The Cole Memo

In this episode, I speak with Austin Zamhariri about the status of cannabis legalization/decriminalization in Texas. Watch video version and read full show notes here:

In this episode, I sit down with TheDankInformer, a person I met on X (formerly Twitter). We discuss the topic of hemp regulation. I was under the impression that there might be a lot of disagreement during this conversation, but we seemed to agree on more than we disagreed on. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/06/20/e103/

In this episode, I visit Molly’s Joint, a consumption lounge in Illinois, to sit down with Heather and Boyd LaFoon from VineyardAccounting.net. During the conversation, Boyd and Heather break down the crucial role that accountants play for businesses, explain the complexities of operating in the cannabis industry (including the implications of 280E on both state and federal levels, as well as chal...

In this episode, Douglas Kelly and Peter Contos from Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition join me to recap the most recent legislative session. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/06/11/e101/

In this episode, I play one of the latest episodes of Cannabis Legalization News which features me, Cole Preston. During the episode, we recap various topics, including a recap of the legislative session, discussions on hemp, comparisons between open licensing and limited licensing, and much more. My appearance starts around 18 minutes into the episode. Watch video version or read full show notes...

In this quick episode, I play Governor Pritzker's full remarks regarding the cannabis and hemp legislation that was filed during this legislative session. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/05/31/e99/

Get the latest on cannabis and hemp legislation in Illinois, in this quick ~15 minute episode. Watch the video version of this episode and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/05/30/e98/

In 2016, Illinois decriminalized small amounts of cannabis. Under the 2016 law, those caught with up to 10 grams of marijuana faced fines of $100 to $200. The law also changed the state’s zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence. In doing so, Illinois created a "per-se" limit. A "per-se" limit is the concept that allows the state to assume you're guilty of driving under the influence...

In this episode, Rachel and Chris Berry from the Illinois Hemp Growers Association respond to the latest call to ban an open, competitive, and federally legal cannabis market in the state of Illinois. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/05/25/e96/

In this episode, I speak with Justin Ward about the recent Senate Executive Committee hearing. Justin claims that during the hearing, he was called a drug dealer by the lead sponsor of a bill that was being discussed at the committee. Watch the video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/05/25/e95/

In this episode, I'm joined by Katie Sullivan. During the conversation, we recap one of the latest Medical Cannabis Advisory Board (MCAB) meetings. Katie is a board member on MCAB. During the episode, we also take a look ahead at what the next meeting will include, including how you can tune in and provide public comments. Watch the video version of this episode and read the full show notes here:...

In this episode, I speak with Chicago Police Officer Ramirez about cannabis legalization. This episode features a sneak peek at my mini-doc. See the full show notes to learn more about the DUI issue that I raised. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/05/17/e93/

In this episode, I sit down Aaron from SupportDopePeople.com. We recap a recent Medical Cannabis Advisory Board meeting that we attended, an Illinois cannabis legislative update that we received, and much more. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/05/14/e92/

In this episode, I speak with Dennis Walker about one of his latest satirical videos that sparked a small outcry on Twitter. Watch the video version of this episode or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/05/12/e91/

In this episode, I speak with Victoria, Ted, and Norberto from 3rd Party Carriers (3PC) Illinois. We explore the challenges that licensed transporters encounter, share active legislation that 3PC believes could alleviate some of their difficulties, discuss potential for collaboration with established operators, and more. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/20...

In this episode, I review new cannabis legislation that was filed in the state of Illinois. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/05/10/e89/

In this episode, we discuss the concept of mids. We also explore a recent anecdote from Jim Belushi and Governor Pritzker's 4/20 excursion to Michigan. We also discuss the framework of the Illinois cannabis industry, and the legality of cannabis gifting within the state of Illinois. Watch video version of this episode and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/05/07/e88/

In this episode, I discuss hemp, HLVd (a disease some studies estimate affects 90% of weed in California), our definitions of Social Equity, and more with Michael Malcolm. Watch the video version of this episode and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/05/07/e87/

In this episode, I sit down with Kirsten Velasco from VapeNProp.com. During the discussion, we talk about the early days of the medical cannabis program in Illinois, the current debate around hemp, and more. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/05/01/e86/

In this episode, I sit down with Charles Flanagan. During the episode, Charles and I share our struggles with mental health and addiction. We also discuss fitness, health, food, cannabis, the iron law of prohibition, and much more. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/04/25/e85/

In this episode, I'll be playing a speech that was given by attorney Rod Kight. The speech was entitled "A New Vision for Cannabis Reform". During the speech, Mr. Kight discusses a new vision of cannabis reform to address the current failing system in the US. You might recognize Rod from episode #76 of The Cole Memo. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/0...

Here is a quick 10 minute episode for your 4/20! During this episode, I discuss recent statements that Jim Belushi made at a Cannabis Innovation Summit hosted by our friends at GrownIn and 1871. I also discuss outages that seem to be affecting dispensaries in the state of Illinois and across the nation today. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/04/20/e83...

In this episode, Christian Reichert returns to talk about his continued experience with the criminal justice system. He was recently required to put an ankle monitor on, during this episode he talks about that and more. You can watch this episode and read the full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/04/13/e82/

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Phil. Chris Berry from Illinois Hemp Growers Association joins us for a conversation. During the conversation, we recap a press conference that occurred in hemp that seems to aim for a ban on hemp products in Illinois. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/04/13/e81/

In this episode, I speak with Tanya Griffin about her cannabis-infused sex products, harm reduction, and narcan. I also speak with Tanya about how she acquired an Illinois cannabis license in 2014, her thoughts on hemp, and more! Watch the video version of this episode or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/04/10/e80/