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 contacting their representatives. This episode cuts through the noise, making cannabis policy clear and actionable. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/07/e176/

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-related incidents in schools. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/05/e175/

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 read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/03/e174/

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://thecolememo.com/2025/02/25/e173/

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 up with common sense. Watch video version and read full show notes here:

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 shaping the state’s cannabis landscape. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/02/23/e171/

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 from entering the market. The conversation also explores broader themes of social equity, the failures of Illinois’ cannabis licensing system, and the untapped potential of hemp as a tool for true economic empowerment. With surprise guest appearances from cannabis advocate Miggy from Cannabis Legalization News, this episode delivers raw, unfiltered insights into the intersections of race, policy, and the future of cannabis reform. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/02/21/e170/

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' sudden halt of its stash bag program, and fresh hemp legislation aimed at protecting hemp-derived cannabinoids. With live listener reactions and commentary, this episode offers an engaging and timely look at the evolving landscape of cannabis reform. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/02/21/e169/

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 issues, including home cultivation, high taxes, and the need for market reforms. We also touch on breaking news about former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s conviction and what it signals for the state’s political landscape. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/02/13/e168/

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 analysis and sharp commentary, Cole and Phil dissect the inconsistencies in cannabis policy, the pushback from licensed operators, and the broader implications for consumer access and economic equity. Plus, a deep dive into the testimony of industry experts—including a fiery appearance from Tyrone Muhammad—and the questions that left some officials struggling to grasp the nuances of hemp law. Watch video version and read full show notes: https://thecolememo.com/2025/02/13/e167/