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Start Here: The Cole Memo
This page brings together a sample of my best work — from expert interviews to deep dives into cannabis history, culture, and policy. You’ll also find documentaries, archives, and special projects here. Whether you’re a longtime follower or a first-time visitor, this page is designed to help you dive in at your own pace. Explore
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Outdoor Cannabis Is Quietly Being Allowed in Illinois
As first reported by The Cole Memo, two Illinois cannabis cultivators, Nature’s Grace and Wellness (NGW) and Green Thumb Industries (GTI), found themselves in years-long litigation with the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) after the state attempted to walk back permits for their outdoor screenhouses. Both companies said the facilities were necessary to meet rising
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Episode 257 – Illinois Cannabis Sales Drop as Lawmakers Revisit Search Rules
Illinois lawmakers are once again trying to fix one of the most confusing parts of the state’s cannabis law. In this live broadcast, Cole breaks down House Bill 4782, a proposal that would prevent vehicle searches based solely on the smell of cannabis. The discussion explains how recent Illinois Supreme Court rulings treated raw and
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Episode 256 – Illinois Cannabis Reform 2026: What Advocates Want and What Might Actually Move
This week on a live broadcast of The Cole Memo, Cole is joined by Dave from SupportDope to break down the Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition’s 2026 legislative agenda, including medical patients shopping anywhere, telemedicine access, curbside pickup, social consumption, homegrow and caregiver expansion, and the ongoing fight over odor-based policing. Later, Cole brings on Jason
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Episode 255 – Arrests Keep Coming in “Legal” Illinois
Illinois has legalization on the books, but arrests and incarceration for non-violent cannabis offenses have not disappeared. In this live broadcast, Cole is joined by returning guest Christian Reichert, who served years in prison for a non-violent cannabis case and is still navigating parole after release. They talk about what it feels like to watch
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Episode 254 – Announcing the Midwest Cannabis Forum + Other Discussion on Cannabis Policy Today
In this broadcast, Brad Spirrison joins the show to announce the Midwest Cannabis Forum. Learn more at MidwestCannabisForum.com Links mentioned during show
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Episode 253 – Illinois Cannabis Legislation Update With Live Callers
In this live Tuesday broadcast of The Cole Memo, Cole covers newly filed cannabis related legislation in the Illinois General Assembly and offers a high level overview of what each proposal would do if it were to advance. He also explains where these bills currently sit in the legislative process and why committee placement matters
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Episode 252 – Ashley’s Story: A Family’s Fight for Medical Cannabis
I’ll be joined by Ashley Surin’s mom, Maureen, for an important conversation about their ongoing fight to access a medical cannabis product they describe as lifesaving for Ashley. We’ll talk about Ashley’s story, the barriers families face when seeking critical care options, and what this case says about the broader state of medical cannabis policy.
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Episode 251 – Announcement episode, cannabis news
In this episode, Cole makes a few announcements and shares the latest in Illinois cannabis news. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 250 – Illinois Is Still Arresting People for Weed, Even After “Legalization”
Cole is joined by recurring guest Phil to break down Part 1 of ColeMemo.com’s overview of Illinois’ 2025 annual cannabis report, a required compilation of updates from state agencies covering licensing, enforcement, public health, and revenue. They discuss IDFPR reporting that 93 dispensaries received operational licenses, the agency’s description of Metrc entering its post-launch phase,
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‘State’s Medical Cannabis Programs: In The Rearview Mirror’ by Kirsten Velasco
Editor’s note: This article was written by Kirsten Velasco and originally published at VapeNProp.com. It is republished here with permission. Cannabis advocates fuel their work with vivid memories and current damage of the diabolical drug war. Expanding access legislatively progresses at a snail’s pace. Each state’s transition from prohibition to safe access began by registering
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Conversations for Change
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