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Artwork for The Cole Memo

The Cole Memo

Cole Preston
Illinois
Hemp Regulation
Illinois Cannabis Law
Cannabis
Driving Under Influence (DUI)
THC Metabolites
Illinois Cannabis Legislation
Hemp
Cannabis Legalization
Medical Cannabis
Civil Liberties
Criminal Justice
Governor Pritzker
Drug Testing
Policy Reform
Public Safety
Texas Cannabis Collective
Legislation
Delta 8
Hemp Farming

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 ... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes500Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Education

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Artwork for The Cole Memo

Latest Episodes

This episode of The Cole Memo covers a handful of stories that show how messy cannabis policy can get once it leaves the page and enters the real world. Cole breaks down the arrest of an Illinois man returning from Michigan with cannabis, reacts to t... more

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole is joined by hemp farmer and congressional candidate Stacy McCaskill for a wide-ranging conversation about cannabis policy, the hemp industry, and the challenges of entering politics as an independent voice. The... more

In this laid-back episode of The Cole Memo, Cole sits down with Byron, host of the Lost and Faded podcast, for a fun conversation about cannabis, movies, and building an independent creative platform. Byron shares how he got started in the cannabis i... more

In Episode 262, Cole plays clips from a wide-ranging interview with Illinois cannabis regulator Vaughn Bentley of IDFPR, digging into how the state oversees dispensaries, what regulators say they prioritize, and why Illinois does things differently t... more

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Recent Guests

Brad Spearison
Journalist and entrepreneur who got into the cannabis sector in 2019
Grown In
Episode: #247 – What could rescheduling mean for cannabis policy?
Ali Jubelirer
Attorney at Benesh, focusing on cannabis and hemp law.
Benesh Law Firm
Episode: #243 – Social Equity, Transporters, Rescheduling, and the Future of Hemp With Ali Jubelirer
Brian Dombrowski
Cannabis advocate and expert in hemp laws and regulations
Episode: #242 – Trump makes a statement on rescheduling
Diana Fruz
Chief Operating Officer at Kite Soda, a THC-infused soda made in Minnesota
Kite Soda
Episode: #237 – Politicians react to new federal ban on cannabis products
LaShawn K. Ford
Illinois State Representative
Episode: #237 – Politicians react to new federal ban on cannabis products
Governor Pritzker
Governor of Illinois
Episode: #237 – Politicians react to new federal ban on cannabis products
Kirk Berry
President of Clarion GRC, travels the country shelf testing cannabis and hemp products.
Clarion GRC
Episode: #235 – Auditing the label on dispensary products
La Shawn Ford
Illinois state representative with extensive experience in cannabis policy.
Illinois General Assembly
Episode: #234 – IL Rep. Ford on Why IL Cannabis Policy Is Stalled and How to Move It
Alex Eckman
A part of the Michigan cannabis industry for nearly 10 years, previously a budtender, now pursuing a degree in cannabis chemistry.
Lake Superior State University
Episode: #232 – Illinois Cannabis Lawsuit, Michigan Cannabis Tax Increase, & Federal Moves?

Host

Cole Preston
Host of The Cole Memo, a cannabis policy-focused show with emphasis on Illinois and federal dynamics.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 62 ratings
  • Great podcast

    Awesome talking points we really need to full legalize cannabis in IL it is barely legal now we still have to hide away in a corner and law enforcement can still harass people for weed. Won’t bring in tourists that way

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jackfrost.
    United States3 years ago
  • Great podcast

    I am happy to hear from fellow Illinoians 👍

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jackfrost.
    United States3 years ago
  • The best cannabis podcast in the Midwest!

    Love your dedication to cannabis news and unique entertainment style! I always enjoy seeing/hearing content from chilinois. 💚

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    HeyElizabethJane
    United States3 years ago
  • Not great

    Super white bread sausage fest. Nothing to see, move along.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    dtexf
    United States5 years ago
  • Amazing

    Really love this podcast. Definitely one to listen to if you want to know more about cannabis

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    shermz123
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners value firsthand insights from lawmakers and industry players.
A few reviews suggest mixed reactions to tone or pacing.
Some episodes feel very Illinois-focused, which is great for regional listeners but may be niche for others.
Overall positive take on policy depth and guest expertise.

Top Education Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

#245 - Live From the Oval Office: Trump Directs AG to Expedite Cannabis Rescheduling Process
Q: What can you tell us about the implications of this executive order?
The executive order allows for significant expansion of cannabis research and affirms its medical use, particularly benefiting patients with chronic pain and conditions like cancer.
#244 - Talking Cannabis Rescheduling With Its Harshest Critics
Q: If Schedule III does not legalize cannabis and may not significantly expand research, what is the big deal?
Rescheduling does not mean significant movement on research or criminal justice reform, and could provoke harmful consequences instead.
#244 - Talking Cannabis Rescheduling With Its Harshest Critics
Q: What are your number one concerns if this happens?
Opposes rescheduling due to potential tax breaks for marijuana businesses, normalization of drug use among youth, and road safety issues due to lack of testing for THC.
#242 – Trump makes a statement on rescheduling
Q: What do you think about the Trump announcement regarding rescheduling cannabis?
Brian discusses his preference for the Farm Bill to be the means of addressing cannabis regulations rather than just focusing on reclassification.
#234 – IL Rep. Ford on Why IL Cannabis Policy Is Stalled and How to Move It
Q: Why do you think we haven't seen many updates on cannabis policy?
The established industry is resistant to change and fights against it.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Cole Memo

What is The Cole Memo about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The talking points across recent episodes center on cannabis policy, regulation, and enforcement, with a strong emphasis on Illinois' evolving landscape and the federal policy shifts that could reshape the industry. Guests range from policymakers and legal experts to industry insiders and journalists, offering insights into regulatory gaps, social equity, and the real-world impact of laws. A notable throughline is the tension between legalization and enforcement, plus ongoing debates around rescheduling, regulatory hurdles, and market dynamics. The show often blends hard policy analysis with accessible commentary and practical implications for operators, advocates, and researchers. A few episodes stand out for their deep dives into Illinois... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Cole Memo?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Cole Memo:

1. State of Cannabis: Weekly News Digest

How many episodes of The Cole Memo are there?

The Cole Memo launched 6 years ago and published 500 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Cole Memo?

Recent guests on The Cole Memo include:

1. Brad Spearison
2. Ali Jubelirer
3. Brian Dombrowski
4. Diana Fruz
5. LaShawn K. Ford
6. Governor Pritzker
7. Kirk Berry
8. La Shawn Ford

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