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Episode 202 – The latest cannabis (and drug policy) news
In this packed Friday edition of The Cole Memo, Cole goes live to cover the latest developments in Illinois cannabis policy—including behind-the-scenes updates on proposed changes to licensing fees, adult-use purchase limits, and a potential fix for the controversial “odorproof” vehicle law. He also shares insider intel on efforts to expand access for medical patients,…
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Illinois May Cut 280E Tax Relief, According to Industry Group
Updated on 5/23/25 to include new posts/pictures from an Illinois cannabis industry group on this topic. In 2023, Illinois joined a growing number of states that decoupled from Section 280E of the federal tax code, allowing licensed cannabis businesses to deduct ordinary business expenses on their state taxes. The change was enacted as part of…
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Episode 201 – Clout and Cannabis in Illinois: A Conversation with Tom Schuba of the Sun-Times
We’ve heard promises of equity and transparency, but has Illinois delivered? Chicago Sun-Times reporter Tom Schuba joins me to unpack how political connections, limited transparency, and data protections have shaped Illinois’ cannabis rollout. We discuss his latest story for the Sun-Times, which details how insiders with clout have secured a foothold in the market—and how…
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Episode 200 – Ray Long returns to discuss Illinois’ Stalled Ethics Reform Efforts
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I’m joined once again by Chicago Tribune reporter and author Ray Long for a deep dive into Illinois’ ongoing ethics crisis. We discuss his recent reporting on how, despite a wave of public corruption convictions—including former House Speaker Mike Madigan—lawmakers have made little effort to close glaring loopholes…
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Episode 199 – Cannabis Odor Bill Moves Forward but a “Compromise” Could Weaken It
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I break down the latest twists in Illinois’ cannabis odorproof container bill—now the furthest it’s ever advanced. We look at the House committee vote, unpack surprising testimony, and examine concerns over racial disparities, DUI enforcement, and so-called “trafficking loopholes.” I also share exclusive info from a source about…
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Cannabis Odor Search Ban Advances in Illinois, but a “Compromise” Could Undermine Its Intent
On Friday, May 9th, an Illinois House committee voted 8-6 to advance Senate Bill 42, a measure sponsored by Senator Rachel Ventura (D) and House Representative Curtis J. Tarver, II (D). If the original language of SB42 is passed into law, the legislation that would prohibit law enforcement from using the smell of cannabis—raw or…
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Episode 198 – Seeds of Change: Jason Brown on Education, Equity, and Five Years of Legal Weed in Illinois
In this episode of The Cole Memo, host Cole Preston welcomes Jason Brown, founder of Illinois News Joint, for a wide-ranging conversation covering five years of legal cannabis in Illinois, the rise of hemp, the evolution of product reviews, and his latest effort to give back: launching two scholarships for cannabis students at SIU and…
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Episode 197 – Starting a small cannabis business in the state of Illinois
In this episode, I’ll be joined by a small business owner to talk about how and why they started a cannabis business in the state of Illinois. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 196 – Unpacking the Rules: Who Gets to Sell Cannabis in Illinois?
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole explores the widening divide between state-regulated marijuana programs and the federally legal hemp market—two systems selling identical products under very different rules. After setting the stage with a lengthy intro, Cole sits down with Tom Gliszewski from Chicago Cannabis Company, who responds to recent criticisms that hemp…
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Episode 195 – IL Cannabis Business Owners Call for Change
In this live stream, I’ll cover a recent press conference where Illinois cannabis business owners called for relief from steep fees and burdensome regulations. I’ll also discuss Trump’s pick to lead the DEA, who recently said that reviewing marijuana’s federal status will be one of his first priorities, along with other updates. Links mentioned during…
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