In this special Halloween episode of The Cole Memo, Cole and Phil spark up a conversation with longtime cannabis and psychedelic policy advocate Dan Linn. Known for his impactful work with Illinois NORML and the Illinois Psychedelic Society, Dan shares insights from his 15+ years fighting for sensible drug policies. They discuss the evolution of cannabis legislation in Illinois, the challenges posed by limited licensing, and how both law enforcement and licensed cannabis cultivators have influenced restrictive frameworks. Dan also dives into the exciting possibilities of the proposed Cure Act, which would decriminalize psychedelic substances and allow for supervised therapeutic use. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/11/01/e137/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cameron Clarke, CEO and Co-Founder of Sunderstorm, explores two contrasting cannabis markets: Thailand’s swift descheduling and the U.S.’s tightly regulated approach. He also shares the evolution of Sunderstorm’s edibles brand, Kanha—from pioneering fast-acting nano-tech edibles to launching wellness-driven products and expanding into the hemp edibles space. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/11/01/e136/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, I watch David Lakeman's live-streamed interview for the role of Executive Director at the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission and share key takeaways. I also discuss the importance of transparency in cannabis governance and explore the potential impact of Lakeman’s move on Illinois' cannabis policies. Don't miss this analysis on what these changes could mean for the future of cannabis regulation. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/10/31/e135/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, I reconnect with Jordan Davidson, the Government Affairs Manager for Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). SAM advocates for a "third-way" approach to cannabis policy; they oppose full legalization and commercialization. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/10/25/ep134/

In this episode, I’m joined by two guests to explore the future of cannabis and hemp: Chris Fontes, CEO of Trojan Horse Cannabis and High Spirits Beverages, and returning guest Tom Howard, a cannabis attorney and legalization advocate.Chris and Tom cover the complexities of the current cannabis and hemp industries, examining how legislation, regulations, and market dynamics shape the sector.

The discussion highlights the balance between ensuring consumer safety and reducing burdensome regulations, the challenges of limited licensing/open licensing, and the broader goal of cannabis normalization. Both guests stress the importance of collaboration between the hemp and marijuana industries to achieve fairer, more practical regulations, particularly as Congress and federal agencies prepare new rules.

Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/10/25/e133/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, I reconnect with Dana Larsen, an influential Canadian author, businessman, and advocate for drug policy reform. Dana has been a trailblazer in this space, founding Vancouver’s third cannabis dispensary and the city’s first mushroom dispensary. He has also expanded into broader psychedelic access, providing products like coca leaf, LSD, and peyote over the counter to responsible adults. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/10/20/e134/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, I share my interaction with Jim Belushi at the 2024 Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, held in Chicago, Illinois. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/10/11/e131/

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/