Chillinois Podcast

On this impromptu live episode of The Cole Memo, Cole discusses reports that Trulieve is set to become the first U.S. cannabis company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, what that development could mean for the industry, and why other major operators appear to be preparing for similar moves. Cole also shares updates on an upcoming article examining the continued criminalization of cannabis in Illinois and teases new reporting that may be of particular interest to home growers. The episode also marks the return of Cole's homegrow journey, complete with a live grow cam, plans for a new grow journal, and an invitation for listeners to follow along throughout the season. Plus, updates on supporter contributions, ongoing payment processor issues, and a brief programming note regarding The Cole Memo's upcoming schedule. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/10/e291/

Illinois lawmakers have finally passed a long-discussed cannabis omnibus bill, but what does it actually mean for consumers, home growers, hemp operators, and the broader cannabis industry? Cole is joined by longtime friend Phil for a candid conversation about possession limit increases, medical access expansion, hemp restrictions, social equity transporters, security requirements, and why many of the state's biggest cannabis debates remain unresolved. The conversation also explores Illinois' continued cannabis arrests, civil asset forfeiture, home grow enforcement, cannabis DUI concerns, and whether recent reforms are addressing the root problems that have existed since legalization. Along the way, Cole and Phil compare Illinois to neighboring states, discuss Michigan's cannabis market, and look ahead to what could come next for cannabis policy in Illinois. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/06/e290/

In Episode 289 of The Cole Memo, Cole recaps a major week in Illinois cannabis policy as the omnibus cannabis and hemp legislation officially heads to Governor J.B. Pritzker's desk. He highlights key developments from recent coverage, reflects on conversations with advocates and lawmakers, and shares where listeners can find deeper analysis of the legislation. The episode also features a live Q&A covering homegrow advocacy, possession limits, cannabis consumption lounges, patient representation, and the ongoing effort to build grassroots support for broader cannabis reform in Illinois. Plus, Cole discusses recent recognition from Marijuana Moment and previews upcoming guests and projects. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/04/e289/

Cole is joined by Peter Contos in this live to tape broadcast of The Cole Memo. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/01/e288/

Illinois lawmakers have approved a wide-ranging cannabis, hemp, and regulatory omnibus bill, sending one of the most significant cannabis policy packages in years to Governor J.B. Pritzker's desk. In this episode, Cole breaks down the major provisions, including proposed increases to possession limits, drive-thru and curbside dispensary pickup, expanded medical access, telehealth certifications, fee relief for smaller operators, and changes to cultivation and security requirements. Cole also examines the bill's controversial hemp provisions, which supporters say create regulatory clarity but critics argue amount to a de facto hemp ban in Illinois. Plus, he discusses what the legislation could mean for patients, consumers, businesses, and the future of cannabis policy in the state. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/01/e287/

The Illinois House has passed SB 3222, a sweeping cannabis omnibus bill that would increase possession limits, expand medical patient access, allow dispensaries to stay open until 2 a.m., authorize drive-thrus, create new opportunities for social equity transporters, and establish a new framework for hemp regulation. During this live stream, Cole breaks down the floor debate, key provisions, and the arguments lawmakers made in support of the legislation. Cole also discusses what happens next, including the bill's expected return to the Senate for a concurrence vote, the likelihood of reaching the governor's desk, and what these proposed changes could mean for consumers, patients, businesses, and advocates across Illinois. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/01/e286/

Cole Preston goes live from Springfield with a Sunday morning update as the Illinois legislative session enters its final stretch. He breaks down the latest developments surrounding Senate Bill 3229, including new amendment language tied to federal hemp law, ongoing negotiations between lawmakers, and reporting from Capital News Illinois on the state's cannabis and hemp omnibus package. Along the way, Cole shares his thoughts on hemp regulation, the relationship between hemp and Illinois' licensed cannabis market, and why he believes broader reform could address many of the concerns currently being debated. He also explains why May 31 is such an important legislative deadline, discusses what happens if lawmakers miss it, and gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how he tracks legislation in real time. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/01/e285/

In this short episode, I give a brief update on how the end of the legislative session seems to be shaping up. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/05/30/e284/

In this live to tape episode, I share the latest developments that I'm hearing on Illinois cannabis policy. Then, I end the show by playing clips that I captured from the Midwest Cannabis Forum, including a panel that I was invited to be on at a moments nice. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/05/29/e283/

Illinois lawmakers held a major subject matter hearing on Senate Bill 20, a sweeping cannabis and hemp proposal that could reshape the Illinois market. In this episode, Cole breaks down the hearing in real time, covering proposed increases to possession limits, expanded dispensary hours, drive-thru sales, medical access changes, hemp regulation, and the ongoing debate over Illinois cannabis taxes. The hearing also featured testimony from state regulators, industry representatives, and lawmakers discussing why Illinois continues to struggle with competition from neighboring states like Michigan and Missouri. Cole reacts live to the discussion surrounding participation in the regulated market, the future of intoxicating hemp products, social equity licensing, and whether Illinois is making cannabis policy unnecessarily complicated. Watch video version and read full show notes here:https://thecolememo.com/2026/05/27/e282/

Cole Preston is joined by Brad Spirrison to preview the upcoming Midwest Cannabis Forum, a regional event bringing together voices from across the cannabis, hemp, beverage, tech, finance, and regulatory worlds. The conversation explores why organizers are trying to create a space for dialogue between industries that are often at odds, while also discussing the rapidly changing landscape surrounding hemp-derived products, intoxicating beverages, and cannabis regulation in Illinois and beyond. They also discuss Illinois cannabis legislation, potential Schedule III implications, 280E tax relief, social equity concerns, medical dispensary access, and the broader uncertainty surrounding federal reform. Along the way, the episode features audience questions, Midwest market analysis, and plenty of classic Cole Memo banter. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/05/22/e281/

This week on The Cole Memo, Cole breaks down Illinois House Bill 5784, a sweeping new cannabis omnibus proposal that could dramatically reshape cannabis policy in the state. The bill would double possession limits for adults, expand medical access by allowing patients to shop at more dispensaries with lower tax rates, extend dispensary operating hours until 2 a.m., expand drive-thru and curbside pickup options, loosen certain criminal history barriers for cannabis workers, and potentially codify telemedicine for medical cannabis patients. Cole also discusses proposed transfer sites for transporters, relocation flexibility for dispensaries, and the broader implications of the state moving toward more open cannabis access. Later in the episode, Cole revisits the ongoing fallout from faulty THC DUI testing tied to the UIC analytical forensic testing laboratory, as more DUI charges are dropped over what prosecutors called “scientifically erroneous evidence.” He also reacts to Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoing a legal retail cannabis market while preserving homegrow rights for adults, sparking a broader discussion about what meaningful legalization should actually look like. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/05/21/e280/

This is a live to tape broadcast from 5/19. Show notes and description will be available soon at ColeMemo.com.

Cole Preston is joined by Madeline Scanlon for a wide-ranging conversation about homegrow culture, cannabis legalization, Schedule III concerns, and the future of cannabis access in Illinois. Maddie shares details about her new Outdoor Grow Club through High Focus Media, designed to help everyday people successfully grow outdoor cannabis with community support, clones, supplies, and education throughout the season. The conversation also explores regulatory capture, hemp bans, medical cannabis, testing standards, cannabis lounges, certified supply models, and why both Maddie and Cole believe growing your own cannabis remains one of the most important forms of access and autonomy for consumers. Plus, they discuss cannabis beverages, hashmaking, outdoor cultivation myths, and the ongoing push to normalize the plant in Illinois and beyond. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/05/14/e278/

Cole Preston is joined by Michael Lasley of Illinois News Joint for a wide-ranging conversation about the federal government's latest cannabis rescheduling developments and what they could mean for Illinois. From Schedule III and 280E tax relief to homegrow protections, interstate commerce, and the future of medical cannabis, the two unpack the massive questions still hanging over the industry. They also discuss Illinois' unique dual-license structure, whether adult-use dispensaries could eventually become medical, how federal policy is increasingly driven by business interests, and why both believe cannabis is still in the very early stages of legalization. Along the way, they dive into craft cannabis, industry consolidation, homegrow culture, hemp enforcement, amusement parks, and the long history of cannabis in Champaign-Urbana. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/05/05/e277/

Enjoy this short episode. Show notes will be available soon at ColeMemo.com

In this episode of The Cole Memo, we take a closer look at where Illinois cannabis tax revenue is actually going and whether it's living up to the promises made at legalization. From general revenue funds to reinvestment programs, we break down what's known, what's unclear, and why transparency still matters. We also highlight an op-ed from State Representative Sonia Harper, who argues that while the industry is thriving, the equity goals behind legalization remain unfinished. We also examine new data showing Illinois now leads the nation in cannabis arrests among legalization states, raising serious questions about ongoing enforcement and whether legalization has truly reduced harm. Plus, updates on a lawsuit involving alleged patient data exposure, a local dispensary raid, and reflections on cannabis culture from the Silk Road era to today. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/04/21/e275/

This is a live to tape version of 4/14's live broadcast. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/04/15/e274/

In this episode, I sit down with Jimmy Young, executive producer of Cannabis Coast to Coast News and an Emmy award-winning broadcaster, to talk about his journey from sports media into cannabis journalism. We discuss how he built a national platform covering cannabis policy, the challenges of censorship in the space, and what it really takes to produce consistent, independent media in a rapidly evolving industry. We also get into the deeper history behind cannabis prohibition, including the long shadow of Nixon-era policies, and explore the ongoing debates around legalization, hemp, and market structure. From media bias to public perception and the future of reform, this conversation pulls back the curtain on where things stand today and where they may be headed next. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/04/10/e273/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole covers a major upcoming Illinois cannabis town hall and breaks down a viral controversy surrounding inflated THC potency labels in dispensaries. A Reddit post and independent testing results raise serious questions about accuracy and trust in cannabis testing, highlighting how young and evolving the industry still is. The main segment features a deep dive into Missouri's rapidly escalating hemp policy battle. Business owners Nick Thomas and Jamie share firsthand accounts of a proposed bill that could effectively eliminate hemp-derived products, including CBD. They discuss barriers to entering the licensed market, lobbying influence, and what they see as a coordinated effort to consolidate control. The conversation also explores federal uncertainty, potential legal challenges, and what comes next if the ban moves forward. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/04/07/e272/

In this episode, I'm joined by Brad Spirrison to discuss the relaunch of GrownIn and what it means for cannabis commerce and culture in Chicago and the broader Midwest. We talk about why the region is uniquely positioned as a hub for cannabis talent, business, and innovation, and how this next chapter aims to bring those pieces together in a more intentional way. We also dive into the upcoming Midwest Cannabis Forum on May 28, including who should attend, what kind of conversations to expect, and why events like this matter as the industry continues to evolve. Along the way, we touch on federal rescheduling, the rise of hemp beverages, and the importance of aligning stakeholders around the reality that it is all one plant. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/04/03/e271/

In this episode, Cole breaks down a major Illinois cannabis licensing case heading to court, where questions around transparency, fairness, and hidden relationships are front and center. With hundreds of allegedly ineligible applications impacting the odds, the outcome of this case could reshape how people view the state's licensing process. Cole also shares a personal milestone, announcing his official entry into the industry and what that means moving forward. Plus, a quick recap of recent episodes and what to keep an eye on next. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/04/03/e270/

In this episode, Cole sits down with longtime lobbyist Mark Peysakhovich to unpack how policy actually gets made behind the scenes in Springfield. With over 30 years of experience, Mark shares his journey from immigrating to the United States to becoming a key figure in state legislative affairs, working across cannabis, hemp, healthcare, and more. The conversation goes far beyond cannabis, diving into how lobbying really works, why “just explaining the facts” is rarely enough, and how competing interests shape the laws that impact everyday people. From the fight over hemp to the realities of legalization, this episode offers a candid look at power, policy, and the gap between intention and outcome. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/03/27/e269/

In this episode, I sit down with a fellow advocate to discuss a headline story involving alleged cocaine cash laundering tied to an Illinois cannabis licensee, along with the latest updates from Springfield. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/03/27/e268/

In this episode, I discuss the latest developments in Illinois cannabis policy, federal developments, and Indiana is paving the way to legalize?! Tune in to this live-to-tape episode. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/03/24/e267/

This episode of The Cole Memo breaks down two major stories shaping the conversation around cannabis policy in Illinois. First, new developments in the University of Illinois Chicago drug testing lab controversy raise serious questions about past DUI cases, scientific standards, and accountability. As more cases get dropped, the conversation around faulty testing continues to grow. Then, we shift to a real-world example of how confusing cannabis laws can be. After a public statement from law enforcement about possession rules, Cole reaches out directly for clarification and walks through what the law actually says. From odor-based searches to vehicle rules and common misconceptions, this segment highlights how easily misinformation can spread and why clarity matters. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/03/23/e266/

This episode of The Cole Memo covers a handful of stories that show how messy cannabis policy can get once it leaves the page and enters the real world. Cole breaks down the arrest of an Illinois man returning from Michigan with cannabis, reacts to the online conversation around that case, and looks at Senator Rachel Ventura's latest psilocybin proposal and what it could mean for broader drug policy in Illinois. The episode also explores questions surrounding Revolution dispensaries in Illinois, including branding changes, online speculation, and a Cook County lawsuit that may help explain what viewers have been noticing. Cole then wraps with a look at Grown Rogue's reported move into Illinois through an existing Dwight facility, raising bigger questions about expansion, restructuring, and how cannabis licensing really works in this state. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/03/13/e265/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole is joined by hemp farmer and congressional candidate Stacy McCaskill for a wide-ranging conversation about cannabis policy, the hemp industry, and the challenges of entering politics as an independent voice. They discuss the ongoing debate between hemp and marijuana markets, why many small operators see the 2018 Farm Bill as their only on-ramp into the cannabis industry, and the tension between large licensed operators and emerging hemp businesses. The conversation also explores the realities of running for Congress, including ballot access rules, the influence of entrenched political power, and the role independent candidates can play in disrupting the current system. Along the way, they examine regulation, market competition, and the broader question of whether current cannabis policies truly serve consumers, farmers, and small entrepreneurs. Read full show notes or watch video version here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/03/12/e264/

In this laid-back episode of The Cole Memo, Cole sits down with Byron, host of the Lost and Faded podcast, for a fun conversation about cannabis, movies, and building an independent creative platform. Byron shares how he got started in the cannabis industry, what inspired him to launch a podcast centered around smoking and talking about films, and how the show has grown into a space for movie lovers, stoners, and creators alike. The conversation bounces from first smoking stories and getting caught back in the day to favorite strains, high movie recommendations, Scary Movie 6, Napoleon Dynamite, subtitles, horror, and the joys of making content from the ground up. It is a relaxed, funny, and very human conversation between two Illinois creators just talking shop and having a good time. Watch video version and read full show notes: https://thecolememo.com/2026/03/03/e263/

In Episode 262, Cole plays clips from a wide-ranging interview with Illinois cannabis regulator Vaughn Bentley of IDFPR, digging into how the state oversees dispensaries, what regulators say they prioritize, and why Illinois does things differently than most states. Along the way, Cole shares commentary on testing, recalls, product safety, privacy protections at dispensaries, and the ongoing debate over limited licenses and the so-called race to the bottom. You will also get quick legislative updates, including Cole's latest on Illinois's odor-proof packaging requirement and what listeners should expect next when it comes to witness slips and committee movement. Watch the video or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/02/27/e262/

Cole sits back down with Jeremy Gorner of the Chicago Tribune to break down Governor Pritzker's combined Budget and State of the State address. From a proposed social media platform fee and casino tax changes to renewed efforts on cell phone bans in schools, nuclear energy expansion, and housing reform, they unpack what “affordability” really means in an election year and what lawmakers may or may not be willing to tackle. They also dive into the latest twist in the Chicago Bears stadium saga, as Indiana lawmakers make a move that Illinois officials say caught them off guard. Is this high stakes negotiation or political leverage at its finest? Cole and Jeremy walk through what's happening, what it means for taxpayers, and how it could shape the months ahead. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/02/24/e261/

In this broadcast, I'll joined by a surprise guest. I'll be discussing the recent veto of a hemp ban in Chicago, the upcoming legislative session in Illinois, and more. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/02/17/e260/

This episode is packed with Illinois news and a national lawsuit that hits close to home. Cole breaks down his latest original reporting on outdoor cultivation being quietly allowed for a select few in Illinois, and asks the bigger question: who gets flexibility under state law, and who does not? He connects the screenhouse litigation to what it could mean for craft growers, medical patients, and the long-overdue push for homegrow for all adults. Plus, Cole reacts to a Chicago Reporter piece on “what Illinois got wrong about legal weed,” including what the article highlights and what he thinks it leaves out, then closes with the Ohio Attorney General's antitrust lawsuit alleging MSOs coordinated shelf-space deals to keep prices high and limit competition. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/02/10/e259/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, I will sit down with an Illinois cannabis operator for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about what it actually takes to try to build a business in the state's legal market. Watch video version and read show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/02/08/e258/

Illinois lawmakers are once again trying to fix one of the most confusing parts of the state's cannabis law. In this live broadcast, Cole breaks down House Bill 4782, a proposal that would prevent vehicle searches based solely on the smell of cannabis. The discussion explains how recent Illinois Supreme Court rulings treated raw and burnt cannabis differently and why a small wording change could have big implications for civil liberties. The show also takes a look at newly released Illinois cannabis sales figures, including revised data tied to the state's transition to a new tracking system. As always, the conversation is live, with viewer comments, questions, and calls shaping the discussion along the way. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/02/03/e257/

In this broadcast, Brad Spirrison joins the show to announce the Midwest Cannabis Forum. Learn more at MidwestCannabisForum.com. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/01/22/e254/

This week on a live broadcast of The Cole Memo, Cole is joined by Dave from SupportDope to break down the Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition's 2026 legislative agenda, including medical patients shopping anywhere, telemedicine access, curbside pickup, social consumption, homegrow and caregiver expansion, and the ongoing fight over odor-based policing. Later, Cole brings on Jason Brown from Illinois News Joint to review newly filed bills and what they would change for patients, dispensaries, and the broader industry, plus why there is still so much skepticism about anything moving in Springfield. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/01/28/e256/

Illinois has legalization on the books, but arrests and incarceration for non-violent cannabis offenses have not disappeared. In this live broadcast, Cole is joined by returning guest Christian Reichert, who served years in prison for a non-violent cannabis case and is still navigating parole after release. They talk about what it feels like to watch dispensaries operate while people are still paying the price for charges from the pre-legalization era, and why the criminal law is still being used as the tool of choice. Cole is also joined by Phil for the conversation, with live audience comments in the mix, and a wider discussion about how policy, taxes, and enforcement shape the reality on the ground in Illinois. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/01/28/e255/

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 when evaluating momentum. The episode includes several callers who join the conversation to share perspectives from across the Illinois cannabis space, including industry operators, advocates, and engaged listeners. Together, they discuss medical access, transportation, taxes, social equity, and broader questions about how Illinois cannabis policy is functioning today. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/01/22/e253/

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. You can sign the petition to support Ashley at ColeMemo.com/Ashley. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/01/16/e252/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole covers a wide-ranging Illinois cannabis update, beginning with a family fighting to maintain access to a medical cannabis product that has kept their daughter seizure-free for years. As production moves out of state and federal law blocks interstate access, patients are once again left navigating a system that claims to prioritize health but often fails to deliver. The show also breaks down the return of Illinois cannabis legislation, including the omnibus package and probable cause reform, alongside new data showing arrests continue despite legalization. Cole shares highlights from his first appearance as an Illinois correspondent on a national cannabis news show, examines a recent dispensary closure, and explores the growing tensions between hemp, cannabis, enforcement, and civil rights in a state that insists the system is working. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/01/13/e251/

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, and a discrepancy in reported craft grow license counts across state reports and press releases. Most of the conversation focuses on the Illinois State Police section, including Chicago's arrest heat map, the first year-over-year increase in Cannabis Control Act arrests since legalization, and how hemp and THCA products have complicated prosecutions. Cole and Phil also discuss ISP's push for phlebotomy training to speed up DUI cannabis blood draws, K9 policy changes, gaps in expungement tracking, and what the data suggests about cannabis-related criminal enforcement continuing in Illinois despite legalization. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/01/13/e250/

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 the ongoing tension between regulation, taxation, and true legalization. Together, they reflect on what these stories reveal about the health of the Illinois market, the persistence of criminalization, and what consumers, patients, and advocates should be watching as 2026 approaches. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/01/05/e249/

In this episode, a surprise guest joins me to smoke and discuss the latest annual cannabis report from the state of Illinois. We're also joined by a live caller. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/01/02/e248/

I'll be joined by a surprise guest to recap the latest developments in cannabis policy and what they could mean for both businesses and consumers. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/12/22/e246/

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, enforcement disparities, and how criminal penalties continue to fall hardest on marginalized communities. Drawing from years of reporting and my own mini documentary, this episode breaks down what legalization changed, what it did not, and why true decriminalization remains unfinished business in Illinois. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/12/22/e246/

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. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/12/19/e245/

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 into SAM's core concerns, including 280E tax implications, messaging to young people, public safety, and what rescheduling does and does not change. We also get into a brief debate around DOT testing and “safety carveouts,” plus a broader question that has been on my mind: if cannabis companies want wider access and expansion, why did so many either support a hemp ban or stay quiet as it moved forward? Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/12/17/e244/

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 foot dispensary spacing rule, the growing conflict between licensed dispensaries and hemp retailers, and how federal rescheduling could ripple through both industries. From hemp beverages to tax implications and unintended consequences of a potential hemp ban, this conversation explores how cannabis law, policy, and economics are colliding in real time. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/12/16/e243/

In Episode 242, Cole breaks down President Trump's latest comments on cannabis reclassification, comparing them to his earlier remarks from August and zooming in on what changed, especially the new emphasis on research. With reports swirling about possible timing, Cole reacts to the broader rumor mill, pulls in chatter from The Dales Report, and highlights how different corners of the industry are reading the tea leaves. Then the show opens up into a real conversation: rescheduling vs descheduling, the Farm Bill angle, 280E tax pressure, and the ongoing debate over whether state markets would survive a Schedule III world. Plus, a call-in from Brian brings the “people before profits” argument front and center, with a clear message that access matters more than labels like “hemp” or “marijuana.” Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/12/15/e242/

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 Approaches to Marijuana sounding the alarm is something he takes seriously given their connections and past track record. Then, Cole pivots to the sudden media surge around “scromiting” and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), pushing back on familiar talking points like “not your grandma's marijuana” while making the case that learning more about CHS is a net positive in a world where legalization enables more honest conversations, better data, and more informed adults. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/12/13/e241/