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Episode 254 – Announcing the Midwest Cannabis Forum + Other Discussion on Cannabis Policy Today
In this broadcast, Brad Spirrison joins the show to announce the Midwest Cannabis Forum. Learn more at MidwestCannabisForum.com Links mentioned during show
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Episode 253 – Illinois Cannabis Legislation Update With Live Callers
In this live Tuesday broadcast of The Cole Memo, Cole covers newly filed cannabis related legislation in the Illinois General Assembly and offers a high level overview of what each proposal would do if it were to advance. He also explains where these bills currently sit in the legislative process and why committee placement matters…
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Episode 252 – Ashley’s Story: A Family’s Fight for Medical Cannabis
I’ll be joined by Ashley Surin’s mom, Maureen, for an important conversation about their ongoing fight to access a medical cannabis product they describe as lifesaving for Ashley. We’ll talk about Ashley’s story, the barriers families face when seeking critical care options, and what this case says about the broader state of medical cannabis policy.…
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Episode 251 – Announcement episode, cannabis news
In this episode, Cole makes a few announcements and shares the latest in Illinois cannabis news. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 250 – Illinois Is Still Arresting People for Weed, Even After “Legalization”
Cole is joined by recurring guest Phil to break down Part 1 of ColeMemo.com’s overview of Illinois’ 2025 annual cannabis report, a required compilation of updates from state agencies covering licensing, enforcement, public health, and revenue. They discuss IDFPR reporting that 93 dispensaries received operational licenses, the agency’s description of Metrc entering its post-launch phase,…
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‘State’s Medical Cannabis Programs: In The Rearview Mirror’ by Kirsten Velasco
Editor’s note: This article was written by Kirsten Velasco and originally published at VapeNProp.com. It is republished here with permission. Cannabis advocates fuel their work with vivid memories and current damage of the diabolical drug war. Expanding access legislatively progresses at a snail’s pace. Each state’s transition from prohibition to safe access began by registering…
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High-level overview of Illinois’ Annual Cannabis Reports for 2025 – Part 1
I recently shared the 2025 annual cannabis reports for the state of Illinois. The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act requires the release of annual cannabis reports from various state agencies. The Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office compiled reporting from several state agencies overseeing cannabis regulation, enforcement, public health, and revenue. In this article, I plan to…
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Episode 249 – A Year in Review – Recapping 2025 Illinois and Federal Cannabis News
In this Three Dope Dudes crossover episode, Cole is joined by Aaron and Dave from Support Dope People to recap some of the most important cannabis stories of 2025. The conversation spans declining Illinois cannabis sales, stalled social equity licensing, continued arrests in a so called legal state, medical program updates, hemp policy confusion, and…
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Episode 248 – Live smoke session: Cole returns for the New Year!
I’ll be smoking with a surprise guest. We might even take callers! Links mentioned during show
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Illinois Releases 2025 Annual Cannabis Reports
The Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office for the state of Illinois published the 2025 Annual Cannabis Reports. The reports from 2025 can be viewed in the entirety below. The 2024 report can be viewed here, and reports from prior years can be viewed here. 2025 Annual Cannabis Report for State of Illinois 2025 Adult Use…
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