The Cole Memo

Fresh off the IgniteIt Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago, Cole shares reactions from cannabis operators, industry stakeholders, and policymakers following the passage of Illinois' landmark cannabis omnibus legislation. Hear what business owners, advocates, and legal professionals are saying about expanded possession limits, medical cannabis access, hemp regulation, and the many unanswered questions that remain as the law moves into implementation. The episode also explores major federal developments, including DEA inspections tied to cannabis rescheduling efforts, an upcoming federal hearing on Schedule III, and the growing debate over the future of hemp. Plus, hear highlights from Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton's appearance at IgniteIt and learn why many industry participants are optimistic about the road ahead, even as uncertainty remains. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/22/e293/

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/

Cole Preston is joined by Madeline Scanlon for a wide-ranging conversation about homegrow culture, cannabis legalization, Schedule III concerns, and the future of cannabis access in Illinois. Maddie shares details about her new Outdoor Grow Club through High Focus Media, designed to help everyday people successfully grow outdoor cannabis with community support, clones, supplies, and education throughout the season. The conversation also explores regulatory capture, hemp bans, medical cannabis, testing standards, cannabis lounges, certified supply models, and why both Maddie and Cole believe growing your own cannabis remains one of the most important forms of access and autonomy for consumers. Plus, they discuss cannabis beverages, hashmaking, outdoor cultivation myths, and the ongoing push to normalize the plant in Illinois and beyond. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/05/14/e278/