In this episode, I sit down with Caleb Howard, CEO and founder of Flower Girl and the Illinois State Director for Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM). We dive deep into the challenges facing the hemp industry and the complex landscape of cannabis regulation in Illinois. Caleb shares his personal journey, the obstacles he's faced, and his ongoing efforts to advocate for equity and opportunity in the cannabis space. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/09/01/e119/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, host Cole Preston sits down with fellow advocate and friend, Phillip. They spark up a candid conversation about Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's recent speech at the International Cannabis Bar Association, dissecting the claims of progress in Illinois' cannabis industry. Specifically, they discuss the stark realities behind the state's touted achievements, the unfulfilled promises of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA), and the ongoing challenges faced by social equity applicants. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/08/25/e118/

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In this episode, Cole sits down with Phillip, a fellow advocate, and the organizer of the Melt Market, a unique cannabis farmers market in Illinois. Together, they explore the challenges and rewards of organizing underground cannabis events, discuss the importance of community involvement, and reflect on the evolving cannabis landscape in the state. Tune in to learn how the Melt Market is pushing boundaries and fostering a new era of cannabis culture. Watch the video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/08/15/e117/

In this episode, I interview Illinois State Representative Dan Swanson at the 2024 Hemp Research Open House, co-hosted by the Illinois Hemp Growers Association and the University of Illinois. Recorded in the hemp fields of Urbana-Champaign, this conversation covers the latest legislative session, the ongoing debate between the hemp and cannabis industries, and the bipartisan efforts needed to address public safety while fostering industry growth. Tune in to hear Representative Swanson's perspectives on the future of hemp in Illinois and the potential for collaboration across party lines. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/08/14/e116/

In this episode, I sit down with Martha Bueno, an entrepreneur, former political candidate, and passionate advocate for freedom. Martha shares her unique journey from running for office in Miami and becoming the first political candidate to use OnlyFans as a platform to expose the dirty underbelly of politics. She dives deep into her involvement with the Free Ross Ulbricht movement, her battles with the restrictive cannabis laws in Florida, and the broader implications of government overreach in the cannabis industry. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/08/14/e115/

In this live episode, I am joined by Martha Bueno and The Dank informer to discuss Florida's Amendment 3. During the episode, we also discuss hemp. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/08/13/e114/

In this special episode, Cole sits down with the organizer of the Melt Market, a unique cannabis farmers market that brings together vendors, growers, and cannabis enthusiasts from across Illinois and beyond. They discuss the origins of the Melt Market, the challenges of organizing such events, and the importance of community involvement and collaboration with local authorities. Watch the video version of this episode and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/08/05/e113/

In this episode, I am joined by Kyle Baker, founder of Clean Theory, to explore the complexities of cannabis cultivation and testing. We discuss third-party lab testing, quality control measures, state regulations, remediation processes, and health concerns. Kyle highlights differences between commercial and home growing and argues that Illinois' stringent regulations hinder high-quality cannabis production. This episode offers valuable insights for both professionals and enthusiasts on the evolving landscape of cannabis science and policy. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/08/01/e112/