The Cole Memo

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Crandall, the Chief Revenue Officer at MariMed Inc., to discuss the company’s latest developments. We explore MariMed’s recent acquisition of a craft license in Illinois, we discuss limited licenses & open licensing approaches, we discuss the hemp industry, implications of cannabis decriminalization, the ongoing discussion over rescheduling, and more. Read ful...

In this episode, I feature an interview that I captured during the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference 2023. Following a session’s conclusion, I conducted an impromptu interview with Jon Levine to discuss comments that he made about the cannabis market in Illinois. Jon Levine is the Chief Executive Officer at Marimed Inc. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2...

In this episode, I sit down with Jim Blissitt III to talk about cannabis delivery and transportation in the state of Illinois. Watch the video version or read full show notes here: http://thecolememo.com/2024/01/23/e53/

In this intriguing episode, I engage in a compelling conversation about the intriguing intersection of science and cannabis with Steve Philpott. Our discussion navigates through the fascinating landscape of the cannabis industry's marketing terminology, shedding light on crucial distinctions like hemp versus "regular marijuana" and dissecting terms like "sativa" and "indica." Watch video version o...

In this episode, I discuss the potential impact of cannabis being rescheduled and so much more with Chief Content Director of Illinois News Joint, Michael Lasley! Watch the video version and read full show notes here: http://thecolememo.com/2024/01/21/e51/

In this episode, I sit down with Joseph Hughes. Joseph describes himself as the son of the last drug smuggler. Watch video version of this episode and read full show notes here: http://thecolememo.com/2024/01/21/e50/

In this episode, Attorneys Evan Bruno and Kulmeet Galhotra join me for a conversation about how cannabis odor is being used as a way to violate citizens' Fourth Amendment rights. For our main topic in this episode, we recap oral arguments that were recently heard in the Illinois Supreme Court regarding this very issue. Read full show notes here: http://thecolememo.com/2024/01/21/e49/

Tina Reichert returns in this episode to deliver exciting news: Christian Reichert, her son, is being released from an Illinois prison after being  arrested Aug. 2nd, 2016 in the state of Illinois for a "marijuana conspiracy". In this episode, we celebrate and talk about what the next steps are. In order to show your support for Christian as he returns home, we invite you to consider making a purc...

In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking Supreme Court case that questions the validity of using the scent of cannabis as the sole justification for searching a motor vehicle. Tune in as I provide you with an in-depth look at the riveting Supreme Court debate. While this footage isn't exclusive to our podcast, we are one of the first to share it in its entirety, as far as I am aware. See video...

In this episode, I engage in a discussion about cannabis, content creation, and various other topics with Alex, an established cannabis reviewer based in Illinois! (one of my personal favorites!). Read full show notes here: http://thecolememo.com/2024/01/17/episode-46-cannabis-critique/

In this episode, I sit down with Blake Boyd-Madden. I recently met Blake at a ChicagoNORML meeting. Blake is the face behind DailyRoller.com and SmokeResponsiblySocial.com. During this episode, we talk about the current state of cannabis, including a conversation about the community, hemp, the issues with cannabis testing, and much more. Watch video version of this episode and read full show notes...

In this episode, I'm joined by Debby Goldsberry, a seasoned drug policy advocate and founder of the Cannabis Action Network. We cover Hash Wednesday, her cannabis industry journey, and discuss the crucial reforms needed in cannabis policy. Read full show notes here: http://thecolememo.com/2024/01/12/episode-44-debby-goldsberry-hash-wednesday-illinois-cannabis-history/

In this episode, I sit down with cannabis industry lawyer Tom Howard for a conversation about THCa. What exactly is THCa, and why does it deserve our attention? For those unfamiliar, THCa flower can readily be found in dispensaries, but what's driving its widespread availability and popularity? We discuss all of that and more in this episode. Watch video version of this episode and read full show...

In this episode, I speak with a fellow cannabis consumer. We each share our top 5 Illinois cannabis-related stories from the year of 2023. Watch video version and read full show notes here: http://thecolememo.com/2024/01/11/e42/

In this episode, we dig deep into a comparison between the hemp and regulated-cannabis markets across the United States. Our primary focus centers on Illinois and its unique position relative to other states. We also explore a recent story I shared about outdoor cannabis cultivation in Illinois. Ali and I discuss what made this story so intriguing to her, and I provide insights into my reasons for...

In this episode, I had the privilege sitting down with Jeremy Gorner, a reporter from the Chicago Tribune. Our discussion centered around the recent legislative changes that came into effect on January 1, 2024, and it offered insights into various topics, including the implementation of the assault weapons ban, the state's updated stance on vaping, its approach to book censorship, and a host of ot...

In this episode, I have a conversation with Charlie Bachtell, the founder and CEO of Cresco Labs. I speak to Charlie about license limitations, home grow, the complete decriminalization of cannabis, hemp (THCa, etc), and more. Cresco Labs stands as one of the most prominent publicly traded, multi-state cannabis corporations in the United States. For additional details about their operations and in...

Coca leaves have limited access. For the past 130 years, Coca-Cola has monopolized the legal importation and processing of the coca leaf. Harbour Solutions recently ended that monopoly. Harbour Solutions is in a category of one as the sole Canadian authorized importing agent for the only legal source of coca leaves and its derivatives in the world. Watch video version of this episode and read full...

In one of the penultimate episodes of my ongoing series exploring the legalized prostitution industry in Nevada, I embark on a captivating journey across these United States to visit a brothel. Stream the full series at ColeMemo.com/Sex. Watch video version and read full show notes here: http://thecolememo.com/2024/01/06/episode-37-the-legal-sex-industry-legal-prostitution-in-nevada-episode-15-tou...

In this episode, I am once again joined by Torrey Lisa. If you prefer watching the video version of this episode or want to catch up on Torrey's initial appearances on this show, or even explore all the episodes released in this series up to this point, simply go here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/01/03/episode-36-the-legal-sex-industry-legal-prostitution-in-nevada-episode-13-torrey-lisa-torrey-li...

In this episode, I am joined by arguably one of the most famous sex workers that currently works in Nevada's legal sex industry. Her stage name, Alice Little. Watch video version of episode or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2023/12/30/episode-35-the-legal-sex-industry-legal-prostitution-in-nevada-episode-12-alice-little-thealicelittle-com/

In this episode, I speak to Bella Cummins. Madam Bella Cummins is the owner of Bella’s Hacienda Ranch, a legal brothel in Wells, Nevada. She is also the founder of the Onesta Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to support Nevada sex workers and advocate for prostitution legalization throughout the United States. Watch the video version of this episode and read full show notes here:...

In this episode, I speak to Kaytlin Bailey. Kaytlin is a sex worker rights advocate, comedian, and writer. She's also the Founder & Executive Director of Old Pros, a non-profit media organization creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society. Kaytlin is the host of The Oldest Profession Podcast. She is also the creator of Whore’s Eye View, a 75-minute mad dash through 10,000 y...

In this episode, Kiki makes a compelling return to share her experiences working in a brothel in Nevada. During the conversation, she sheds light on the toxic working environment that she endured. We also talk about her current workplace and the reasons behind her decision to leave the previous brothel she was employed at. Watch video version of this episode and read full show notes here: http://t...

In this episode, I speak with Denyelle. Denyelle worked at the world famous Moonlite Bunny Ranch, among other brothels. She was known as "the handler". In this episode she tells us about her working experience at legal brothels, specifically her working experience with notorious legal pimp Dennis Hof. Watch video version of this episode or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2023/12...