The Cole Memo

Governor JB Pritzker has signed Illinois’ cannabis omnibus legislation into law, marking one of the most significant updates to the state’s cannabis regulations since adult-use sales began in 2020. In this episode, we break down the new law, including expanded possession limits, free medical cannabis licenses for adult-use dispensaries, drive-thru and curbside sales, telehealth certifications, craft grow expansion, and new rules surrounding ownership disclosures and investment interests. We also discuss a new Chicago Sun-Times investigation involving cannabis ownership disclosures, questions surrounding implementation and rulemaking, and a recent report showing Illinois continues to lead adult-use states in cannabis arrest rates despite legalization. Plus, an update on upcoming FOIA requests, state responses, and what stories we're tracking next. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/18/e292/

On this impromptu live episode of The Cole Memo, Cole discusses reports that Trulieve is set to become the first U.S. cannabis company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, what that development could mean for the industry, and why other major operators appear to be preparing for similar moves. Cole also shares updates on an upcoming article examining the continued criminalization of cannabis in Illinois and teases new reporting that may be of particular interest to home growers. The episode also marks the return of Cole's homegrow journey, complete with a live grow cam, plans for a new grow journal, and an invitation for listeners to follow along throughout the season. Plus, updates on supporter contributions, ongoing payment processor issues, and a brief programming note regarding The Cole Memo's upcoming schedule. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/10/e291/

Illinois lawmakers have finally passed a long-discussed cannabis omnibus bill, but what does it actually mean for consumers, home growers, hemp operators, and the broader cannabis industry? Cole is joined by longtime friend Phil for a candid conversation about possession limit increases, medical access expansion, hemp restrictions, social equity transporters, security requirements, and why many of the state's biggest cannabis debates remain unresolved. The conversation also explores Illinois' continued cannabis arrests, civil asset forfeiture, home grow enforcement, cannabis DUI concerns, and whether recent reforms are addressing the root problems that have existed since legalization. Along the way, Cole and Phil compare Illinois to neighboring states, discuss Michigan's cannabis market, and look ahead to what could come next for cannabis policy in Illinois. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/06/e290/

In Episode 289 of The Cole Memo, Cole recaps a major week in Illinois cannabis policy as the omnibus cannabis and hemp legislation officially heads to Governor J.B. Pritzker's desk. He highlights key developments from recent coverage, reflects on conversations with advocates and lawmakers, and shares where listeners can find deeper analysis of the legislation. The episode also features a live Q&A covering homegrow advocacy, possession limits, cannabis consumption lounges, patient representation, and the ongoing effort to build grassroots support for broader cannabis reform in Illinois. Plus, Cole discusses recent recognition from Marijuana Moment and previews upcoming guests and projects. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/04/e289/

Cole is joined by Peter Contos in this live to tape broadcast of The Cole Memo. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/01/e288/

Illinois lawmakers have approved a wide-ranging cannabis, hemp, and regulatory omnibus bill, sending one of the most significant cannabis policy packages in years to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk. In this episode, Cole breaks down the major provisions, including proposed increases to possession limits, drive-thru and curbside dispensary pickup, expanded medical access, telehealth certifications, fee relief for smaller operators, and changes to cultivation and security requirements. Cole also examines the bill’s controversial hemp provisions, which supporters say create regulatory clarity but critics argue amount to a de facto hemp ban in Illinois. Plus, he discusses what the legislation could mean for patients, consumers, businesses, and the future of cannabis policy in the state. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/01/e287/

The Illinois House has passed SB 3222, a sweeping cannabis omnibus bill that would increase possession limits, expand medical patient access, allow dispensaries to stay open until 2 a.m., authorize drive-thrus, create new opportunities for social equity transporters, and establish a new framework for hemp regulation. During this live stream, Cole breaks down the floor debate, key provisions, and the arguments lawmakers made in support of the legislation. Cole also discusses what happens next, including the bill’s expected return to the Senate for a concurrence vote, the likelihood of reaching the governor’s desk, and what these proposed changes could mean for consumers, patients, businesses, and advocates across Illinois. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/01/e286/

Cole Preston goes live from Springfield with a Sunday morning update as the Illinois legislative session enters its final stretch. He breaks down the latest developments surrounding Senate Bill 3229, including new amendment language tied to federal hemp law, ongoing negotiations between lawmakers, and reporting from Capital News Illinois on the state's cannabis and hemp omnibus package.

Along the way, Cole shares his thoughts on hemp regulation, the relationship between hemp and Illinois' licensed cannabis market, and why he believes broader reform could address many of the concerns currently being debated. He also explains why May 31 is such an important legislative deadline, discusses what happens if lawmakers miss it, and gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how he tracks legislation in real time. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/01/e285/

In this short episode, I give a brief update on how the end of the legislative session seems to be shaping up. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/05/30/e284/

In this live to tape episode, I share the latest developments that I'm hearing on Illinois cannabis policy. Then, I end the show by playing clips that I captured from the Midwest Cannabis Forum, including a panel that I was invited to be on at a moments nice. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/05/29/e283/