Step inside the world of smoke shops with this eye-opening episode as we talk with Justine about the surprising—and sometimes concerning—realities of selling legal highs. From kratom and tianeptine (aka “gas station heroin”) to meth pipes, fake pee, and THCP gummies that can leave you high for days, we explore what people are really buying, why they’re buying it, and what this says about drug policy in America. Interview was recorded on February 15, 2025. Watch video version here: https://thecol...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 22 min
This live episode of The Cole Memo takes you straight to Ann Arbor for a boots-on-the-ground look at Hash Bash 2025. Phil returns from Michigan to talk about the storied cannabis protest, the wild mix of licensed and underground vendors, and how Ann Arbor feels like another country when it comes to drug policy. We unpack its historical roots, modern-day impact, and the unique way it blends activism, celebration, and commerce—all under the watchful but lenient eye of local law enforcement. Plus, ...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 33 min
In this episode, I share some breaking news for Illinois cannabis consumers. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/04/11/e184/
Apr 09, 2025•10 min
In this live stream, I will dive into surprising findings from journalists on the safety of legal weed, explore what's ahead for hemp, and cover other key stories from the cannabis world. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/04/01/e183/
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 43 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I’m joined by Livi McKay, CEO and founder of MyTEPI and the Discover Your Color platform, for a deep dive into cannabis, "hemp", and the evolving landscape of plant-based wellness. Livi shares her powerful personal journey—from overcoming severe health issues using cannabis to becoming a leader in quality management and consumer education within the industry. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/31/e182
Mar 29, 2025•1 hr 33 min
In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Ash, a former legal sex worker in Nevada, who shares her perspective on the harsh realities behind the glitzy illusion of brothel work. From starting on OnlyFans to navigating the complexities of legal brothels, Ash offers firsthand accounts of financial struggles, safety concerns, and the psychological toll the industry can take. She discusses the hidden costs, the manipulation behind the scenes, and why many workers, in her experience, find themselv...
Mar 27, 2025•2 hr
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston sits down with (former) Illinois State Representative Dan Caulkins for a candid discussion about the challenges of serving in the Illinois General Assembly. Together, they unpack the state’s pressing issues, including protectionist legislation, the effectiveness of bans, and the controversial Illinois Firearms Ban. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/25/e180/
Mar 24, 2025•2 hr 18 min
In this episode, I travel to Joliet, Illinois, to sit down with Senator Rachel Ventura. We discuss her groundbreaking legislation that could end vehicle searches based solely on the smell of cannabis, a longstanding issue impacting cannabis consumers across Illinois. Senator Ventura shares the story behind the bill, the challenges with current laws, and how her advocacy intersects with criminal justice reform and environmental policy. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://th...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 28 min
In this stream, I’m breaking down a strange dispensary glitch with the customer who caught it. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/21/e178/
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 18 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I talk about legal “booger sugar” that is for sale in smoke shops and I share some cannabis news stories that caught my eye. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/08/e177/
Mar 08, 2025•57 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, host Cole Preston discusses House Bill 3061, the On-Premise Cannabis Consumption Act, with advocates Nathan, Maddie, and Dipesh from the Illinois Cannabis Consumption Association. They break down how the bill would allow municipalities to permit cannabis lounges and events, creating safer spaces for consumers while addressing gaps in current laws. The guests clarify misconceptions, explain why legal consumption spaces matter, and urge listeners to take action by...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 40 min
Cole responds to criticism over his interview with Every Brain Matters’ Aubrey Adams(episode available soon at ColeMemo.com/Patreon), defending open dialogue and the importance of engaging with opposing views. He tackles claims that hosting prohibitionists is harmful, arguing that avoiding an echo chamber only weakens the movement. The episode also covers local cannabis news, including a Peoria lawyer’s dispensary plans, a hemp company entering the Illinois market, and surprising cannabis-relate...
Mar 06, 2025•43 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I visit the Honeycomb Hideout Retreat in Addison, Illinois, for a deep dive into this unique cannabis-friendly space. I sit down with Mark Kunicki, the founder, to discuss how the retreat fosters community, education, and access to high-quality cannabis products. From networking and game nights to medical card consultations and local vendor support, the retreat is more than just a lounge—it's a hub for the cannabis culture in Illinois. Watch video version and re...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 45 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole sits down with Jeremy Gorner of the Chicago Tribune to discuss the fallout from former Speaker Michael Madigan’s conviction and its implications for Illinois politics. They explore Governor Pritzker’s brief, off-the-cuff reference to Madigan during his budget address, the GOP’s renewed calls for ethics reform, and whether the state’s political culture is truly moving on from Madigan’s influence. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://the...
Feb 27, 2025•19 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole breaks down Senate Bill 42, which could end Illinois' requirement for odor-proof cannabis containers and stop police from searching cars based solely on the smell of weed. Joined by Phil, they discuss Cole’s testimony at the state Senate hearing, law enforcement pushback, and the broader implications for personal freedom and Fourth Amendment rights. Expect exclusive insights, legal twists, and a closer look at how Illinois’ cannabis laws could finally catch...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 23 min
In this live episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston kicks things off with updates on the Real ID deadline and other news before diving into the main story: a groundbreaking lawsuit where Illinois State Police were forced to return legally seized cannabis and cash. He also explores racial disparities in enforcement and breaks down the ongoing debate over Illinois’ odor-proof container law. With live call-ins and sharp analysis, this episode unpacks the legal, racial, and regulatory complexities s...
Feb 23, 2025•1 hr 15 min
In this special live episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston is joined by co-host Phil and guest Demarcus Medley, owner of Green Lords Farms in Galesburg, Illinois. They dive into Demarcus’s journey from urban farming with aquaponics to becoming one of Illinois’ first Black hemp farmers. Demarcus shares the harrowing story of being raided by police despite holding a legal hemp license, the challenges of hemp farming in Illinois, and how systemic barriers continue to prevent minority entrepreneurs...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 14 min
In this live Valentine's Day episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston covers major cannabis policy updates in Illinois, including new bills that could legalize on-premise consumption at hospitality venues and eliminate the state's controversial odor-proof container requirement. He also breaks down RFK Jr.'s recent comments on cannabis and their potential impact on federal rescheduling efforts. The episode dives into the growing influence of European cannabis seed companies in the U.S., Illinois' s...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 2 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, we break down Illinois' record-breaking cannabis sales in 2024 and explore what these numbers really mean. While the state touts economic growth, we examine the growing divide between corporate operators and social equity businesses, as well as the ongoing battle over hemp-derived cannabinoids. Plus, we discuss Governor Pritzker’s stance on the “unchecked” hemp market and its impact on legal cannabis businesses. Later, we dive into Illinois’ cannabis policy issu...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 33 min
As Illinois braces for snow, Cole and Phil dive into a jam-packed episode covering recent cannabis legislation, regulatory updates, and the ongoing debate over hemp-derived THC. They break down new proposals, including a bill to expand home cultivation limits and efforts to introduce cannabis delivery in the state. The conversation also explores the Chicago City Hall hemp hearing, where business owners, lawmakers, and advocates clashed over the future of intoxicating hemp products. With candid a...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 53 min
In this live episode of The Cole Memo, we discuss cannabis influencer Goblin's scathing response to Verano's sponsorship offer. We also break down Illinois’ record-breaking cannabis sales, surpassing $2 billion in 2024, and dive into a bizarre lawsuit challenging THC potency limits in concentrates. Plus, I’m joined by live callers! Want to call in live next time? Subscribe to my YouTube channel at ColeMemo.com/YouTube to stay updated on future live streams! Watch video version or read full show ...
Feb 09, 2025•1 hr 24 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I review the latest in Illinois cannabis news: A new bill in the Illinois General Assembly could put an end to vehicle searches based solely on cannabis odor. I break down what this means, the legal background, and the potential impact. I also touch on the ongoing debate between hemp and marijuana and how state policies are shaping the market. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/01/31/e165/
Feb 03, 2025•22 min
n this episode of The Cole Memo, I sit down with Jeremy Gorner from the Chicago Tribune to discuss the latest developments in Illinois politics and policy. We dive into the heated debate over hemp regulation, including the behind-the-scenes lobbying efforts by Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Jeremy shares insights on how these tensions reflect broader divisions within the Democratic Party. We also explore key legislative updates from the recent lame-duck session, including b...
Jan 28, 2025•34 min
In this episode of The Cole Memo, we examine the failed lame duck effort to ban federally-legal cannabis products in Illinois. Was there ever enough support for the controversial bill, or did political tensions and public opposition seal its fate? Tune in for a recap on this high-stakes legislative showdown. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/01/27/e163/
Jan 28, 2025•2 hr 9 min
In this episode, Cole Preston sits down with Jesus, a passionate advocate who helped reignite the historic Hash Wednesday tradition at the University of Illinois. You can learn more about Hash Wednesday at ColeMemo.com/History. During the episode, Cole and Jesus explore the event's roots, the camaraderie it fosters, and the ongoing fight against the War on Drugs. Featuring a powerful poem and reflections on cannabis policy, this conversation captures the spirit of resistance and the push for pro...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 1 min
I’m joined by Maddie Scanlon, founder of High Focus Media and the Illinois Cannabis Consumption Association, to unpack the hot topic of cannabis remediation, Illinois' strict testing standards, and the need for better transparency in labeling. We also explore the role of hemp in cannabis policy and how normalization through consumption advocacy is shaping the industry. A must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving cannabis landscape! Watch video version and read full show notes here: https...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 11 min
In this episode, I sit down with Dustin, the former COO and President of Revolution Cannabis in Illinois, to explore his journey from early experiments with homegrown cannabis in the 90s to shaping cutting-edge cultivation and extraction techniques. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/01/17/e160/
Jan 18, 2025•1 hr 45 min
In this episode, Cole Preston sits down with Miggy and Phil for a lively discussion on the evolving dynamics of the hemp and cannabis industries. They explore the blurred lines between hemp and marijuana, the implications of Illinois' strict regulations, and the impact of social equity programs. From consumer safety concerns with synthetic products to debates on federal descheduling, this episode dives deep into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Watch this episode and read fu...
Jan 17, 2025•2 hr 5 min
In this episode, I welcome Ted Parks, chairman of the Independent Third-Party Carriers Association (ITPCA), to discuss the trials and triumphs of independent cannabis transporters in Illinois. We'll also be discussing hemp! Watch video version and see full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/01/10/e158/
Jan 12, 2025•2 hr 16 min
In this episode, Cole engages in a thought-provoking conversation with RJ, a former law enforcement officer with 20 years of experience at local, state, and federal levels, including work with DHS and border security. This episode is audio only. Read full show notes: https://thecolememo.com/2025/01/10/e157/
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 3 min
