The Cole Memo

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole discusses the latest federal cannabis rescheduling developments, including the DEA's approval of more than 900 medical cannabis dispensaries and a controversial denial in Minnesota that raises new questions about the future of adult-use cannabis under federal law. Plus, Illinois Senator Rachel Ventura plans to revisit legislation removing the state's odor-proof cannabis container requirement, while unconfirmed speculation about a potential political shakeup in Springfield raises questions about the upcoming veto session. Cole also takes a detour into Grand Theft Auto VI, sharing his excitement and concerns about the highly anticipated game. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/11/01/e332/

Illinois has launched a long-awaited feature allowing medical cannabis patients to check their remaining purchase allotment and view their recent purchase history online. In this episode, Cole takes a closer look at the new patient portal, including questions about how long purchase records are retained and where that information is stored. Plus, a special Halloween guest takes over The Cole Memo, and Cole explores some interesting parallels between cannabis policy and the history of alcohol regulation in the United States. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/10/29/e331/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, we tour Josh's custom-built outdoor hydroponic system, featuring four massive cannabis plants grown using recirculating deep water culture (RDWC). Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/10/23/e330/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole discusses the latest Illinois cannabis developments, including the expansion of medical cannabis sales at adult-use dispensaries, upcoming hemp regulations, and a proposal to issue 45 new cannabis infuser licenses. He also reviews recent cannabis compliance data and revisits the ongoing debate over home grow and industry opposition to broader legalization. Later, Cole shares highlights from a conversation on Cultivated Live featuring Marijuana Policy Project Executive Director Adam Smith. The discussion explores the organization's position on hemp-derived THC, the importance of independent cannabis advocacy, declining cannabis arrest numbers in states with hemp access, and what the future of federal cannabis legalization could look like. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/10/22/e329/

In this impromptu episode of The Cole Memo, Cole is joined by Brad Spirrison of Grown In to discuss the changing landscape of cannabis policy in Illinois and beyond. They explore the upcoming November 12 hemp restrictions, divisions between licensed cannabis operators and the hemp industry, and the role of consumers in shaping cannabis policy. The conversation also covers home grow, questions surrounding cannabis seed sales at Illinois dispensaries, recent political developments, and Grown In's upcoming Pot, Policy & Politics event in St. Louis. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/10/16/e328/

Illinois State Representative and Democratic congressional nominee La Shawn Ford returns to The Cole Memo to discuss the future of cannabis policy in Illinois. Following the passage of major cannabis reforms earlier this year, Ford shares his thoughts on the legislation, his disappointment with the state's approach to hemp, and what additional reforms lawmakers may consider. The conversation also explores Ford's proposal to use cannabis tax revenue to support struggling families, industry opposition to expanding home grow rights to all adults, and concerns about consolidation in Illinois' cannabis market. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/10/16/e327/

Illinois cannabis sales are showing signs of renewed growth, but questions remain about pricing, competition, and the impact of upcoming hemp restrictions. In this episode, Cole examines newly released Illinois cannabis data, revisits the state's cannabis arrest statistics, and discusses the latest developments in federal cannabis rescheduling as opponents seek additional testimony and documents. Later, Cole hosts a live watch party for the Illinois gubernatorial forum featuring Governor JB Pritzker and Republican challenger Darren Bailey. The conversation also touches on cannabis testing, product remediation, and consumer transparency. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/10/13/e326/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole takes viewers on a tour of an impressive outdoor cannabis home grow in Illinois. Josh Anderson, a medical cannabis patient whose home was previously raided by police, walks us through his custom-built outdoor hydroponic system and explains how he grows massive cannabis plants in the Illinois climate. Later, Brad Spirrison joins the show to discuss upcoming changes to Illinois cannabis and hemp laws, the Grown In Harvest Exchange, and findings from the state's newly released 2026 annual cannabis reports. Topics include cannabis arrest trends, new context surrounding Illinois' post-legalization arrest numbers, and an anticipated online portal for medical cannabis patients. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/10/06/e325/

Illinois is preparing for major changes to its cannabis laws, especially as they relate to hemp. In this episode, Cole moderates a roundtable with Illinois hemp advocates, small business owners, and Aaron Del Mar, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, about what cannabis policy should look like going forward. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/10/05/e324/

Cannabis tax dollars are being used to fund automated license plate readers in Champaign County, Illinois. In this episode, Cole looks at public comments raising concerns about Flock cameras, surveillance, transparency, and the use of cannabis tax revenue, before turning to a debate among county board members over whether those dollars should continue funding the cameras. The discussion highlights competing views over whether license plate readers are an appropriate use of cannabis tax revenue and what role the county board has in determining how those funds are spent. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/10/01/e323/