary and the city’s first mushroom dispensary. He has also expanded into broader psychedelic access, providing products like coca leaf,
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Episode 131 – A Candid Discussion w/ Jim Belushi
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I share my interaction with Jim Belushi at the 2024 Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, held in Chicago, Illinois. Links mentioned during show
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“Craft” Cannabis at Dual-Use Dispensaries, Medical Tax Rates, and Future Expansions
In this article, I detail the guidance from the Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office (CROO) regarding the sale of “craft-grown” cannabis at dual-use dispensaries and the application of the medical tax rate. I briefly highlight recent developments, as covered by Illinois News Joint, regarding the state’s efforts to expand medical tax rate access to all
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Illinois Releases 2024 Annual Cannabis Reports
On September 30th, as anticipated by The Cole Memo*, the Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office for the state of Illinois published the 2024 Annual Cannabis Report. You can view the entire reports below.
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Episode 130 – Illinois Supreme Court on Cannabis Odor in Cars: What It Means
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston breaks down the Illinois Supreme Court’s landmark decision that the smell of burnt cannabis is no longer enough for police to search a vehicle. Joined by criminal defense attorneys Evan Bruno and Bob Galhotra, the trio dives deep into the implications of this ruling, the key
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Episode 129 – Illinois’ Assault Weapons Ban: Legal Battles and Policy Impacts
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston welcomes back Chicago Tribune reporter Jeremy Gorner for an in-depth conversation on Illinois’ controversial assault weapons ban. They discuss the origins of the legislation, the ongoing legal battles, and its potential to reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Jeremy breaks down the arguments from both gun rights
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