The Cole Memo

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 episode covers a range of developing stories shaping the cannabis landscape. Cole breaks down allegations against Verano involving the exposure of sensitive patient data, highlighting ongoing concerns around privacy in the medical market. He also explores Target’s expansion into hemp-derived THC drinks in Minnesota, raising questions about corporate influence and what companies may be anticipating as regulatory changes loom. The episode also features Cole’s latest Illinois Cannabis Report for Cannabis Coast to Coast News, where he discusses stalled legislation around odor-based vehicle searches and the broader pattern of slow reform in the state. The conversation ties into bigger themes around access, enforcement, and how policy continues to impact both consumers and workers. 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 of The Cole Memo, we break down several key developments shaping cannabis policy right now. From ongoing confusion around Illinois’ odor-proof container law to new concerns about DUI testing accuracy, there’s no shortage of questions about how these rules are actually being applied in the real world. We also take a look at labor wins in the industry and what they could mean for workers moving forward. Beyond Illinois, we explore growing pressure on Indiana to legalize cannabis as surrounding states continue to move ahead. Plus, we dig into a new push from the alcohol industry to delay a federal hemp THC ban and what that could mean for the future of the market. As always, we keep it high-level but focused on the bigger picture behind these shifting policies. 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/

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. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/12/11/e240/

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 passed, why it matters, and how these changes affect everyday residents and cannabis consumers. Cole, Doug, and Peter talk candidly about how cannabis policy has often been developed behind closed doors in Illinois, then close with a first look at the Cannabis Research Institute’s statewide listening sessions and what this new research effort could mean for Illinois. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/11/21/e239/

During this stream, I’ll be interviewed by a group of fellow content creators about what the upcoming federal cannabis ban could look like. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/11/20/e238/

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. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/11/14/e237/

The U.S. Senate just voted to recriminalize hemp-derived cannabis products that have been federally legal for the past eight years. In this live episode, Cole breaks down what the vote means for consumers, small farmers, and the broader cannabis movement. Guest Mason Lopez of SunDrenchedFarm joins to share how the proposed ban could devastate small hemp businesses, erase patient access to effective CBD products, and undo years of progress toward a more open and functional market. The discussion also touches on rescheduling, market fairness, and whether low-dose THC beverages might be the next battleground. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/11/12/e236/

I will be joined by an individual who audits the test results of cannabis products to see if they are accurate. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/10/31/e235/

Read more: https://thecolememo.com/2025/10/27/e234/

Illinois Representative La Shawn Ford returns to The Cole Memo for a candid conversation about where cannabis policy has been, where it stalled, and what it will take to move forward. We unpack the closed-door debate over hemp and delta-8, whether the answer is prohibition or regulation, and why age-gating, testing, and labeling should be the baseline. Ford weighs limited licensing against open market participation, talks wins and gaps since 2019, and shares practical advice for advocates and consumers, including using virtual testimony and focusing on single-issue bills instead of large omnibus packages. We also explore possession limits, homegrow realities in Illinois, and data showing arrests persist where legal access is scarce. Plus, Ford explains why federal action still shapes state choices, and what he hopes to work on as he looks toward Washington. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/10/27/e234/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston breaks down what’s happening during Illinois’ fall veto session — and why major cannabis reforms still aren’t moving forward. From mislabeled dispensary products and potency inflation to Target and Circle K now selling THC beverages, Cole covers the latest stories shaping cannabis policy in Illinois and beyond. Later, he’s joined by Cornbread Hemp co-founder Jim Higdon to discuss a proposal in Congress that could outlaw hemp-derived products nationwide. They unpack how this would affect consumers, businesses, and the future of descheduling cannabis. The episode closes with a live call-in from a grower discussing Illinois’ medical program, caregiver models, and the fight for expanded homegrow rights. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/10/24/e233/

A new cannabis lawsuit with sharp allegations in Illinois, taxes might increase in Michigan’s cannabis market, and possible federal action on cannabis policy—we’ll cover it all in this live stream. View show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/10/03/e232/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole shares important updates that affect medical cannabis patients in Illinois, including new allotment equivalencies, upcoming changes to dispensary access, and the launch of a patient portal. He also recaps key takeaways from the latest Medical Cannabis Advisory Board meeting, where patients and advocates voiced frustrations with the lack of progress over the last decade. The episode then shifts to Governor Pritzker’s latest comments on hemp and the ongoing debate over whether federally legal cannabis products should be restricted to dispensaries. With stakeholders from the hemp industry weighing in, this conversation highlights the growing divide between patient needs, market access, and state policy. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/09/20/e231/

In this impromptu live episode of The Cole Memo, Cole covers a recent raid in Illinois that sparked a bigger conversation about hemp regulation across the country. With Governor Pritzker voicing concerns about youth safety and Governor Abbott issuing an executive order in Texas to ban hemp sales to minors, the debate is heating up. Should hemp remain freely accessible, or should states impose age gates, testing, and labeling requirements? Cole explores these questions, the partisan crossover between Abbott and Pritzker, and the broader implications for cannabis regulation in Illinois and beyond. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/09/13/e230/

In this episode, we mainly watch the live MAPS press conference that I was invited to, where leadership addressed the FDA’s newly released complete response letter rejecting MDMA assisted therapy for PTSD. You’ll hear their perspective on shifting standards, trial design disputes, and what this decision means for the future of psychedelic medicine. To set the stage, I begin with a clip from Hamilton Morris on drug journalism and the FDA’s rejection of MDMA therapy, then we tune into the full press conference. Links to the FDA letter, my article covering the decision, and outside analysis are included in the show notes. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/09/05/maps-fda/