Shows / 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…
Episodes
The Cole Memo#212 - A Conversation Across the Divide: Aubree Adams on Cannabis, Policy, and Prevention
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…
The Cole Memo#211 - Cannabis, Criminal Justice & Public Health: A Conversation with Jordan Davidson
Cole is joined by Jordan Davidson from Smart Approaches to Marijuana for a candid conversation on cannabis legalization, hemp regulation, and where they still…
The Cole Memo#210 - From the Cornbread Mafia to Cannabis Reform: Jim Higdon on Cannabis policy and Legalization’s Future
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…
The Cole Memo#209 – Launching a Marketplace for Federally Legal Cannabis
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…
The Cole Memo#208 - Walking back money laundering accusations + some Benzinga talk!
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…
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#207 - Cannabis companies are laundering money?
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…
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#206 - Elevated News X Cole Memo spring wrap up super show LIVE
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…
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#205 – The End of Federally-Legal Cannabis in Texas?!
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…
The Cole Memo#204 - Friday Surprise: SB90 Sparks Cannabis Policy Movement in Springfield
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…
The Cole Memo#203 - The future of cannabis policy
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…
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#202 - The latest cannabis (and drug policy) news
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…
The Cole Memo#201 - Clout and Cannabis in Illinois: A Conversation with Tom Schuba of the Sun-Times
We’ve heard promises of equity and transparency, but has Illinois delivered? Chicago Sun-Times reporter Tom Schuba joins me to unpack how political…
The Cole Memo#200 - Ray Long returns to discuss Illinois' Stalled Ethics Reform Efforts
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I'm joined once again by Chicago Tribune reporter and author Ray Long for a deep dive into Illinois’ ongoing ethics crisis…
The Cole Memo#199 - Cannabis Odor Bill Moves Forward but a “Compromise” Could Weaken It
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I break down the latest twists in Illinois’ cannabis odorproof container bill—now the furthest it's ever advanced. We look at…
The Cole Memo#198 - Seeds of Change: Jason Brown on Education, Equity, and Five Years of Legal Weed in Illinois
In this episode of The Cole Memo, host Cole Preston welcomes Jason Brown, founder of Illinois News Joint, for a wide-ranging conversation covering five years…
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#197 - Starting a small cannabis business in the state of Illinois
In this episode, I'll be joined by a small business owner to talk about how and why they started a cannabis business in the state of Illinois. Watch video…
The Cole Memo#196 - Unpacking the Rules: Who Gets to Sell Cannabis in Illinois?
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole explores the widening divide between state-marijuana programs and the federally legal hemp market—two systems selling…
The Cole Memo#195 - IL Cannabis Business Owners Call for Change
In this live stream, I’ll cover a recent press conference where Illinois cannabis business owners called for relief from steep fees and burdensome regulations…
The Cole Memo#194 - Dispensaries attacked with molotov cocktail & other news
In this episode, I'll be talking about a few dispensaries that were attacked with molotov cocktails and other news. Watch video version and read full show…
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#193 - The latest in cannabis news
In this episode, I share some of the latest cannabis news that has caught my attention. Watch video version and read full show notes here…
The Cole Memo#192 – Inside the Silence: Military Sexual Trauma
Trigger warning: this episode contains detailed discussions of sexual violence, PTSD, and suicide. In this powerful and emotional episode of The Cole Memo…
The Cole Memo#191 - Live chat with Two Dope Dudes
In this special episode of The Cole Memo, I’m joined by Aaron and Dave — the voices behind The Elevated News Podcast and the driving forces behind…
The Cole Memo#190 - Help End Cannabis-Odor-Based Vehicle Searches in Illinois
In this quick update, I share important news about Senate Bill 42, which would remove Illinois' requirement that cannabis be transported in an odorproof…
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#189 - Banning Progress: How Texas Could Roll Back Cannabis Reform
On this special Bicycle Day episode of The Cole Memo, I'm joined by Austin Zamhariri of the Texas Cannabis Collective for a deep dive into Texas' escalating…
The Cole Memo#188 – Power, Patronage, and the House That Madigan Built: A Conversation with Ray Long
Award-winning investigative journalist Ray Long joins Cole Preston for a deep dive into the political legacy of former Illinois House Speaker Michael…
The Cole Memo#187 - Illinois Medical Cannabis Portal Is Getting an Upgrade
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…
The Cole Memo#186 - Behind the Counter: A Perspective on Smoke Shops & Legal Highs
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…
The Cole Memo#185 – Recapping Hash Bash of 2025
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…
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#184 - Breaking: Illinois Senate Advances SB42 to Curb Vehicle Searches Based on Cannabis Odor
In this episode, I share some breaking news for Illinois cannabis consumers. Watch video version and read full show notes here…
The Cole Memo#183 - Is Your Legal Weed Safe? Hemp's Future and Other Cannabis News
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…
The Cole Memo#182 - The State of Cannabis: Finding Common Ground with Livi McKay
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I’m joined by Livi McKay, CEO and founder of MyTEPI and the Discover Your Color platform, for a deep dive into cannabis…
The Cole Memo#181 – Behind the Brothel Door: A Candid Look at Legal Sex Work with Ash
In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Ash, a former legal sex worker in Nevada, who shares her perspective on the harsh realities behind the glitzy…
The Cole Memo#179 – Illinois Senator Ventura’s Push for Reform: Cannabis, Drug Policy, and Campaign Finance
In this episode, I travel to Joliet, Illinois, to sit down with Senator Rachel Ventura. We discuss her groundbreaking legislation that could end vehicle…
The Cole Memo#180 – Illinois Politics Unplugged: Representative Dan Caulkins on Policy, Power, and the Future
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston sits down with (former) Illinois State Representative Dan Caulkins for a candid discussion about the challenges…
The Cole Memo#178 - Medical or Rec? Why This Receipt is Raising Questions
In this stream, I’m breaking down a strange dispensary glitch with the customer who caught it. Watch video version and read full show notes here…
The Cole MemoEpisode 177 – “Booger Sugar” in Smoke Shops? Plus the Latest Cannabis News!
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I talk about legal “booger sugar” that is for sale in smoke shops and I share some cannabis news stories that caught my eye…
The Cole Memo#175 - Debating Prohibitionists & Cannabis Industry Moves
Cole responds to criticism over his interview with Every Brain Matters’ Aubrey Adams(episode available soon at ColeMemo.com/Patreon), defending open dialogue…
The Cole Memo#176 - How YOU Can Help Legalize Cannabis Lounges & Events in Illinois
In this episode of The Cole Memo, host Cole Preston discusses House Bill 3061, the On-Premise Cannabis Consumption Act, with advocates Nathan, Maddie, and…
The Cole Memo#174 - Inside the Honeycomb Hideout Retreat: Illinois’ Cannabis Oasis
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I visit the Honeycomb Hideout Retreat in Addison, Illinois, for a deep dive into this unique cannabis-friendly space. I sit…
The Cole Memo#173 – Madigan’s Fall and Illinois’ Ethics Crossroads featuring Jeremy Gorner
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole sits down with Jeremy Gorner of the Chicago Tribune to discuss the fallout from former Speaker Michael Madigan’s…
The Cole Memo#172 - I testified against the police!
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole breaks down Senate Bill 42, which could end Illinois' requirement for odor-proof cannabis containers and stop police…
The Cole Memo#171 - Illinois resident sues law enforcement for seizing legal cannabis
In this live episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston kicks things off with updates on the Real ID deadline and other news before diving into the main story: a…
The Cole Memo#169 - RFK Jr. Comments on Cannabis, New Consumption Bill in Illinois, and more!
In this live Valentine's Day episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston covers major cannabis policy updates in Illinois, including new bills that could legalize…
The Cole Memo#170 - Illinois Hemp Farm Raided by Police
In this special live episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston is joined by co-host Phil and guest Demarcus Medley, owner of Green Lords Farms in Galesburg…
The Cole Memo#168 - Is Hemp Hurting Illinois’ Cannabis Market? Solutions & Must-Know News
In this episode of The Cole Memo, we break down Illinois' record-breaking cannabis sales in 2024 and explore what these numbers really mean. While the state…
The Cole Memo#167 - Chicago City Hall Discusses Regulating Hemp Instead Of Banning
As Illinois braces for snow, Cole and Phil dive into a jam-packed episode covering recent cannabis legislation, regulatory updates, and the ongoing debate over…
The Cole Memo#166 - Goblin Roasts Verano, Illinois Cannabis Sales Soar, and THC Limits Challenged
In this live episode of The Cole Memo, we discuss cannabis influencer Goblin's scathing response to Verano's sponsorship offer. We also break down Illinois’…
The Cole Memo#165 - Latest Illinois Cannabis News
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I review the latest in Illinois cannabis news: A new bill in the Illinois General Assembly could put an end to vehicle…
The Cole Memo#164 - Hemp Regulation Battles, Political Tensions, And Illinois Ethics In Focus
n this episode of The Cole Memo, I sit down with Jeremy Gorner from the Chicago Tribune to discuss the latest developments in Illinois politics and policy. We…
The Cole Memo#163 - Did the Lame Duck Push to Ban Hemp in Illinois Lack Support?
In this episode of The Cole Memo, we examine the failed lame duck effort to ban federally-legal cannabis products in Illinois. Was there ever enough support…
The Cole Memo#162 - Hash Wednesday: Reviving Tradition, Challenging the War on Drugs
In this episode, Cole Preston sits down with Jesus, a passionate advocate who helped reignite the historic Hash Wednesday tradition at the University of…
The Cole Memo#161 - Cannabis Remediation, Regulation, and Beyond
I’m joined by Maddie Scanlon, founder of High Focus Media and the Illinois Cannabis Consumption Association, to unpack the hot topic of cannabis remediation…
The Cole Memo#160 - From Brick Weed to Artisanal Craft: Cannabis Innovation with Dustin Shroyer
In this episode, I sit down with Dustin, the former COO and President of Revolution Cannabis in Illinois, to explore his journey from early experiments with…
The Cole Memo#159 - Social Equity, Cannabis Testing, and the .3% Line
In this episode, Cole Preston sits down with Miggy and Phil for a lively discussion on the evolving dynamics of the hemp and cannabis industries. They explore…
The Cole Memo#158 - Illinois Cannabis Transport Challenges & Hemp
In this episode, I welcome Ted Parks, chairman of the Independent Third-Party Carriers Association (ITPCA), to discuss the trials and triumphs of independent…
The Cole Memo#157 - Law Enforcement Perspective on Cannabis Legalization and Policy
In this episode, Cole engages in a thought-provoking conversation with RJ, a former law enforcement officer with 20 years of experience at local, state, and…
The Cole MemoMini Doc: Cannabis Legalization In Illinois
This documentary uncovers the hidden flaws in Illinois’ cannabis legalization, detailing how excitement turned into a complex web of criminal penalties and…
The Cole Memo#155 - In Illinois, Weed is "Legal" but Arrests Continue
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston and Phil discuss the release of Cole’s new mini-documentary, now streaming at colememo.com/minidoc. They reflect…
The Cole Memo#154 - Announcement For The Holidaze
In this episode, I share the exciting news about the release of the final cut of my mini-documentary and let you know that the public feeds will be quieter…
The Cole Memo#153 – A New Era for Cannabis: Hemp Policy and Cognitive Liberty
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole welcomes Shaleen Title for a thought-provoking discussion on cannabis legalization, the evolving role of hemp, and the…