The Cole Memo

During this episode, Torrin Richelle returns to the episode to talk about her new book "Behind the Pole". Watch this episode or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/04/10/e79/

In this episode, I sit down with Rusty, a multi-generational cannabis farmer from Hawaii. We explore what life is like away from the mainland, the recently failed “legalization” initiative for cannabis in Hawaii, and the rich history of cannabis in the region. We also discuss the state of cannabis legalization in the United States, industry limitations, and more. Read full show notes and watch vid...

In this episode, the Alliance for Cannabis Equity in Illinois joins me to talk about how we can enact change at a legislative level! During the episode, we talk about an opportunity for you to get involved directly in the legislative process later this month! Watch the video version of this episode or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/04/02/e77/

In this episode, I speak with Rod Kight about a group of 20 state AGs that signed a letter to Congress “to address the glaring vagueness created in the 2018 Farm Bill that has led to the proliferation of intoxicating hemp products across the nation and challenges to the ability for states and localities to respond to the resulting health and safety crisis.” Watch video version and read full show n...

In this episode, I speak about the CURE act and some cannabis bills that have been proposed which caught my eye. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/03/29/e75

In this episode, I sit back down with Jordan Davidson from Smart Approaches to Marijuana(SAM). Jordan and SAM do not believe that cannabis should be legal. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/03/26/e74/

In this episode, we explore the intricate challenges of child reunification efforts in Illinois when a parent happens to be a cannabis user. During the episode, my guests discuss real-life cases where cannabis use has complicated the process, shedding light on the intersection of legal cannabis and child welfare in our state. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.c...

In this episode, Cae Jones joins me to tell me about his experience with the criminal-justice system for simply possessing cannabis in the state of Illinois. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/03/21/e72/

Tune in for a powerful episode as Christian Reichert shares his journey from incarceration to freedom. Tune in as we discuss his experiences, challenges, and the transformative power of resilience. This is an episode that we had planned to record from prison. Fortunately, Christian was able to join us from the comfort of his own home. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thec...

In this episode I speak with Jackie Heim, the President and Founder of the Cannabis Club Redbirds at Illinois State University. During this episode, we talk about upcoming events by the Cannabis Club Redbirds. We also talk about cannabis in Illinois, hemp, and more. Watch episode and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/03/18/e70/

In this episode, Torrey Lisa returns! During our conversation we talk about the legal sex industry in Nevada. You can connect with Torrey at TorreyLisa.com. Watch the episode and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/03/18/e69/

In this episode, I'm joined by Lori Nanney, the owner of Tokers, Inc., a hemp company based in Tennessee. Lori brings attention to a pressing issue: the targeted crackdown on Tennessee hemp businesses, which not only threatens local enterprises but also opens the door for out-of-state competitors to capitalize on online sales within Tennessee's market. In short, it seems like the crackdown is focu...

In this episode, I sit down with Peter Contos from the Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition(CEIC). During the episode, we recap the state of the state address and give you a sneak peek into what to expect in the upcoming legislative session. We also share ways in which you can get directly involved in the legislative process! Watch the episode and read the full show notes here: https://thecolememo.c...

In this episode, I discuss a newly released cannabis press release from the state of Illinois and analyze a local news story that aired recently. It was interesting to see the shared themes between the local news coverage and the press release. Watch the episode and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/03/04/e66/

Mike Fourcher returns in this episode to recap his trip to Dubai and to chat about the climate. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/02/29/e65/

In what may be my most pointed episode to date, I sit down with Illinois Representative Carol Ammons to discuss how cannabis continues to be criminalized in the state of Illinois. It’s worth noting that Representative Ammons foresaw this outcome nearly five years ago when she voiced concerns about the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act of 2019 (CRTA) and abstained from voting on the measure. Reflecti...

In this episode, I catch up with Dr. Eric Lee. Dr. Lee moved to Oregon to practice psilocybin assisted therapy. During this episode, he tells us what that looks like, how much it costs, and more. Watch video version of this episode and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/02/29/e63/

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Berry and my friend Phil. Chris Berry is the COO at Illinois Hemp Growers Association. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/02/29/e62/

In this episode, I watch JB Pritzker’s State of the State address live, as it aired. Watch the video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/02/22/e61/

In this episode, I discuss an article that I recently wrote. This discussion includes my friend, Phil. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/02/22/e60/

In this episode, Dr. Bob Miller and I explore the landscape of cannabis testing standards both within Illinois and across the United States. We dive into recent testimony provided by Dr. Miller concerning a notable issue in Illinois' cannabis testing protocols. Additionally, we cover the process of testing samples, discuss cannabis remediation techniques, examine the nuances of hemp, and much more...

In this episode, I speak with Alyson about her experience of working and shopping in New York's cannabis market. You might recognize Alyson from our discussion on The Chillinois Podcast. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/02/22/e58/

In what might be our shortest episode ever, Dr. Bob Miller sheds light on challenges of cannabis testing regulations in Illinois, specifically with regard to pesticide testing. Dr. Miller emphasizes the impracticality of current requirements, stressing that laboratories face significant obstacles in compliance. Dr. Miller claims that this issue has resulted in widespread non-compliance, which ulti...

In this episode, I sit down with David, who recounts his experience as a victim of Illinois’ ongoing criminalization of cannabis. Tune in to gain insight into his story. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/02/18/e56/

My story on an Illinois medical cannabis patient's arrest was featured on "High at 9 News." You can watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cbMmuMEPZg