In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole sits down with economist Beau Whitney of Whitney Economics to unpack the complex realities behind cannabis market structures. From price elasticity and licensing limits to the rising tension between hemp and marijuana regulation, Beau explains what the data really shows. They also tackle how market access, consolidation, and criminal enforcement intersect with public policy — and why some legalization efforts may be reinforcing old injustices. If you’ve eve...
Jul 07, 2025•1 hr 24 min
In this live stream, we’ll be discussing the failed attempt to ban federally-legal cannabis products in Texas. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/07/03/e215/
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 13 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole talks about odor proof updates + Metrc’s impact on Illinois Medical Cannabis Patients. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/07/03/e214/
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 53 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole talks about odor proof updates + Metrc’s impact on Illinois Medical Cannabis Patients. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/25/e213/
Jul 01, 2025•29 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole sits down with Aubree Adams, director of Every Brain Matters, to hear her perspective on the harms of marijuana legalization. While Aubree and Cole don’t see eye to eye on many drug policy issues, the conversation is respectful, candid, and wide-ranging—touching on personal experiences, cannabis-induced psychosis, youth access, and the challenges of regulating a growing industry. This isn’t a debate, but rather an open exchange aimed at understanding where ...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 25 min
Cole is joined by Jordan Davidson from Smart Approaches to Marijuana for a candid conversation on cannabis legalization, hemp regulation, and where they still disagree. Watch more at colememo.com/SAM. See the video version of this episode and full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/25/e211/
Jun 30, 2025•56 min
On this episode of The Cole Memo, I’m joined by Jim Higdon — journalist, author, and co-founder of Cornbread Hemp. We talk about his Kentucky roots, how the Cornbread Mafia helped inspire the brand’s name, and why Cornbread Hemp has become one of the leading voices for common-sense hemp regulation. Jim unpacks the messy realities of cannabis legalization, why the hemp market has regulators and industry giants rattled, and how federal inaction has fueled innovation — and confusion. We also discus...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Livi McKay returns to talk about her latest project, which can be found at discoveryourcolor.co. Discover Your Color is a cannabis delivery service that helps you quickly find the right product using lab-tested data. By answering a few short questions, you’re matched with one of four color-coded categories based on mood and effect—then you can have your selection delivered right to your door. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/12/e209/
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 48 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I follow up on episode 207, share highlights from my time at Benzinga, preview upcoming live streams, and cover a few other updates. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/11/e208/
Jun 11, 2025•42 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole breaks down a press release from MMJ BioPharma that's shaking up the cannabis world. The company accuses the DEA of obstruction, selective enforcement, and unconstitutional practices—and it has people speculating that federal rescheduling might finally be near. But will it actually help? Cole analyzes what’s in the press release, highlights comments from AG Pam Bondi, and plays clips from MMJ’s CEO via The Dales Report. Plus, what might DEA Administrator no...
Jun 07, 2025•35 min
Join Aaron, Dave and Cole as they join forces once again to bring you the latest news and discussing all that's been happening in the legislative session in Illinois and elsewhere. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/04/e206/
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 56 min
Austin from Texas Cannabis Collective joins me to break down the latest developments in Texas cannabis policy. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/05/31/e205/
Jun 02, 2025•9 min
In this Friday episode of The Cole Memo, Cole is joined by Peter Contos from the Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition to break down some exciting last-minute developments in Illinois cannabis policy. The two discuss the unexpected movement of Senate Bill 90, which includes long-sought provisions like allowing medical patients to shop at any dispensary, expanding craft grower canopy limits, removing “excluded offenses” from licensing restrictions, and introducing a new hardship exemption for strugg...
May 30, 2025•17 min
On this Memorial Day episode of The Cole Memo, Cole is joined once again by cultivation consultant and cannabis industry veteran Dusty Shroyer for a deep, nuanced conversation about the evolving hemp and cannabis landscape. From the science behind THC testing to the market distortions caused by prohibition-era policies, the two unpack the promise and pitfalls of hemp policy, explore why rescheduling may not fix medical cannabis, and discuss practical solutions to ensure clean, safe, and equitabl...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 33 min
In this packed Friday edition of The Cole Memo, Cole goes live to cover the latest developments in Illinois cannabis policy—including behind-the-scenes updates on proposed changes to licensing fees, adult-use purchase limits, and a potential fix for the controversial "odorproof" vehicle law. He also shares insider intel on efforts to expand access for medical patients, rising struggles among social equity operators, and whether Illinois might revoke its 280E tax relief. Plus, Cole highlights a n...
May 24, 2025•1 hr 23 min
We’ve heard promises of equity and transparency, but has Illinois delivered? Chicago Sun-Times reporter Tom Schuba joins me to unpack how political connections, limited transparency, and data protections have shaped Illinois’ cannabis rollout. We discuss his latest story for the Sun-Times, which details how insiders with clout have secured a foothold in the market—and how state laws continue to keep key ownership information out of public view. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/...
May 14, 2025•35 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I'm joined once again by Chicago Tribune reporter and author Ray Long for a deep dive into Illinois’ ongoing ethics crisis. We discuss his recent reporting on how, despite a wave of public corruption convictions—including former House Speaker Mike Madigan—lawmakers have made little effort to close glaring loopholes in state ethics laws. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/05/12/e200/
May 12, 2025•36 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I break down the latest twists in Illinois’ cannabis odorproof container bill—now the furthest it's ever advanced. We look at the House committee vote, unpack surprising testimony, and examine concerns over racial disparities, DUI enforcement, and so-called “trafficking loopholes.” I also share exclusive info from a source about a potential amendment that could undermine the entire bill's intent by allowing new stops and searches. Watch video version and read fu...
May 10, 2025•1 hr 42 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, host Cole Preston welcomes Jason Brown, founder of Illinois News Joint, for a wide-ranging conversation covering five years of legal cannabis in Illinois, the rise of hemp, the evolution of product reviews, and his latest effort to give back: launching two scholarships for cannabis students at SIU and Oakton College. They also unpack the normalization of weed use, the state’s troubled seed policies, and why transparency and education are key to moving the indust...
May 09, 2025•2 hr
In this episode, I'll be joined by a small business owner to talk about how and why they started a cannabis business in the state of Illinois. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/05/09/e197/
May 07, 2025•2 hr 8 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole explores the widening divide between state-marijuana programs and the federally legal hemp market—two systems selling identical products under very different rules. I'll be joined by a guest in the state-marijuana program and a guest that participates in the federally legal hemp market. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/05/06/e196/
May 07, 2025•2 hr 57 min
In this live stream, I’ll cover a recent press conference where Illinois cannabis business owners called for relief from steep fees and burdensome regulations. I’ll also discuss Trump’s pick to lead the DEA, who recently said that reviewing marijuana’s federal status will be one of his first priorities, along with other updates. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/05/07/e195/
May 07, 2025•1 hr 26 min
In this episode, I'll be talking about a few dispensaries that were attacked with molotov cocktails and other news. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/05/02/e194/
May 04, 2025•1 hr 26 min
In this episode, I share some of the latest cannabis news that has caught my attention. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/05/02/e193/
May 03, 2025•35 min
Trigger warning: this episode contains detailed discussions of sexual violence, PTSD, and suicide. In this powerful and emotional episode of The Cole Memo, returning guest Torrin Richelle opens up about her experience with military sexual trauma (MST) during her service in the U.S. Army. She recounts the harassment, assault, and institutional failures she endured—and the long-lasting impact it’s had on her life for nearly four decades. Torrin discusses how MST has affected her relationships, men...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 48 min
In this special episode of The Cole Memo, I’m joined by Aaron and Dave — the voices behind The Elevated News Podcast and the driving forces behind SupportDopePeople.com. We talk about how their show started during the pandemic and how they’re using media to push cannabis culture forward in Illinois and beyond. We also reflect on breaking news around SB42, the future of homegrow and farmers markets, and why access — not just profit — should be at the heart of cannabis policy. Come for the laughs,...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 53 min
In this quick update, I share important news about Senate Bill 42, which would remove Illinois' requirement that cannabis be transported in an odorproof container—helping to end police searches based solely on the smell of cannabis. I explain where the bill stands, how you can help by filing a witness slip before the April 29 deadline, and why this change matters for legal cannabis consumers. Learn more at ColeMemo.com/odorproof. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolem...
Apr 25, 2025•9 min
On this special Bicycle Day episode of The Cole Memo, I'm joined by Austin Zamhariri of the Texas Cannabis Collective for a deep dive into Texas' escalating cannabis policy battles. We discuss the looming threat of a full hemp ban, the failures of the state's restrictive medical program, and how Texas' hemp market has provided broader legal access to the cannabis plant than many realize. Austin shares insights from the front lines of the legislative fight, the economic stakes for farmers and con...
Apr 20, 2025•58 min
Award-winning investigative journalist Ray Long joins Cole Preston for a deep dive into the political legacy of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan—arguably the most powerful figure in the state’s modern political history. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/04/19/e188/
Apr 19, 2025•1 hr 21 min
In this episode, I share updates on the upcoming changes to Illinois’ medical cannabis portal—something I’ve been tracking since 2023. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/04/18/e187/
Apr 17, 2025•22 min
