The Cole Memo
The Cole Memo is your go-to source for informed, open discussion on civil liberties. Each episode tackles pressing issues, such as the decriminalization of drugs, the latest developments in the cannabis industry, and so much more. Hear from a diverse range of guests, including but not limited to: industry insiders, advocates, entertainers, and musicians, as they bring their unique perspectives to the conversation. Tune in to stay informed and engaged on the issues that matter most. Go to TheColeMemo.com to learn more!
Episodes
July 31, 2025 • 45 mins
In this episode of The Cole Memo, attorney Ali returns to discuss a groundbreaking lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Representing a group of mostly minority and women-owned cannabis transporters, Ali outlines how her clients were granted licenses that were essentially worthless—while larger, established companies received the same licenses under entirely different and more favorable terms. The lawsuit alleges ...
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July 29, 2025 • 35 mins
In this episode of The Cole Memo, we unpack two big stories shaking up the Illinois cannabis scene. First, we dive into the controversy surrounding a new dispensary planned for West Ridge, partially owned by ten former police officers. While some see it as a redemption arc, others question the ethics of former drug enforcers now profiting from the legal market. Then, Cole walks listeners through his original reporting on outdoor ca...
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July 29, 2025 • 64 mins
Craig Katz joins the show to break down the policy tensions between Illinois’ regulated marijuana market and its largely unregulated hemp industry. As a board member for multiple trade associations and the compliance manager at CBDratom, Katz gives listeners an insider view into the push for House Bill 1—a legislative effort that would add labeling, age-gating, and testing requirements for intoxicating hemp products, without placin...
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July 27, 2025 • 77 mins
In this deeply personal episode of The Cole Memo, I'm joined by longtime friend and inspiration Jean Lacy, founder of the Illinois Psychedelic Society. We talk about burnout, idealism, and how to keep moving forward in advocacy work without losing yourself in the process. Jean reflects on her powerful essay, “choosing both: rest and resistance, healing and hustle, purpose and peace,” and we explore the tension between living like l...
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July 24, 2025 • 78 mins
In this episode, Cole sits down with Michigan drug policy advocate Julie Barron for an honest conversation about the state of psychedelic reform, community burnout, and the challenges of staying grounded when a movement starts to fracture. They discuss Ann Arbor’s unique culture, the evolution of Hash Bash, and how grassroots momentum led to real drug policy wins across multiple cities. Julie opens up about the emotional toll of ad...
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July 16, 2025 • 65 mins
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole breaks down a whirlwind of news from the local to the federal level. He starts with a look at Texas, where Governor Abbott is calling a special session that could lead to new restrictions on hemp—but without banning it outright. Then, Cole dives into the newly signed HALT Act, clearing up confusion about fentanyl scheduling and questioning the long-term consequences of doubling down on prohibi...
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July 14, 2025 • 40 mins
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole checks in live to unpack some of the biggest cannabis stories of the week—from federal immigration raids on licensed California cannabis farms, to a scathing internal report on UIC’s faulty THC blood tests that may have tainted over 1,000 DUI cases. He also dives into a troubling new report revealing that nearly half of Illinois’ cannabis licenses remain unused, despite the state’s social equi...
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July 7, 2025 • 84 mins
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole sits down with economist Beau Whitney of Whitney Economics to unpack the complex realities behind cannabis market structures. From price elasticity and licensing limits to the rising tension between hemp and marijuana regulation, Beau explains what the data really shows. They also tackle how market access, consolidation, and criminal enforcement intersect with public policy — and why some lega...
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July 3, 2025 • 73 mins
In this live stream, we’ll be discussing the failed attempt to ban federally-legal cannabis products in Texas. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/07/03/e215/
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July 3, 2025 • 113 mins
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole talks about odor proof updates + Metrc’s impact on Illinois Medical Cannabis Patients. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/07/03/e214/
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June 30, 2025 • 29 mins
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole talks about odor proof updates + Metrc’s impact on Illinois Medical Cannabis Patients. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/25/e213/
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June 29, 2025 • 85 mins
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole sits down with Aubree Adams, director of Every Brain Matters, to hear her perspective on the harms of marijuana legalization. While Aubree and Cole don’t see eye to eye on many drug policy issues, the conversation is respectful, candid, and wide-ranging—touching on personal experiences, cannabis-induced psychosis, youth access, and the challenges of regulating a growing industry. This isn’t a ...
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June 29, 2025 • 56 mins
Cole is joined by Jordan Davidson from Smart Approaches to Marijuana for a candid conversation on cannabis legalization, hemp regulation, and where they still disagree. Watch more at colememo.com/SAM. See the video version of this episode and full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/25/e211/
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On this episode of The Cole Memo, I’m joined by Jim Higdon — journalist, author, and co-founder of Cornbread Hemp. We talk about his Kentucky roots, how the Cornbread Mafia helped inspire the brand’s name, and why Cornbread Hemp has become one of the leading voices for common-sense hemp regulation. Jim unpacks the messy realities of cannabis legalization, why the hemp market has regulators and industry giants rattled, and how feder...
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June 12, 2025 • 108 mins
Livi McKay returns to talk about her latest project, which can be found at discoveryourcolor.co. Discover Your Color is a cannabis delivery service that helps you quickly find the right product using lab-tested data. By answering a few short questions, you’re matched with one of four color-coded categories based on mood and effect—then you can have your selection delivered right to your door. Watch video version or read full show n...
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June 10, 2025 • 42 mins
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I follow up on episode 207, share highlights from my time at Benzinga, preview upcoming live streams, and cover a few other updates. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/11/e208/
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June 4, 2025 • 35 mins
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole breaks down a press release from MMJ BioPharma that's shaking up the cannabis world. The company accuses the DEA of obstruction, selective enforcement, and unconstitutional practices—and it has people speculating that federal rescheduling might finally be near. But will it actually help? Cole analyzes what’s in the press release, highlights comments from AG Pam Bondi, and plays clips from MMJ’...
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June 4, 2025 • 116 mins
Join Aaron, Dave and Cole as they join forces once again to bring you the latest news and discussing all that's been happening in the legislative session in Illinois and elsewhere. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/04/e206/
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June 1, 2025 • 8 mins
Austin from Texas Cannabis Collective joins me to break down the latest developments in Texas cannabis policy. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/05/31/e205/
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May 30, 2025 • 16 mins
In this Friday episode of The Cole Memo, Cole is joined by Peter Contos from the Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition to break down some exciting last-minute developments in Illinois cannabis policy. The two discuss the unexpected movement of Senate Bill 90, which includes long-sought provisions like allowing medical patients to shop at any dispensary, expanding craft grower canopy limits, removing “excluded offenses” from licensing ...
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