Cole Preston is joined by Brad Spirrison to preview the upcoming Midwest Cannabis Forum, a regional event bringing together voices from across the cannabis, hemp, beverage, tech, finance, and regulatory worlds. The conversation explores why organizers are trying to create a space for dialogue between industries that are often at odds, while also discussing the rapidly changing landscape surrounding hemp-derived products, intoxicating beverages, and cannabis regulation in Illinois and beyond. They also discuss Illinois cannabis legislation, potential Schedule III implications, 280E tax relief, social equity concerns, medical dispensary access, and the broader uncertainty surrounding federal reform. Along the way, the episode features audience questions, Midwest market analysis, and plenty of classic Cole Memo banter. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/05/22/e281/