The Cole Memo

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

October 23, 2026 • 13 mins
In this episode of The Cole Memo, we tour Josh's custom-built outdoor hydroponic system, featuring four massive cannabis plants grown using recirculating deep water culture (RDWC). Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/10/23/e330/
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In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole discusses the latest Illinois cannabis developments, including the expansion of medical cannabis sales at adult-use dispensaries, upcoming hemp regulations, and a proposal to issue 45 new cannabis infuser licenses. He also reviews recent cannabis compliance data and revisits the ongoing debate over home grow and industry opposition to broader legalization. Later, Cole shares highlights from a ...
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In this impromptu episode of The Cole Memo, Cole is joined by Brad Spirrison of Grown In to discuss the changing landscape of cannabis policy in Illinois and beyond. They explore the upcoming November 12 hemp restrictions, divisions between licensed cannabis operators and the hemp industry, and the role of consumers in shaping cannabis policy. The conversation also covers home grow, questions surrounding cannabis seed sales at Illi...
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Illinois State Representative and Democratic congressional nominee La Shawn Ford returns to The Cole Memo to discuss the future of cannabis policy in Illinois. Following the passage of major cannabis reforms earlier this year, Ford shares his thoughts on the legislation, his disappointment with the state's approach to hemp, and what additional reforms lawmakers may consider. The conversation also explores Ford's proposal to use can...
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Illinois cannabis sales are showing signs of renewed growth, but questions remain about pricing, competition, and the impact of upcoming hemp restrictions. In this episode, Cole examines newly released Illinois cannabis data, revisits the state's cannabis arrest statistics, and discusses the latest developments in federal cannabis rescheduling as opponents seek additional testimony and documents. Later, Cole hosts a live watch part...
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In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole takes viewers on a tour of an impressive outdoor cannabis home grow in Illinois. Josh Anderson, a medical cannabis patient whose home was previously raided by police, walks us through his custom-built outdoor hydroponic system and explains how he grows massive cannabis plants in the Illinois climate. Later, Brad Spirrison joins the show to discuss upcoming changes to Illinois cannabis and hemp...
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Illinois is preparing for major changes to its cannabis laws, especially as they relate to hemp. In this episode, Cole moderates a roundtable with Illinois hemp advocates, small business owners, and Aaron Del Mar, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, about what cannabis policy should look like going forward. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/10/05/e324/
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Cannabis tax dollars are being used to fund automated license plate readers in Champaign County, Illinois. In this episode, Cole looks at public comments raising concerns about Flock cameras, surveillance, transparency, and the use of cannabis tax revenue, before turning to a debate among county board members over whether those dollars should continue funding the cameras. The discussion highlights competing views over whether licen...
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In this episode, Cole looks at how cannabis tax revenue is being used to fund Flock license plate readers in Champaign County and raises broader questions about where Illinois cannabis tax dollars actually go. The conversation also turns to the latest federal cannabis rescheduling developments after a DEA judge paused proceedings amid new questions about the process behind the proposed move to Schedule III. Later, Cole dives into t...
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Cole is joined by Grown In's Brad Spirrison for a wide-ranging conversation about THC beverages, hemp and the future of cannabis in Illinois. They discuss what could happen when Illinois' new hemp rules take effect, why low-dose THC drinks have reached consumers who might never visit a dispensary, and how the cannabis industry could respond to an uncertain state and federal landscape. The conversation also explores how legalization...
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This episode covers a newly introduced Illinois bill that would create direct cash payments for people disproportionately impacted by cannabis criminalization, with Representative La Shawn Ford expected to return to the show to discuss the proposal. Cole also looks at Illinois' rollout of new medical cannabis licenses for adult-use dispensaries. Later, Cole reacts to clips from The War on Hemp: The Marijuana Monopoly, a documentary...
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The conversation covers the ongoing federal fight over hemp, including the delay of upcoming federal changes and competing proposals for regulating the industry. Brian Dombrowski joins the show to discuss THCA flower, testing and labeling, track and trace, dosage caps, consumer access and why he believes hemp offers a path toward broader cannabis access. We also revisit Brian's recent appearance on The Dales Report and dig into the...
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In this episode, Cole takes a look at the growing divide between the state-legal cannabis industry and the hemp industry as competing groups push different approaches to federal cannabis policy. The conversation includes recent lobbying over federal hemp law, interstate commerce, banking and the increasingly complicated question of what cannabis legalization should actually look like. Plus, Cole shares a look at Josh’s outdoo...
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Illinois has expanded its medical cannabis program, issuing medical cannabis dispensary licenses to 37 existing adult-use dispensaries. Cole breaks down what changed, what it means for registered medical patients and dispensaries, and why this represents the largest expansion of Illinois medical cannabis dispensaries in roughly a decade. Cole also discusses another recent development involving cannabis tax revenue being used to fun...
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September 11, 2026 • 147 mins
This episode follows Josh, a registered Illinois medical cannabis patient whose home was raided by police after authorities obtained a search warrant connected to his cannabis grow. We piece together what happened during the raid and the case that followed using body-camera footage, evidence, photos, court transcripts, and other records. Josh ultimately fought the charges against him and got them dropped. His story raises broader q...
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In this episode, Cole follows up on the recent story of Josh Anderson, a registered Illinois medical cannabis patient whose home was raided by police, and discusses some of the reactions and conversations that have followed its release. We also take a look at cannabis arrest numbers in Indiana and other cannabis and drug policy stories making news. Watch the video version or read the full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2...
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This is the short version of Josh’s story, a registered Illinois medical cannabis patient whose home was raided by police after authorities obtained a search warrant connected to his cannabis grow. Using body-camera footage, evidence photos, court transcripts and other records, this condensed episode pieces together what happened during the raid and the case that followed. For the complete story, including my full conversatio...
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In this brief live broadcast, Cole debuts a new short video examining the case of Josh Anderson, a registered Illinois medical cannabis patient whose home was raided by police following an investigation into his cannabis grow. The video features body-camera footage, details from court records and a look at how Josh's case ultimately ended. This episode offers a preview of Josh's story and the much more extensive conversation featur...
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Congress has voted to delay the recriminalization of THC, sending the legislation to the President's desk. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/09/01/e312/
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Illinois regulators are considering new rules for outdoor cannabis cultivation, and the renewed attention is putting Illinois' restrictive home grow laws back into the conversation. Cole discusses new coverage from the Chicago Tribune and Shaw Local, why home cultivation remains an important part of the legalization debate, and two newly approved qualifying conditions for Illinois' medical cannabis program. Plus, an open letter cal...
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