The Cole Memo

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/

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 restrictions, and introducing a new hardship exemption for struggling operators. They also touch on the possibility of drive-thru dispensary service and the chaotic nature of end-of-session lawmaking in Springfield. If you care about cannabis reform in Illinois, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/05/30/e204/

On this Memorial Day episode of The Cole Memo, Cole is joined once again by cultivation consultant and cannabis industry veteran Dusty Shroyer for a deep, nuanced conversation about the evolving hemp and cannabis landscape. From the science behind THC testing to the market distortions caused by prohibition-era policies, the two unpack the promise and pitfalls of hemp policy, explore why rescheduling may not fix medical cannabis, and discuss practical solutions to ensure clean, safe, and equitable access for consumers and small growers alike. This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to understand the future of cannabis—and the messy intersection of policy, science, and commerce shaping it. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/05/28/e203/

In this packed Friday edition of The Cole Memo, Cole goes live to cover the latest developments in Illinois cannabis policy—including behind-the-scenes updates on proposed changes to licensing fees, adult-use purchase limits, and a potential fix for the controversial "odorproof" vehicle law. He also shares insider intel on efforts to expand access for medical patients, rising struggles among social equity operators, and whether Illinois might revoke its 280E tax relief. Plus, Cole highlights a new ruling that mentions an Illinois regulator and gives a shoutout to other creators in the space. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/05/28/e202/

We’ve heard promises of equity and transparency, but has Illinois delivered? Chicago Sun-Times reporter Tom Schuba joins me to unpack how political connections, limited transparency, and data protections have shaped Illinois’ cannabis rollout. We discuss his latest story for the Sun-Times, which details how insiders with clout have secured a foothold in the market—and how state laws continue to keep key ownership information out of public view. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/05/13/e201/