#281 - Midwest Cannabis Forum Preview with Brad Spirrison

#281 - Midwest Cannabis Forum Preview with Brad Spirrison

From The Cole Memo by Cole Preston

May 22, 2026 · 34 min

About this episode

Cole Preston and Brad Spirrison preview the Midwest Cannabis Forum, discussing cannabis regulation and industry dialogue.

Cole Preston is joined by Brad Spirrison to preview the upcoming Midwest Cannabis Forum, a regional event bringing together voices from across the cannabis, hemp, beverage, tech, finance, and regulatory worlds. The conversation explores why organizers are trying to create a space for dialogue between industries that are often at odds, while also discussing the rapidly changing landscape surrounding hemp-derived products, intoxicating beverages, and cannabis regulation in Illinois and beyond. They also discuss Illinois cannabis legislation, potential Schedule III implications, 280E tax relief, social equity concerns, medical dispensary access, and the broader uncertainty surrounding federal reform. Along the way, the episode features audience questions, Midwest market analysis, and plenty of classic Cole Memo banter. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/05/22/e281/

People in this episode

Host: Cole Preston

Guest: Brad Spirrison

Topics covered

  • cannabis regulation
  • hemp-derived products
  • intoxicating beverages
  • Illinois legislation
  • Schedule III implications
  • 280E tax relief
  • social equity

Keywords

  • Midwest Cannabis Forum
  • cannabis
  • hemp
  • Illinois
  • 280E tax relief
  • Schedule III
  • social equity
  • medical dispensary access
  • federal reform

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Midwest Cannabis Forum, Cole Memo

Places: Illinois

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