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/
May 31, 2024•6 min
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/
May 31, 2024•14 min
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 even if the state is unable to prove impairment. These arbitrary thresholds have created complicatio...
May 26, 2024•1 hr 23 min
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/
May 25, 2024•1 hr 12 min
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/
May 25, 2024•46 min
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: https://thecolememo.com/2024/05/20/e94/
May 22, 2024•1 hr 34 min
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/
May 19, 2024•10 min
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/
May 14, 2024•2 hr 1 min
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/
May 14, 2024•1 hr 7 min
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/2024/05/10/e90/
May 10, 2024•58 min
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/
May 10, 2024•24 min
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/
May 07, 2024•1 hr 21 min
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/
May 07, 2024•1 hr 33 min
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/
May 01, 2024•1 hr 25 min
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/
Apr 25, 2024•58 min
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/2024/04/24/e84/
Apr 24, 2024•24 min
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/
Apr 20, 2024•11 min
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/
Apr 14, 2024•1 hr 58 min
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/
Apr 13, 2024•1 hr 39 min
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/
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 7 min
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/
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 51 min
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 video version here: http://thecolememo.com/2024/04/04/e78/
Apr 05, 2024•1 hr 52 min
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/
Apr 02, 2024•47 min
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 notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/03/29/e76/
Mar 29, 2024•59 min
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
Mar 29, 2024•17 min
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/
Mar 27, 2024•1 hr 41 min
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.com/2024/03/23/e73/
Mar 23, 2024•46 min
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/
Mar 23, 2024•1 hr
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://thecolememo.com/2024/03/19/e71/
Mar 22, 2024•1 hr 46 min
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/
Mar 18, 2024•1 hr 4 min