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Episode 246 – Arrests continue in “legal” Illinois
Despite cannabis being legal in Illinois, people are still being arrested, charged, and even serving long prison sentences for marijuana related offenses. In this episode, I unpack recent reporting that highlights just how much criminalization remains baked into Illinois law and why legalization did not bring the relief many expected. We dig into possession limits,…
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Episode 245 – Live From the Oval Office: Trump Directs AG to Expedite Cannabis Rescheduling Process
President Trump announces an executive order directing the Attorney General to expedite the process of moving marijuana to Schedule III, emphasizing medical research access while rejecting legalization or recreational use. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 244 – Talking Cannabis Rescheduling With Its Harshest Critics
On December 17, as fresh reports suggested cannabis could be rescheduled any day, I sat down with Jordan Davidson, government affairs director at Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), to hear the case against moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. We revisit how the rescheduling process started, review President Trump’s recent comments, and dig…
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Episode 243 – Social Equity, Transporters, Rescheduling, and the Future of Hemp With Ali Jubelirer
Attorney Ali Jubelirer returns to the show to break down two cannabis legal battles unfolding in Illinois and beyond. We revisit the independent transporter lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Agriculture, discuss new developments in discovery, and unpack what the state’s legal positions could mean for social equity licensees. We also dive into the 1500…
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Episode 242 – Trump makes a statement on rescheduling
In this episode, I briefly discuss President Trump’s recent statement on the cannabis rescheduling process. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 241 – Cannabis Rescheduling Nears as ‘Scromiting’ Dominates Headlines
In this live episode, Cole breaks down the latest reporting and speculation that federal cannabis rescheduling could move fast, possibly as soon as Monday, December 15, 2025. He explains why he is only slightly encouraged by a potential shift to Schedule 3, revisits how the review process started in October 2022, and highlights why Smart…
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Episode 240 – Patients Fight for Access, Closure of IL Cultivation Centers, Fresh Look, & More
During this episode, I plan to discuss the latest in cannabis policy news. I also plan to roll out a fresh new look for the show. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 239 – A Look Inside the Veto Session and How Cannabis Policy Gets Made in Illinois
In this episode, Cole is joined by Doug Kelly and Peter Contos of the Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition to unpack several major developments in Illinois and across the country. Illinois recently wrapped its fall veto session, and while cannabis policy did not move, lawmakers advanced key criminal justice measures. Doug and Peter break down what…
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Episode 238 – Live Q&A: Cole Breaks Down the Looming Federal Cannabis Ban
During this stream, I’ll be interviewed by a group of fellow content creators about what the upcoming federal cannabis ban could look like.
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Episode 237 – Politicians react to new federal ban on cannabis products
Several politicians reacted to the newest federal ban on cannabis products. We’ll watch their reactions and take callers in this live broadcast of The Cole Memo. Links mentioned during show
The Cole Memo
Conversations for Change
The Cole Memo 