In this episode, I’m joined by Brad Spirrison to discuss the relaunch of GrownIn and what it means for cannabis commerce and culture in Chicago and the broader Midwest. We talk about why the region is uniquely positioned as a hub for cannabis talent, business, and innovation, and how this next chapter aims to bring those pieces together in a more intentional way. We also dive into the upcoming Midwest Cannabis Forum on May 28, including who should attend, what kind of conversations to expect, and why events like this matter as the industry continues to evolve. Along the way, we touch on federal rescheduling, the rise of hemp beverages, and the importance of aligning stakeholders around the reality that it is all one plant. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/04/03/e271/