The Cole Memo

In this episode of The Cole Memo, I sit down with legal professionals Evan Bruno and Bob Galhotra to dissect the Illinois Supreme Court’s rulings on Redmond and Molina, two pivotal cases involving traffic searches and cannabis odor. We break down the broader implications of these rulings, discuss the controversial "odor-proof container" requirement, and examine how these legal developments could e...

In this episode, Cole Preston sits down with Chicago Tribune reporter Jeremy Gorner for an in-depth discussion on Illinois' firearm ban, its legal challenges, and the latest developments from the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Jeremy provides a detailed breakdown of the case's journey through the courts, the implications of recent rulings, and what might come next. We also touch on federal and...

This is a clip from a recent episode of High At Nine, where the hosts discuss a story I originally reported on The Cole Memo. The segment covers breaking news from Illinois, as the state Supreme Court upholds the odor-proof cannabis container law, ruling that the smell of raw cannabis alone can provide probable cause for warrantless vehicle searches. The hosts dive into the legal implications, dis...

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole sits down with attorney Ali Jubelirer to discuss her groundbreaking lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The case alleges discriminatory practices in the state’s cannabis transport licensing process, disproportionately affecting minority and women-owned businesses. Ali shares insights into the legal strategy, the real-world impacts on small...

Join me LIVE on Monday, December 2nd, at 4:20 p.m. Central for an all-new episode of The Cole Memo! I’ll be speaking with the lawyer at the center of the Illinois cannabis lawsuit that’s been featured in major outlets like the Chicago Sun-Times. Don’t miss this exclusive conversation about the fight for equity in the Illinois cannabis industry. Read the full show notes and find the direct link to...

Join me for a reflective dive into the evolution of Illinois' medical cannabis program. From navigating outdated paper processes and restrictive dispensary registrations to today's streamlined patient portals, we've come a long way—but there's still more to achieve. I discuss the milestones, challenges, and opportunities for further progress, including better caregiver rights and expanded cultivat...

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole is joined by Austin, the executive director of the Texas Cannabis Collective, to dive into the dynamic and evolving world of cannabis policy in Texas. They discuss the recent decriminalization wins in cities like Dallas, the contrasts between Texas’s restrictive medical program and its flourishing hemp market, and the regulatory hurdles Texas advocates are ba...

Cole chats with Dr. Eric Lee, founder of Space, a psychedelic clinic in Portland. Dr. Lee shares his journey from telemedicine to making guided psychedelic experiences affordable and accessible, all while navigating Oregon's unique regulatory landscape. They discuss how Dr. Lee keeps costs low, the concept of insurance-covered sessions, and the role of psychedelics in personal growth. Read video v...

In this episode, Cole sits down with Rod Kight, an attorney and hemp advocate, to explore the ongoing battle over hemp regulations and what it means for consumers, small businesses, and the cannabis industry at large. They discuss the crucial freedoms granted by the 2018 Farm Bill, the three-pillar regulatory approach to keep consumers safe, and the surprising support Rod has received from unlikel...

In this episode of The Cole Memo, I interview Holly Roeder, owner of Ash & Ivy, a new self-funded, family-backed dispensary in Southern Illinois. Holly shares that their dispensary is preparing for a soft opening on November 13, 2024, with the grand opening on Saturday. After facing challenges with opening a lounge in Sesser, Illinois, they moved to West City, an area closer to major roads, making...

In this episode, we’re sparking a conversation with Chris and Rachel from the Illinois Hemp Growers Association. Join us as we discuss the potential impact of House Bill 5903, which aims to reshape hemp regulations in Illinois by aligning them with federal standards. We dive into recent headlines around proposed state regulations and the growing tension between the hemp and cannabis industries. Wa...

In this episode, I speak with Eapen Thampy, a longtime cannabis lobbyist in Missouri, about the restrictive licensing models that limit access and fuel corruption within the cannabis industry. Eapen shares his insights on the rise of hemp-derived THC products, which he sees as an accessible alternative that bypasses the dispensary model, offering consumers greater choice. Watch video version and r...

In this episode of The Cole Memo, host Cole Preston connects with Luke Niforatos, Executive Vice President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). SAM advocates for a “third-way” approach to cannabis policy, opposing full legalization and commercialization while promoting responsible regulation. Watch video version and read show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/11/10/e139/

In this episode, I sit down with Tyrone Muhammad at a dispensary that he co-founded, Prohibition THCafe. At this location, they sell Support Your Local Weedman branded cannabis-hemp products such as edibles, pre-rolls, flower, and more. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/11/03/e138/

In this special Halloween episode of The Cole Memo, Cole and Phil spark up a conversation with longtime cannabis and psychedelic policy advocate Dan Linn. Known for his impactful work with Illinois NORML and the Illinois Psychedelic Society, Dan shares insights from his 15+ years fighting for sensible drug policies. They discuss the evolution of cannabis legislation in Illinois, the challenges pos...

In this episode of The Cole Memo, I watch David Lakeman's live-streamed interview for the role of Executive Director at the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission and share key takeaways. I also discuss the importance of transparency in cannabis governance and explore the potential impact of Lakeman’s move on Illinois' cannabis policies. Don't miss this analysis on what these changes could mean...

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cameron Clarke, CEO and Co-Founder of Sunderstorm, explores two contrasting cannabis markets: Thailand’s swift descheduling and the U.S.’s tightly regulated approach. He also shares the evolution of Sunderstorm’s edibles brand, Kanha—from pioneering fast-acting nano-tech edibles to launching wellness-driven products and expanding into the hemp edibles space. Watch...

In this episode of The Cole Memo, I reconnect with Jordan Davidson, the Government Affairs Manager for Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). SAM advocates for a "third-way" approach to cannabis policy; they oppose full legalization and commercialization. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/10/25/ep134/

In this episode, I’m joined by two guests to explore the future of cannabis and hemp: Chris Fontes, CEO of Trojan Horse Cannabis and High Spirits Beverages, and returning guest Tom Howard, a cannabis attorney and legalization advocate. Chris and Tom cover the complexities of the current cannabis and hemp industries, examining how legislation, regulations, and market dynamics shape the sector. The...

In this episode of The Cole Memo, I reconnect with Dana Larsen, an influential Canadian author, businessman, and advocate for drug policy reform. Dana has been a trailblazer in this space, founding Vancouver’s third cannabis dispensary and the city’s first mushroom dispensary. He has also expanded into broader psychedelic access, providing products like coca leaf, LSD, and peyote over the counter...

In this episode of The Cole Memo, I share my interaction with Jim Belushi at the 2024 Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, held in Chicago, Illinois. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/10/11/e131/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston breaks down the Illinois Supreme Court’s landmark decision that the smell of burnt cannabis is no longer enough for police to search a vehicle. Joined by criminal defense attorneys Evan Bruno and Bob Galhotra, the trio dives deep into the implications of this ruling, the key legal distinctions between burnt and raw cannabis odors, and what remains unr...

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston welcomes back Chicago Tribune reporter Jeremy Gorner for an in-depth conversation on Illinois' controversial assault weapons ban. They discuss the origins of the legislation, the ongoing legal battles, and its potential to reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Jeremy breaks down the arguments from both gun rights advocates and gun control proponents, while Co...

In this episode, Cole Preston is joined by Hirsch Jain to discuss the implications of Florida's upcoming Amendment 3 vote, the complicated politics surrounding cannabis reform, and the ongoing debates over home grow and oligopolistic tendencies in the state’s marijuana industry. They also explore the growing tensions between hemp and cannabis markets, along with the broader criminal justice issues...

In this episode, Cole Preston sits down with veteran John Grady to discuss a raid by Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) on a VFW post that offered hemp-infused beverages (exclusively) to its adult members. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/09/17/e127/