PODCAST · education
The Cole Memo
by Cole Preston
The Cole Memo is your go-to source for informed, open discussion on civil liberties. Each episode tackles pressing issues, such as the decriminalization of drugs, the latest developments in the cannabis industry, and so much more. Hear from a diverse range of guests, including but not limited to: industry insiders, advocates, entertainers, and musicians, as they bring their unique perspectives to the conversation. Tune in to stay informed and engaged on the issues that matter most. Go to TheColeMemo.com to learn more!
Episodes
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Rep. La Shawn Ford on What's Next for Illinois Cannabis Legalization | E327
Illinois State Representative and Democratic congressional nominee La Shawn Ford returns to The Cole Memo to discuss the future of cannabis policy in Illinois. Following the passage of major cannabis reforms earlier this year, Ford shares his thoughts on the legislation, his disappointment with…
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Illinois Cannabis Sales Rebound, DEA Rescheduling Update & Governor's Forum | E326
Illinois cannabis sales are showing signs of renewed growth, but questions remain about pricing, competition, and the impact of upcoming hemp restrictions. In this episode, Cole examines newly released Illinois cannabis data, revisits the state's cannabis arrest statistics, and discusses the…
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Massive Outdoor Home Grow, Patient Portal, & Cannabis Event This Week | E325
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole takes viewers on a tour of an impressive outdoor cannabis home grow in Illinois. Josh Anderson, a medical cannabis patient whose home was previously raided by police, walks us through his custom-built outdoor hydroponic system and explains how he grows…
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The Future of Illinois Cannabis: A Roundtable With Aaron Del Mar | E324
Illinois is preparing for major changes to its cannabis laws, especially as they relate to hemp. In this episode, Cole moderates a roundtable with Illinois hemp advocates, small business owners, and Aaron Del Mar, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, about what cannabis policy should...
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Should Cannabis Tax Dollars Pay for License Plate Readers? | E323
Cannabis tax dollars are being used to fund automated license plate readers in Champaign County, Illinois. In this episode, Cole looks at public comments raising concerns about Flock cameras, surveillance, transparency, and the use of cannabis tax revenue, before turning to a debate among county...
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Cannabis Taxes, Flock Cameras & the Fight Over THC Potency | E322
In this episode, Cole looks at how cannabis tax revenue is being used to fund Flock license plate readers in Champaign County and raises broader questions about where Illinois cannabis tax dollars actually go. The conversation also turns to the latest federal cannabis rescheduling developments...
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Brad Spirrison Returns: Where Illinois Cannabis Goes From Here | E321
Cole is joined by Grown In's Brad Spirrison for a wide-ranging conversation about THC beverages, hemp and the future of cannabis in Illinois. They discuss what could happen when Illinois' new hemp rules take effect, why low-dose THC drinks have reached consumers who might never visit a…
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Illinois Bill Would Pay People Harmed by Cannabis Criminalization | E320
This episode covers a newly introduced Illinois bill that would create direct cash payments for people disproportionately impacted by cannabis criminalization, with Representative La Shawn Ford expected to return to the show to discuss the proposal. Cole also looks at Illinois' rollout of new...
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Brian Dombrowski on the Fight Over Hemp and the Future of Cannabis | E319
The conversation covers the ongoing federal fight over hemp, including the delay of upcoming federal changes and competing proposals for regulating the industry. Brian Dombrowski joins the show to discuss THCA flower, testing and labeling, track and trace, dosage caps, consumer access and why he...
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The Cannabis Industry’s Growing Divide, Plus an Illinois Outdoor Home Grow | E318
In this episode, Cole takes a look at the growing divide between the state-legal cannabis industry and the hemp industry as competing groups push different approaches to federal cannabis policy. The conversation includes recent lobbying over federal hemp law, interstate commerce, banking and the...
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Today, Illinois Expanded Medical Cannabis Access to 37 More Dispensaries | E317
Illinois has expanded its medical cannabis program, issuing medical cannabis dispensary licenses to 37 existing adult-use dispensaries. Cole breaks down what changed, what it means for registered medical patients and dispensaries, and why this represents the largest expansion of Illinois medical...
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Illinois Police Raided a Home Grow | E313
This episode follows Josh, a registered Illinois medical cannabis patient whose home was raided by police after authorities obtained a search warrant connected to his cannabis grow. We piece together what happened during the raid and the case that followed using body-camera footage, evidence,...
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Reactions to the Illinois Home Grow Raid Story, Plus Cannabis Arrests in Indiana | E316
In this episode, Cole follows up on the recent story of Josh Anderson, a registered Illinois medical cannabis patient whose home was raided by police, and discusses some of the reactions and conversations that have followed its release. We also take a look at cannabis arrest numbers in Indiana…
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Illinois Police Raided His Legal Home Grow: The Story in ~3 Minutes | E315
This is the short version of Josh’s story, a registered Illinois medical cannabis patient whose home was raided by police after authorities obtained a search warrant connected to his cannabis grow. Using body-camera footage, evidence photos, court transcripts and other records, this condensed...
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A First Look at the Police Raid of an Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient | E314
In this brief live broadcast, Cole debuts a new short video examining the case of Josh Anderson, a registered Illinois medical cannabis patient whose home was raided by police following an investigation into his cannabis grow. The video features body-camera footage, details from court records and…
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The Era of Descheduled Cannabis Continues for Another Month in America | E312
Congress has voted to delay the recriminalization of THC, sending the legislation to the President's desk. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/09/01/e312/
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Illinois Outdoor Cannabis Rules Put Home Grow Back in the Spotlight | E311
Illinois regulators are considering new rules for outdoor cannabis cultivation, and the renewed attention is putting Illinois' restrictive home grow laws back into the conversation. Cole discusses new coverage from the Chicago Tribune and Shaw Local, why home cultivation remains an important part...
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Illinois Cannabis Law Changed: Here’s What You Need to Know | E310
Illinois cannabis law has changed. This short video breaks the changes down at a high level. Read full show notes and watch video version here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/08/16/e310/
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Illinois to Open Medical to All Dispensaries + Allow Outdoor Grows for All | E309
Illinois is moving forward with several significant cannabis policy changes. Adult-use dispensaries will soon be able to apply for licenses to serve medical cannabis patients, while newly proposed rules from the Illinois Department of Agriculture would allow licensed cultivation centers and craft...
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Cannabis Access, Hemp Politics, and the Rise of Flock Cameras | E308
Cole Preston discusses several developing cannabis policy stories, including the use of Flock cameras to track cannabis consumers traveling between states, a federal proposal to preserve hemp-derived THC beverages, and the continuing debate over how cannabis should be regulated and sold. The...
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The Hemp Debate: Cannabis, Decriminalization, and Where We Go From Here | E307
Cole is joined by cannabis advocates Brian Dombrowski and Annie Romelfanger for a spirited conversation about hemp, medical cannabis, federal decriminalization, and the increasingly blurry distinction between "hemp" and "marijuana." They discuss the impact of the 2018 Farm Bill, THCA flower,...
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Independent Candidate Collin Corbett on His Campaign for Illinois Governor | E306
Independent candidate for Illinois governor Collin Corbett joins The Cole Memo to discuss why he is running outside the two major parties, the challenges independent candidates face, and how he believes an independent governor could work with lawmakers in Springfield. Corbett also shares his...
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Illinois Cannabis: What Comes After the Omnibus? | E305
Phil returns to The Cole Memo for a wide-ranging conversation about cannabis policy from a consumer perspective. We discuss Illinois’ newly passed cannabis omnibus, questions surrounding dispensary ownership caps and consolidation, continued restrictions on home grow, cannabis possession limits,...
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Federal Update and Illinois Cannabis News | E304
This week, I recap several major cannabis developments, including the end of the month-long Ascend Wellness workers' strike, new Illinois medical cannabis changes taking effect this fall, and the latest federal developments surrounding the proposed hemp crackdown. I also discuss the Senate's…
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What Florida and Illinois Get Wrong About Cannabis Legalization | E303
Cole is joined by Florida cannabis advocate Evan Bentz for an in-depth conversation comparing Florida and Illinois cannabis policy. They discuss Florida's medical cannabis program, the failed Amendment 3 campaign, why home grow remains off the table, and how limited licensing has shaped both...
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Illinois Cannabis: Hidden Camera Investigation, Home Grow Debate, and Industry Consolidation | E302
This week, I react to the disturbing discovery of a hidden camera inside an Illinois dispensary restroom before diving into a broader discussion about Illinois cannabis policy. I also share an update on the state's cannabis seed tracking system, discuss why home grow remains illegal for most...
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Six Years of Illinois Cannabis: A Conversation with Chicago Tribune Reporter Robert McCoppin | E301
For more than six years, Chicago Tribune reporter Robert McCoppin has documented the evolution of Illinois' cannabis industry, from the earliest legalization debates to today's fights over home grow, market concentration, ownership transparency, hemp, and continued criminalization. In this…
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Illinois Has More Cannabis Brands Than Ever. Fewer Companies Own Them. | E300
Damian Fagon, policy director at the Parabola Center for Law and Policy, joins the show to discuss a new analysis of Illinois' cannabis market and the structural advantages held by large multi-state operators and incumbent medical cannabis companies. We discuss market concentration, cultivation...
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Oregon's Legal Psilocybin Experiment Faces a Major Test | E299
Dr. Eric Lee returns to The Cole Memo to discuss major changes facing Oregon's legal psilocybin program. Lee explains how rising licensing fees could push operators out of the industry, why legal psilocybin sessions remain unaffordable for many people, and how his clinic is working to keep…
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#298 - Illinois Signs Major Cannabis Overhaul, Plus Q&A With Brad Spirrison
J.B. Pritzker, the Governor of Illinois, has officially signed Illinois' latest cannabis omnibus bill into law, marking one of the biggest updates to the state's cannabis regulations since adult-use legalization. In this episode, we livestream the signing ceremony from Sway Dispensary, break down...
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#297 – Illinois Homegrow: Can Medical Patients Actually Buy Cannabis Seeds?
Illinois law has allowed qualifying medical cannabis patients to purchase cannabis seeds from licensed dispensaries since adult-use legalization took effect, but six years later, patients still can't buy them. In this episode, Cole Preston revisits reporting dating back to 2020, examines a 2022...
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#296 - Federal Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings Begin: Key Takeaways from Days 1 & 2
The federal cannabis rescheduling hearings are underway, and this episode breaks down the biggest developments from the first two days. We cover testimony from DEA and FDA officials, arguments over the government's shift from a five-part to a two-part medical use test, and reactions from…
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#295 - Inside the Ascend Strike: Cannabis Workers Speak Out [Illinois]
Cole sits down with striking workers and representatives from Teamsters Local 916 to discuss the ongoing labor dispute at Ascend Wellness' cultivation facility in Barry, Illinois. They explain why more than 300 workers walked off the job, outline their concerns over wages, health care, overtime,...
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#294 - Federal Cannabis Developments & Illinois Cannabis Law Updates
Illinois cannabis laws continue to evolve, and this week we're breaking down some of the latest developments. We discuss the Illinois Department of Agriculture's new informational bulletin on Senate Bill 3222, including expanded craft grow canopy limits, new labeling requirements for medical...
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#293 - Federal Cannabis Developments & What We Learned in Chicago
Fresh off the IgniteIt Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago, Cole shares reactions from cannabis operators, industry stakeholders, and policymakers following the passage of Illinois' landmark cannabis omnibus legislation. Hear what business owners, advocates, and legal professionals are saying...
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#292 - Governor Pritzker Signs Illinois Cannabis Omnibus Into Law
Governor JB Pritzker has signed Illinois’ cannabis omnibus legislation into law, marking one of the most significant updates to the state’s cannabis regulations since adult-use sales began in 2020. In this episode, we break down the new law, including expanded possession limits, free medical...
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#291 – Trulieve's NYSE Milestone, Upcoming Illinois Reporting, and Live Grow Cam Launch
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....
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#290 - Dose of Reality: What Illinois' New Cannabis Rules Would Change
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...
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#289 - Illinois Cannabis Omnibus Heads to the Governor's Desk
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...
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#288 - Illinois cannabis bill heads to Governor’s desk for signage
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/
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#287 - Illinois Lawmakers Approve Cannabis Reform Package
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...
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#286 - Illinois Cannabis Omnibus Passes the House: What Happens Next?
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...
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#285 - Illinois Cannabis Omnibus Nears Finish Line as Lawmakers Race the Clock
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…
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#284 - Illinois cannabis policy update for 5/30/2026
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/
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#283 - Illinois Policy Updates & Takeaways from the Midwest Cannabis Forum
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…
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#282 - Illinois Cannabis Hearing: Possession Limits, Drive-Thrus, and 2 A.M. Dispensaries
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…
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#281 - Midwest Cannabis Forum Preview with Brad Spirrison
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...
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#280 - New Illinois Cannabis Bill Expands Access, Drive-Thrus, and More + DUI Charges Dropped
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...
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#279 - Illinois Cannabis Policy Updates, TSA Marijuana Confusion, and the Midwest Cannabis Forum
Cole breaks down the latest cannabis policy developments unfolding in Illinois, including concerns surrounding House Bill 4782, the state’s odor-proof vehicle law, and discussions about possible changes tied to a broader cannabis omnibus package. Cole also shares what advocates are hearing behind...
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#278 - Homegrow, Schedule III, and the Future of Cannabis with Madeline Scanlon
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Cole Memo is your go-to source for informed, open discussion on civil liberties. Each episode tackles pressing issues, such as the decriminalization of drugs, the latest developments in the cannabis industry, and so much more. Hear from a diverse range of guests, including but not limited to: industry insiders, advocates, entertainers, and musicians, as they bring their unique perspectives to the conversation. Tune in to stay informed and engaged on the issues that matter most. Go to TheColeMemo.com to learn more!
HOSTED BY
Cole Preston
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Cole Memo have?
The Cole Memo currently has 500 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Cole Memo about?
The Cole Memo is your go-to source for informed, open discussion on civil liberties. Each episode tackles pressing issues, such as the decriminalization of drugs, the latest developments in the cannabis industry, and so much more. Hear from a diverse range of guests, including but not limited to:...
How often does The Cole Memo release new episodes?
The Cole Memo publishes regularly with 500 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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You can listen to The Cole Memo on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Cole Memo?
The Cole Memo is created and hosted by Cole Preston.
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