In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole sits down with economist Beau Whitney of Whitney Economics to unpack the complex realities behind cannabis market structures. From price elasticity and licensing limits to the rising tension between hemp and marijuana regulation, Beau explains what the data really shows. They also tackle how market access, consolidation, and criminal enforcement intersect with public policy — and why some legalization efforts may be reinforcing old injustices. If you’ve ever wondered whether high cannabis prices are policy-driven, or why hemp has become such a lightning rod, this conversation is for you. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/07/03/e216/

In this live stream, we’ll be discussing the failed attempt to ban federally-legal cannabis products in Texas. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/07/03/e215/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole talks about odor proof updates + Metrc’s impact on Illinois Medical Cannabis Patients. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/07/03/e214/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole talks about odor proof updates + Metrc’s impact on Illinois Medical Cannabis Patients. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/25/e213/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole sits down with Aubree Adams, director of Every Brain Matters, to hear her perspective on the harms of marijuana legalization. While Aubree and Cole don’t see eye to eye on many drug policy issues, the conversation is respectful, candid, and wide-ranging—touching on personal experiences, cannabis-induced psychosis, youth access, and the challenges of regulating a growing industry. This isn’t a debate, but rather an open exchange aimed at understanding where and why viewpoints diverge. Whether you agree or disagree, this episode is a reminder of the importance of engaging across lines of disagreement. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/24/e212/

Cole is joined by Jordan Davidson from Smart Approaches to Marijuana for a candid conversation on cannabis legalization, hemp regulation, and where they still disagree. Watch more at colememo.com/SAM. See the video version of this episode and full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/25/e211/

On this episode of The Cole Memo, I’m joined by Jim Higdon — journalist, author, and co-founder of Cornbread Hemp. We talk about his Kentucky roots, how the Cornbread Mafia helped inspire the brand’s name, and why Cornbread Hemp has become one of the leading voices for common-sense hemp regulation. Jim unpacks the messy realities of cannabis legalization, why the hemp market has regulators and industry giants rattled, and how federal inaction has fueled innovation — and confusion. We also discuss why limiting access and participation is a form of modern prohibition, and what’s at stake in Texas and beyond. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/24/e210/

Livi McKay returns to talk about her latest project, which can be found at discoveryourcolor.co. Discover Your Color is a cannabis delivery service that helps you quickly find the right product using lab-tested data. By answering a few short questions, you’re matched with one of four color-coded categories based on mood and effect—then you can have your selection delivered right to your door. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/12/e209/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, I follow up on episode 207, share highlights from my time at Benzinga, preview upcoming live streams, and cover a few other updates. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/11/e208/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole breaks down a press release from MMJ BioPharma that's shaking up the cannabis world. The company accuses the DEA of obstruction, selective enforcement, and unconstitutional practices—and it has people speculating that federal rescheduling might finally be near. But will it actually help? Cole analyzes what’s in the press release, highlights comments from AG Pam Bondi, and plays clips from MMJ’s CEO via The Dales Report. Plus, what might DEA Administrator nominee Terrence Cole’s past statements reveal about what’s next? It’s a timely, cautious conversation about what reform might actually look like. Watch video version or read full show notes below: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/04/e207/