The Cole Memo

The Three Dope Dudes are back, this time combining forces like a cannabis Megazord to bring you a packed summer wrap-up. From Illinois craft showcases and brand shoutouts to the real talk on seed-to-sale tracking systems, monopolization, and THC inflation, no topic is off-limits. We explore the politics of hemp versus marijuana, unpack the latest on potential federal rescheduling, and share why consumer education still matters in a market driven by numbers over nuance. With a mix of policy insight, personal stories, and industry news, this conversation goes beyond the headlines to examine where cannabis is now—and where it might be headed next. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/08/12/e227/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole speaks with Luke from Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) about President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on potentially rescheduling cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. Luke shares why he believes marijuana should remain Schedule 1, citing concerns over corporate influence, public health, and the federal scheduling system’s criteria. The conversation covers Trump’s shifting tone on medical marijuana, potential tax benefits for the industry under Schedule 3, and what rescheduling could mean for state trigger laws and federal regulations. Whether you agree or disagree, this discussion offers a direct look at an opposing viewpoint in the ongoing national debate over cannabis policy. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/08/11/e226/

In this special episode of The Cole Memo, Cole breaks down breaking news on both the federal and state levels. At the federal level, President Trump has confirmed that his administration is “looking at” rescheduling marijuana, with a decision expected within the next few weeks. We review his comments, the political and industry reactions, and what rescheduling could mean for research, the cannabis industry, and 280E tax burdens. Meanwhile, in Illinois, the state has opened applications for the third round of its Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program, offering financial support to eligible licensees. Cole shares details on how to apply, resources for applicants, and more. Join the conversation as we explore what could be one of the most significant moments in cannabis policy in recent years. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/08/11/e225/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole returns with a live broadcast covering breaking cannabis news from Illinois, Texas, and beyond. A surprise guest from Texas Cannabis Collective joins to unpack the whirlwind special session in Austin, where a proposed hemp THC ban collided with flood relief, redistricting fights, and a dramatic quorum break. Cole also dives into Illinois developments, including the closure of Air Wellness dispensaries, new rounds of social equity loans, and the legal loopholes allowing large operators to skirt dispensary caps. On the federal level, Cole covers the FDA’s move to schedule 7-hydroxy (7-OH) products under the Controlled Substances Act, ongoing Senate battles over hemp language in the farm bill, and Senator Rand Paul’s push for a more balanced regulatory approach. As always, the episode blends local insight, national context, and audience interaction to bring you the most engaging cannabis news coverage. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/08/10/e224/

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 that this created a discriminatory impact and violated the Illinois Civil Rights Act. We also touch on broader issues within the cannabis industry, from transparency in state rulemaking to the politics of outdoor cultivation. With real data, including a 96% failure rate among independent transporters, and insight from the state’s own disparity study, this episode exposes how lofty social equity promises can fall apart in practice. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/07/30/e223/