The Cole Memo

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston breaks down the Illinois Supreme Court’s landmark decision that the smell of burnt cannabis is no longer enough for police to search a vehicle. Joined by criminal defense attorneys Evan Bruno and Bob Galhotra, the trio dives deep into the implications of this ruling, the key legal distinctions between burnt and raw cannabis odors, and what remains unresolved with the upcoming Molina case. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/09/27/e130/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston welcomes back Chicago Tribune reporter Jeremy Gorner for an in-depth conversation on Illinois' controversial assault weapons ban. They discuss the origins of the legislation, the ongoing legal battles, and its potential to reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Jeremy breaks down the arguments from both gun rights advocates and gun control proponents, while Cole draws comparisons between firearm policy and other legislative challenges in the state. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/09/22/e129/

In this episode, Cole Preston is joined by Hirsch Jain to discuss the implications of Florida's upcoming Amendment 3 vote, the complicated politics surrounding cannabis reform, and the ongoing debates over home grow and oligopolistic tendencies in the state’s marijuana industry. They also explore the growing tensions between hemp and cannabis markets, along with the broader criminal justice issues at play. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/09/22/e128/

In this episode, Cole Preston sits down with veteran John Grady to discuss a raid by Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) on a VFW post that offered hemp-infused beverages (exclusively) to its adult members. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/09/17/e127/

In this episode, I provide a high-level overview and commentary on cannabis-related stories that caught my attention. Topics include the launch of the Cannabis Research Institute in Chicago, the Illinois dispensary regulations effective as of August 2024, and the recent statements from former President Donald Trump endorsing Florida's Amendment 3. View full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/09/14/e126/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston sits down with Zack Huffman, a journalist with roots in cannabis reporting, to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of cannabis regulation. They explore the impact of the 2018 Farm Bill, the controversy over hemp-derived THC products, and how states like Michigan and Missouri are cracking down on product inversion. Cole also gives a sneak peek into his upcoming mini-documentary, premiering in Chicagoland. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/09/13/e125/

In this insightful episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston is joined by Kelly Rippel, an advocate with deep ties to Kansas cannabis reform and industrial hemp policy. Kelly shares groundbreaking research on the long-standing connections between pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly and cannabis, including how corporate interests influenced cannabis prohibition in the Midwest. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/09/13/e124/

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In this episode, Cole Preston sits down with Adam, co-founder and CEO of Cantrip, to discuss the latest developments in California's evolving hemp beverage regulations. Adam's own product, Cantrip, made an unexpected appearance in a state press conference, and he shares his thoughts on the surprise and its implications for the hemp industry. They discuss California’s proposed restrictions, compliance challenges, child-resistant packaging, and how these developments affect both businesses and consumers. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/09/06/e123/

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Redman and Reese Xavier. The conversation covers key topics such as the hurdles in operationalizing craft grow licenses, the implications of federal and state regulations on the industry, and the ongoing debate around the regulation of hemp-derived intoxicants. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/09/06/e122/