The Cole Memo

In this episode, I share updates on the upcoming changes to Illinois’ medical cannabis portal—something I’ve been tracking since 2023. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/04/18/e187/

Step inside the world of smoke shops with this eye-opening episode as we talk with Justine about the surprising—and sometimes concerning—realities of selling legal highs. From kratom and tianeptine (aka “gas station heroin”) to meth pipes, fake pee, and THCP gummies that can leave you high for days, we explore what people are really buying, why they’re buying it, and what this says about drug policy in America. Interview was recorded on February 15, 2025. Watch video version here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/04/17/e186/

This live episode of The Cole Memo takes you straight to Ann Arbor for a boots-on-the-ground look at Hash Bash 2025. Phil returns from Michigan to talk about the storied cannabis protest, the wild mix of licensed and underground vendors, and how Ann Arbor feels like another country when it comes to drug policy. We unpack its historical roots, modern-day impact, and the unique way it blends activism, celebration, and commerce—all under the watchful but lenient eye of local law enforcement. Plus, we dive into the ongoing clash between hemp and cannabis industries, recent legislative news from Illinois, and whether an event like Hash Bash could ever happen here. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/04/15/e185/

In this episode, I share some breaking news for Illinois cannabis consumers. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/04/11/e184/

In this live stream, I will dive into surprising findings from journalists on the safety of legal weed, explore what's ahead for hemp, and cover other key stories from the cannabis world. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/04/01/e183/