Best The Cole Memo Podcasts (2025)

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#216 – The Economics of Cannabis: Price, Policy & Prohibition with Beau Whitney 1:24:12

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14d ago1:24:12

1:24:12

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole sits down with economist Beau Whitney of Whitney Economics to unpack the complex realities behind cannabis market structures. From price elasticity and licensing limits to the rising tension between hemp and marijuana regulation, Beau explains what the data really shows. They also tackle how market access, con…

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#215 - Federally legal cannabis survives another day in Texas 1:13:26

18d ago1:13:26

1:13:26

In this live stream, we’ll be discussing the failed attempt to ban federally-legal cannabis products in Texas. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/07/03/e215/By Cole Preston

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#214 - Cannabis Policy in Maine featuring Derek Shirley 1:53:23

18d ago1:53:23

1:53:23

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole talks about odor proof updates + Metrc’s impact on Illinois Medical Cannabis Patients. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/07/03/e214/By Cole Preston

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#213- Odor Proof Updates + Metrc's impact on Illinois Medical Cannabis Patients 29:14

21d ago29:14

29:14

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole talks about odor proof updates + Metrc’s impact on Illinois Medical Cannabis Patients. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/25/e213/By Cole Preston

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#212 - A Conversation Across the Divide: Aubree Adams on Cannabis, Policy, and Prevention 1:25:16

22d ago1:25:16

1:25:16

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 legalization. While Aubree and Cole don’t see eye to eye on many drug policy issues, the conversation is respectful, candid, and wide-ranging—touching on personal experiences, cannabis-induced psycho…

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#211 - Cannabis, Criminal Justice & Public Health: A Conversation with Jordan Davidson 56:16

22d ago56:16

56:16

Cole is joined by Jordan Davidson from Smart Approaches to Marijuana for a candid conversation on cannabis legalization, hemp regulation, and where they still disagree. Watch more at colememo.com/SAM. See the video version of this episode and full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/25/e211/…

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#210 - From the Cornbread Mafia to Cannabis Reform: Jim Higdon on Cannabis policy and Legalization’s Future 1:01:20

1M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

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 Cornbread Mafia helped inspire the brand’s name, and why Cornbread Hemp has become one of the leading voices for common-sense hemp regulation. Jim unpacks the messy realities of cannabis legali…

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#209 – Launching a Marketplace for Federally Legal Cannabis 1:48:18

1M ago1:48:18

1:48:18

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 you quickly find the right product using lab-tested data. By answering a few short questions, you’re matched with one of four color-coded categories based on mood and effect—then you can have…

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#208 - Walking back money laundering accusations + some Benzinga talk! 42:10

1M ago42:10

42:10

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 updates. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/06/11/e208/By Cole Preston

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#207 - Cannabis companies are laundering money? 35:28

2M ago35:28

35:28

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 obstruction, selective enforcement, and unconstitutional practices—and it has people speculating that federal rescheduling might finally be near. But will it actually help? Cole analyzes what’s i…

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#206 - Elevated News X Cole Memo spring wrap up super show LIVE 1:56:25

2M ago1:56:25

1:56:25

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/By Cole Preston

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#205 – The End of Federally-Legal Cannabis in Texas?! 8:44

2M ago8:44

8:44

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 here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/05/31/e205/By Cole Preston

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#204 - Friday Surprise: SB90 Sparks Cannabis Policy Movement in Springfield 16:58

2M ago16:58

16:58

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 dispensar…

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Where are the activists? Where is the protest music? 24:26

2M ago24:26

24:26

For this podcast episode, I am going to break down the rise and fall of SNCC. The fall of SNCC also coincides with the rise of Africana Studies departments on PWIs. This led to a brain drain of humanities professors at HBCUs to higher-salaried Black professors at PWIs. For the pop culture section, I question whether pop music can be radical. Instea…

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#203 - The future of cannabis policy 1:33:23

2M ago1:33:23

1:33:23

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 a…

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#202 - The latest cannabis (and drug policy) news 1:23:29

2M ago1:23:29

1:23:29

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 …

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What Happened to Unions? How Can We Reunionize? 29:53

2M ago29:53

29:53

In today's episode, I am talking about the participation of Black people in unions. I dive into the importance of the CIO (Congressional Industrial Organizations) into being the first interracial union. CIO's efforts also branched into the policies developed into the civil rights episode. For the pop culture section, I talk about the lack of unions…

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#201 - Clout and Cannabis in Illinois: A Conversation with Tom Schuba of the Sun-Times 35:10

2M ago35:10

35:10

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 footho…

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#200 - Ray Long returns to discuss Illinois' Stalled Ethics Reform Efforts 36:27

2M ago36:27

36:27

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. We discuss his recent reporting on how, despite a wave of public corruption convictions—including former House Speaker Mike Madigan—lawmakers have made little effort to close glaring loopholes…

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#199 - Cannabis Odor Bill Moves Forward but a “Compromise” Could Weaken It 1:42:25

2M ago1:42:25

1:42:25

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 House committee vote, unpack surprising testimony, and examine concerns over racial disparities, DUI enforcement, and so-called “trafficking loopholes.” I also share exclusive info from …

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#198 - Seeds of Change: Jason Brown on Education, Equity, and Five Years of Legal Weed in Illinois 2:00:03

2M ago2:00:03

2:00:03

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 of legal cannabis in Illinois, the rise of hemp, the evolution of product reviews, and his latest effort to give back: launching two scholarships for cannabis students at SIU and Oakton Colleg…

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#197 - Starting a small cannabis business in the state of Illinois 2:08:27

3M ago2:08:27

2:08:27

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 version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/05/09/e197/By Cole Preston

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#196 - Unpacking the Rules: Who Gets to Sell Cannabis in Illinois? 2:57:08

3M ago2:57:08

2:57:08

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 identical products under very different rules. I'll be joined by a guest in the state-marijuana program and a guest that participates in the federally legal hemp market. Watch video version and…

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#195 - IL Cannabis Business Owners Call for Change 1:25:33

3M ago1:25:33

1:25:33

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. I’ll also discuss Trump’s pick to lead the DEA, who recently said that reviewing marijuana’s federal status will be one of his first priorities, along with other updates. Watch video version…

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#194 - Dispensaries attacked with molotov cocktail & other news 1:26:21

3M ago1:26:21

1:26:21

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 notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/05/02/e194/By Cole Preston

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#193 - The latest in cannabis news 34:42

3M ago34:42

34:42

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: https://thecolememo.com/2025/05/02/e193/By Cole Preston

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#192 – Inside the Silence: Military Sexual Trauma 1:48:08

3M ago1:48:08

1:48:08

Trigger warning: this episode contains detailed discussions of sexual violence, PTSD, and suicide. In this powerful and emotional episode of The Cole Memo, returning guest Torrin Richelle opens up about her experience with military sexual trauma (MST) during her service in the U.S. Army. She recounts the harassment, assault, and institutional failu…

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#191 - Live chat with Two Dope Dudes 1:53:20

3M ago1:53:20

1:53:20

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 SupportDopePeople.com. We talk about how their show started during the pandemic and how they’re using media to push cannabis culture forward in Illinois and beyond. We also reflect on breaking news aroun…

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#190 - Help End Cannabis-Odor-Based Vehicle Searches in Illinois 8:59

3M ago8:59

8:59

In this quick update, I share important news about Senate Bill 42, which would remove Illinois' requirement that cannabis be transported in an odorproof container—helping to end police searches based solely on the smell of cannabis. I explain where the bill stands, how you can help by filing a witness slip before the April 29 deadline, and why this…

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#189 - Banning Progress: How Texas Could Roll Back Cannabis Reform 58:22

3M ago58:22

58:22

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 cannabis policy battles. We discuss the looming threat of a full hemp ban, the failures of the state's restrictive medical program, and how Texas' hemp market has provided broader legal access …

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#188 – Power, Patronage, and the House That Madigan Built: A Conversation with Ray Long 1:20:46

3M ago1:20:46

1:20:46

Award-winning investigative journalist Ray Long joins Cole Preston for a deep dive into the political legacy of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan—arguably the most powerful figure in the state’s modern political history. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/04/19/e188/By Cole Preston

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#187 - Illinois Medical Cannabis Portal Is Getting an Upgrade 21:58

3M ago21:58

21:58

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/By Cole Preston

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#186 - Behind the Counter: A Perspective on Smoke Shops & Legal Highs 1:21:41

3M ago1:21:41

1:21:41

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 the…

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#185 – Recapping Hash Bash of 2025 1:32:44

3M ago1:32:44

1:32:44

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, moder…

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DEI Rollback and Fall of Affirmative Action with Dr. Eddie Cole 1:35:23

3M ago1:35:23

1:35:23

For this episode, I go through the pros and cons of affirmative action with HBCUs. I also talked with Dr. Eddie Cole about his book "The Campus Color Line: College Presidents and the Struggle for Black Freedom". In the interview, we discuss the hardships of Black presidents during the civil rights movement. (Keep in mind that this interview was rec…

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#184 - Breaking: Illinois Senate Advances SB42 to Curb Vehicle Searches Based on Cannabis Odor 9:35

3M ago9:35

9:35

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/By Cole Preston

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#183 - Is Your Legal Weed Safe? Hemp's Future and Other Cannabis News 1:42:35

4M ago1:42:35

1:42:35

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/By Cole Preston

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A Love Memo To Our Listeners 2:46

4M ago2:46

2:46

Hello beautiful listeners and friends. We are taking a pause to reset and focus! Thank you for being on this journey with us! This is not a goodbye but a see you later. Let's stay connected! @luce.inspiration Leave us a voice memo, what has been your favorite episode to date? Sending you so much love 💚…

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#182 - The State of Cannabis: Finding Common Ground with Livi McKay 1:32:36

4M ago1:32:36

1:32:36

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, "hemp", and the evolving landscape of plant-based wellness. Livi shares her powerful personal journey—from overcoming severe health issues using cannabis to becoming a leader in quality managemen…

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#181 – Behind the Brothel Door: A Candid Look at Legal Sex Work with Ash 1:59:41

4M ago1:59:41

1:59:41

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 illusion of brothel work. From starting on OnlyFans to navigating the complexities of legal brothels, Ash offers firsthand accounts of financial struggles, safety concerns, and the psychological …

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#180 – Illinois Politics Unplugged: Representative Dan Caulkins on Policy, Power, and the Future 2:17:30

4M ago2:17:30

2:17:30

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 of serving in the Illinois General Assembly. Together, they unpack the state’s pressing issues, including protectionist legislation, the effectiveness of bans, and the controversial Illinois …

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#179 – Illinois Senator Ventura’s Push for Reform: Cannabis, Drug Policy, and Campaign Finance 1:27:32

4M ago1:27:32

1:27:32

In this episode, I travel to Joliet, Illinois, to sit down with Senator Rachel Ventura. We discuss her groundbreaking legislation that could end vehicle searches based solely on the smell of cannabis, a longstanding issue impacting cannabis consumers across Illinois. Senator Ventura shares the story behind the bill, the challenges with current laws…

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#178 - Medical or Rec? Why This Receipt is Raising Questions 1:17:57

4M ago1:17:57

1:17:57

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: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/21/e178/By Cole Preston

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Episode 177 – “Booger Sugar” in Smoke Shops? Plus the Latest Cannabis News! 57:20

5M ago57:20

57:20

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. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/08/e177/By Cole Preston

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#176 - How YOU Can Help Legalize Cannabis Lounges & Events in Illinois 1:39:31

5M ago1:39:31

1:39:31

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 Dipesh from the Illinois Cannabis Consumption Association. They break down how the bill would allow municipalities to permit cannabis lounges and events, creating safer spaces for consumers while…

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#175 - Debating Prohibitionists & Cannabis Industry Moves 43:01

5M ago43:01

43:01

Cole responds to criticism over his interview with Every Brain Matters’ Aubrey Adams(episode available soon at ColeMemo.com/Patreon), defending open dialogue and the importance of engaging with opposing views. He tackles claims that hosting prohibitionists is harmful, arguing that avoiding an echo chamber only weakens the movement. The episode also…

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#174 - Inside the Honeycomb Hideout Retreat: Illinois’ Cannabis Oasis 1:45:23

5M ago1:45:23

1:45:23

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 down with Mark Kunicki, the founder, to discuss how the retreat fosters community, education, and access to high-quality cannabis products. From networking and game nights to medical card cons…

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#173 – Madigan’s Fall and Illinois’ Ethics Crossroads featuring Jeremy Gorner 18:40

5M ago18:40

18:40

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 conviction and its implications for Illinois politics. They explore Governor Pritzker’s brief, off-the-cuff reference to Madigan during his budget address, the GOP’s renewed calls for ethics reform,…

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#172 - I testified against the police! 1:23:16

5M ago1:23:16

1:23:16

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 from searching cars based solely on the smell of weed. Joined by Phil, they discuss Cole’s testimony at the state Senate hearing, law enforcement pushback, and the broader implications for perso…

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#171 - Illinois resident sues law enforcement for seizing legal cannabis 1:14:40

5M ago1:14:40

1:14:40

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 groundbreaking lawsuit where Illinois State Police were forced to return legally seized cannabis and cash. He also explores racial disparities in enforcement and breaks down the ongoing debate…