The Cole Memo

In Episode 242, Cole breaks down President Trump’s latest comments on cannabis reclassification, comparing them to his earlier remarks from August and zooming in on what changed, especially the new emphasis on research. With reports swirling about possible timing, Cole reacts to the broader rumor mill, pulls in chatter from The Dales Report, and highlights how different corners of the industry are reading the tea leaves. Then the show opens up into a real conversation: rescheduling vs descheduling, the Farm Bill angle, 280E tax pressure, and the ongoing debate over whether state markets would survive a Schedule III world. Plus, a call-in from Brian brings the “people before profits” argument front and center, with a clear message that access matters more than labels like “hemp” or “marijuana.” Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/12/15/e242/

In this live episode, Cole breaks down the latest reporting and speculation that federal cannabis rescheduling could move fast, possibly as soon as Monday, December 15, 2025. He explains why he is only slightly encouraged by a potential shift to Schedule 3, revisits how the review process started in October 2022, and highlights why Smart Approaches to Marijuana sounding the alarm is something he takes seriously given their connections and past track record. Then, Cole pivots to the sudden media surge around “scromiting” and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), pushing back on familiar talking points like “not your grandma’s marijuana” while making the case that learning more about CHS is a net positive in a world where legalization enables more honest conversations, better data, and more informed adults. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/12/13/e241/

During this episode, I plan to discuss the latest in cannabis policy news. I also plan to roll out a fresh new look for the show. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/12/11/e240/

In this episode, Cole is joined by Doug Kelly and Peter Contos of the Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition to unpack several major developments in Illinois and across the country. Illinois recently wrapped its fall veto session, and while cannabis policy did not move, lawmakers advanced key criminal justice measures. Doug and Peter break down what passed, why it matters, and how these changes affect everyday residents and cannabis consumers. Cole, Doug, and Peter talk candidly about how cannabis policy has often been developed behind closed doors in Illinois, then close with a first look at the Cannabis Research Institute’s statewide listening sessions and what this new research effort could mean for Illinois. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/11/21/e239/

During this stream, I’ll be interviewed by a group of fellow content creators about what the upcoming federal cannabis ban could look like. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/11/20/e238/

Several politicians reacted to the newest federal ban on cannabis products. We’ll watch their reactions and take callers in this live broadcast of The Cole Memo. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/11/14/e237/

The U.S. Senate just voted to recriminalize hemp-derived cannabis products that have been federally legal for the past eight years. In this live episode, Cole breaks down what the vote means for consumers, small farmers, and the broader cannabis movement. Guest Mason Lopez of SunDrenchedFarm joins to share how the proposed ban could devastate small hemp businesses, erase patient access to effective CBD products, and undo years of progress toward a more open and functional market. The discussion also touches on rescheduling, market fairness, and whether low-dose THC beverages might be the next battleground. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/11/12/e236/

I will be joined by an individual who audits the test results of cannabis products to see if they are accurate. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/10/31/e235/

Read more: https://thecolememo.com/2025/10/27/e234/

Illinois Representative La Shawn Ford returns to The Cole Memo for a candid conversation about where cannabis policy has been, where it stalled, and what it will take to move forward. We unpack the closed-door debate over hemp and delta-8, whether the answer is prohibition or regulation, and why age-gating, testing, and labeling should be the baseline. Ford weighs limited licensing against open market participation, talks wins and gaps since 2019, and shares practical advice for advocates and consumers, including using virtual testimony and focusing on single-issue bills instead of large omnibus packages. We also explore possession limits, homegrow realities in Illinois, and data showing arrests persist where legal access is scarce. Plus, Ford explains why federal action still shapes state choices, and what he hopes to work on as he looks toward Washington. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/10/27/e234/