show episodes
 
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 The ...
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Welcome to Chatter with BNC, Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people. Today's episode features Thomas Salley, the President of Visit Wilkes, NC. Salley talks to Ben Kinney about his career journey so far, what's new in Wilkes County, the importance of customer service…
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In this episode, Cole Preston sits down with veteran John Grady to discuss a raid by Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) on a VFW post that offered hemp-infused beverages (exclusively) to its adult members. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2024/09/17/e127/…
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In this episode, I provide a high-level overview and commentary on cannabis-related stories that caught my attention. Topics include the launch of the Cannabis Research Institute in Chicago, the Illinois dispensary regulations effective as of August 2024, and the recent statements from former President Donald Trump endorsing Florida's Amendment 3. …
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In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston sits down with Zack Huffman, a journalist with roots in cannabis reporting, to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of cannabis regulation. They explore the impact of the 2018 Farm Bill, the controversy over hemp-derived THC products, and how states like Michigan and Missouri are cracking down on pro…
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In this insightful episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston is joined by Kelly Rippel, an advocate with deep ties to Kansas cannabis reform and industrial hemp policy. Kelly shares groundbreaking research on the long-standing connections between pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly and cannabis, including how corporate interests influenced cannabi…
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Welcome to Chatter with BNC, Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people. Today's episode features Julian "Bubba" Rawl, cofounder of Cary-based Preston Development, which has developed more than 16,000 home lots since 1991. He and partner Tim Smith are now focused on the …
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In this episode, Cole Preston sits down with Adam, co-founder and CEO of Cantrip, to discuss the latest developments in California's evolving hemp beverage regulations. Adam's own product, Cantrip, made an unexpected appearance in a state press conference, and he shares his thoughts on the surprise and its implications for the hemp industry. They d…
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In this episode, I sit down with Scott Redman and Reese Xavier. The conversation covers key topics such as the hurdles in operationalizing craft grow licenses, the implications of federal and state regulations on the industry, and the ongoing debate around the regulation of hemp-derived intoxicants. Watch video version and read full show notes here…
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Welcome to Chatter with BNC, Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people. Today's episode features Eli Cheatham, chief strategic initiatives officer for Raleigh-based International Farming, a private investment company that manages a $1.5 billion portfolio of agricultural…
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In this live episode, Cole Preston hosts a spirited debate between Jason Beck and Michael Malcolm. The discussion dives into the evolving cannabis policies of both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the implications of cannabis rescheduling, and the broader impact of political decisions on the cannabis industry. With differing views, the conversation …
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In this episode, I am joined by Jason Beck, the longest continuous cannabis retail operator in the United States. Jason shares his journey, starting from his beginnings in San Francisco in 2001 to establishing his presence in West Hollywood in 2004. He also discusses his current role with High at 9 News, a daily cannabis news show that covers six s…
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In this episode, I sit down with Caleb Howard, CEO and founder of Flower Girl and the Illinois State Director for Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM). We dive deep into the challenges facing the hemp industry and the complex landscape of cannabis regulation in Illinois. Caleb shares his personal journey, the obstacles he's faced, and his ongoin…
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Welcome to Chatter with BNC, Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people. Kathy C. Bailey is retiring at the end of August as CEO of UNC Health Blue Ridge in Burke County. She has held the top job since 2013. Before coming to UNC Health Blue Ridge in 2005, she was the ina…
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In this episode of The Cole Memo, host Cole Preston sits down with fellow advocate and friend, Phillip. They spark up a candid conversation about Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's recent speech at the International Cannabis Bar Association, dissecting the claims of progress in Illinois' cannabis industry. Specifically, they discuss the stark realitie…
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Welcome to Chatter with BNC, Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people. Today's episode features George Schulmeyer, area president of M/I Homes in Charlotte. He discussed the booming housing market in the region, where the market is going, and what it means for the regi…
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In this episode, Cole sits down with Phillip, a fellow advocate, and the organizer of the Melt Market, a unique cannabis farmers market in Illinois. Together, they explore the challenges and rewards of organizing underground cannabis events, discuss the importance of community involvement, and reflect on the evolving cannabis landscape in the state…
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In this episode, I interview Illinois State Representative Dan Swanson at the 2024 Hemp Research Open House, co-hosted by the Illinois Hemp Growers Association and the University of Illinois. Recorded in the hemp fields of Urbana-Champaign, this conversation covers the latest legislative session, the ongoing debate between the hemp and cannabis ind…
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In this episode, I sit down with Martha Bueno, an entrepreneur, former political candidate, and passionate advocate for freedom. Martha shares her unique journey from running for office in Miami and becoming the first political candidate to use OnlyFans as a platform to expose the dirty underbelly of politics. She dives deep into her involvement wi…
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Welcome to Chatter with BNC, Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people. Today's episode features Brett Curley, general manager and chief operating officer of the Charlotte City Club, a 75-year-old community institution based in uptown Charlotte. Center-city private club…
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Welcome to Chatter with BNC, Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people. Jed Routh is the vice president of markets and products at Kempower, which recently opened its state-of-the-art EV charger manufacturing facility in Durham. Kempower’s growth strategy aims to positi…
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In this special episode, Cole sits down with the organizer of the Melt Market, a unique cannabis farmers market that brings together vendors, growers, and cannabis enthusiasts from across Illinois and beyond. They discuss the origins of the Melt Market, the challenges of organizing such events, and the importance of community involvement and collab…
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In this episode, I am joined by Kyle Baker, founder of Clean Theory, to explore the complexities of cannabis cultivation and testing. We discuss third-party lab testing, quality control measures, state regulations, remediation processes, and health concerns. Kyle highlights differences between commercial and home growing and argues that Illinois' s…
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Welcome to Chatter with BNC, Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people. Today's episode features Meredith Archie. Archie was named president of the NC Chamber Foundation in April 2022. She leads the Foundation’s competitiveness institute activities, oversees commissione…
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In this episode, I chat with Dr. Regina Moore, a semi-retired pharmacist and mushroom foraging enthusiast. During the episode, we explore the world of Amanita muscaria mushrooms, discuss their uses, the recent surge in their popularity, and the recent headline stories about mushroom products. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on psychedelics, …
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Welcome to Chatter with BNC, Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people. Today's episode features Dr. Elizabeth Welch, founder of Community Pets Mobile Veterinary Clinic, which provides affordable spay/neuter services in the Charlotte. Her deep concern for the welfare of…
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In this episode, I am joined by Bill Panagiotakopoulos. Bill is the founder and CEO of Safe Supply, a Canadian company that invests in the future of the legal drug trade. During this episode, we speak about the current state of drug policy and discuss what the future (legal) drug trade could look like. Watch video version and read full show notes a…
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Welcome to Chatter with BNC, Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people. Michelle Doran, the chief operating officer at the Smith Anderson law firm, brings over 25 years of senior leadership experience from various regional and international law firms. The firm has an al…
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In this episode, I speak to Abby Lutz - a Death Doula. We discuss human composting, how green burials are revolutionizing the funeral industry, and of course: the topic of death itself. Abby makes the case that these practices are changing the way we think about death and the environment. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://t…
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Welcome to Chatter with BNC, Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people. Dr. Jenni Harris is the Executive Director of Business Services, NC Dept of Commerce with expertise in strategy development, implementation, relationship management, cross-sector collaboration and b…
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In this episode, I discuss a recent study by a Black advocacy group that described legalization in Illinois as 'botched.' During the episode, I play statements from an advisor behind the study and I play the state's response to the study. I close the episode with national psychedelic trends and I share that there's been a reported increase in posse…
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Welcome to Chatter with BNC, Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people. Greg Wilson is the founder and chief executive officer of Ripple Fiber in Charlotte, which provides internet connectivity via its fiber optic network and patented software. The company recently rece…
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In this episode, I have a conversation with Emma Savage about her journey in the sex industry. Emma recounts her progression from starting as a young stripper to becoming a licensed legal prostitute in Nevada, and eventually transitioning to independent work. Throughout our discussion, Emma candidly shares both the highs and lows of her experience …
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In this episode of The Cole Memo, I sit down with Caesar, a former CNN producer turned advocate for plant medicine and microdosing. Caesar shares his journey from corporate life to becoming a thought leader for those over 50 exploring microdosing. Tune in to learn about his new free ebook, courses, and his mission to change lives through responsibl…
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Welcome to Chatter with BNC, Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people. John Loyack is the Vice President of Economic Development for the North Carolina Community College System. In this role, Loyack leads the operation of the Economic Development Division, which includ…
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In this episode, I sit down with TheDankInformer, a person I met on X (formerly Twitter). We discuss the topic of hemp regulation. I was under the impression that there might be a lot of disagreement during this conversation, but we seemed to agree on more than we disagreed on. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.…
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In this episode, I visit Molly’s Joint, a consumption lounge in Illinois, to sit down with Heather and Boyd LaFoon from VineyardAccounting.net. During the conversation, Boyd and Heather break down the crucial role that accountants play for businesses, explain the complexities of operating in the cannabis industry (including the implications of 280E…
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Welcome to Chatter with BNC, Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people Jason Dibble is the co-founder of Boomerang Water, which is based in Midland, outside of Charlotte.The company is dedicated to the elimination of single use plastic water bottles from all major campu…
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Welcome to Chatter with BNC, Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people. As Director of the Economic Development Partnership, Tom White leads economic development initiatives for NC State, serving as the liaison to local, regional and state economic and workforce develop…
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In this episode, I play one of the latest episodes of Cannabis Legalization News which features me, Cole Preston. During the episode, we recap various topics, including a recap of the legislative session, discussions on hemp, comparisons between open licensing and limited licensing, and much more. My appearance starts around 18 minutes into the epi…
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Welcome to Chatter with BNC, Business North Carolina's weekly podcast, serving up interviews with some of the Tar Heel State's most interesting people Tony Atti is the co-founder and CEO of Durham-based Phononic, an innovating solid state semiconductor solutions that sustainably transforms refrigeration and cooling. Its products go into grocery sto…
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In 2016, Illinois decriminalized small amounts of cannabis. Under the 2016 law, those caught with up to 10 grams of marijuana faced fines of $100 to $200. The law also changed the state’s zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence. In doing so, Illinois created a "per-se" limit. A "per-se" limit is the concept that allows the state to as…
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