In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole sits down with Jeremy Gorner of the Chicago Tribune to discuss the fallout from former Speaker Michael Madigan’s conviction and its implications for Illinois politics. They explore Governor Pritzker’s brief, off-the-cuff reference to Madigan during his budget address, the GOP’s renewed calls for ethics reform, and whether the state’s political culture is truly moving on from Madigan’s influence. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/02/25/e173/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole breaks down Senate Bill 42, which could end Illinois' requirement for odor-proof cannabis containers and stop police from searching cars based solely on the smell of weed. Joined by Phil, they discuss Cole’s testimony at the state Senate hearing, law enforcement pushback, and the broader implications for personal freedom and Fourth Amendment rights. Expect exclusive insights, legal twists, and a closer look at how Illinois’ cannabis laws could finally catch up with common sense. Watch video version and read full show notes here:

In this live episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston kicks things off with updates on the Real ID deadline and other news before diving into the main story: a groundbreaking lawsuit where Illinois State Police were forced to return legally seized cannabis and cash. He also explores racial disparities in enforcement and breaks down the ongoing debate over Illinois’ odor-proof container law. With live call-ins and sharp analysis, this episode unpacks the legal, racial, and regulatory complexities shaping the state’s cannabis landscape. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/02/23/e171/

In this special live episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston is joined by co-host Phil and guest Demarcus Medley, owner of Green Lords Farms in Galesburg, Illinois. They dive into Demarcus’s journey from urban farming with aquaponics to becoming one of Illinois’ first Black hemp farmers. Demarcus shares the harrowing story of being raided by police despite holding a legal hemp license, the challenges of hemp farming in Illinois, and how systemic barriers continue to prevent minority entrepreneurs from entering the market. The conversation also explores broader themes of social equity, the failures of Illinois’ cannabis licensing system, and the untapped potential of hemp as a tool for true economic empowerment. With surprise guest appearances from cannabis advocate Miggy from Cannabis Legalization News, this episode delivers raw, unfiltered insights into the intersections of race, policy, and the future of cannabis reform. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/02/21/e170/

In this live Valentine's Day episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston covers major cannabis policy updates in Illinois, including new bills that could legalize on-premise consumption at hospitality venues and eliminate the state's controversial odor-proof container requirement. He also breaks down RFK Jr.'s recent comments on cannabis and their potential impact on federal rescheduling efforts. The episode dives into the growing influence of European cannabis seed companies in the U.S., Illinois' sudden halt of its stash bag program, and fresh hemp legislation aimed at protecting hemp-derived cannabinoids. With live listener reactions and commentary, this episode offers an engaging and timely look at the evolving landscape of cannabis reform. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/02/21/e169/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, we break down Illinois' record-breaking cannabis sales in 2024 and explore what these numbers really mean. While the state touts economic growth, we examine the growing divide between corporate operators and social equity businesses, as well as the ongoing battle over hemp-derived cannabinoids. Plus, we discuss Governor Pritzker’s stance on the “unchecked” hemp market and its impact on legal cannabis businesses. Later, we dive into Illinois’ cannabis policy issues, including home cultivation, high taxes, and the need for market reforms. We also touch on breaking news about former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s conviction and what it signals for the state’s political landscape. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/02/13/e168/

As Illinois braces for snow, Cole and Phil dive into a jam-packed episode covering recent cannabis legislation, regulatory updates, and the ongoing debate over hemp-derived THC. They break down new proposals, including a bill to expand home cultivation limits and efforts to introduce cannabis delivery in the state. The conversation also explores the Chicago City Hall hemp hearing, where business owners, lawmakers, and advocates clashed over the future of intoxicating hemp products. With candid analysis and sharp commentary, Cole and Phil dissect the inconsistencies in cannabis policy, the pushback from licensed operators, and the broader implications for consumer access and economic equity. Plus, a deep dive into the testimony of industry experts—including a fiery appearance from Tyrone Muhammad—and the questions that left some officials struggling to grasp the nuances of hemp law. Watch video version and read full show notes: https://thecolememo.com/2025/02/13/e167/

In this live episode of The Cole Memo, we discuss cannabis influencer Goblin's scathing response to Verano's sponsorship offer. We also break down Illinois’ record-breaking cannabis sales, surpassing $2 billion in 2024, and dive into a bizarre lawsuit challenging THC potency limits in concentrates. Plus, I’m joined by live callers! Want to call in live next time? Subscribe to my YouTube channel at ColeMemo.com/YouTube to stay updated on future live streams! Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/02/09/e166/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, I review the latest in Illinois cannabis news: A new bill in the Illinois General Assembly could put an end to vehicle searches based solely on cannabis odor. I break down what this means, the legal background, and the potential impact. I also touch on the ongoing debate between hemp and marijuana and how state policies are shaping the market. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/01/31/e165/

n this episode of The Cole Memo, I sit down with Jeremy Gorner from the Chicago Tribune to discuss the latest developments in Illinois politics and policy. We dive into the heated debate over hemp regulation, including the behind-the-scenes lobbying efforts by Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Jeremy shares insights on how these tensions reflect broader divisions within the Democratic Party. We also explore key legislative updates from the recent lame-duck session, including bills addressing domestic violence, nursing home retaliation, and reforms to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. Finally, we unpack the high-profile ethics violation case involving Brett Bender, former Deputy Director for Cannabis Control, and its implications for state governance. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/01/28/e164/