#271 - GrownIn Relaunch and Midwest Cannabis Forum Preview

·26 min·2 clips

Cole Preston announces an impromptu broadcast with Brad Spearson to discuss the relaunch of GrownIn and the Midwest Cannabis Forum.

The episode begins with host Cole Preston announcing an impromptu Friday broadcast, joined by guest Brad Spearson. They immediately introduce the main topics: the relaunch of GrownIn, a cannabis news website, and the upcoming Midwest Cannabis Forum. Brad explains that GrownIn has rebranded to focus on cannabis, commerce, and culture through the prism of Chicago and the Midwest, aiming to position the region as a global hub. He notes Chicago's strengths, including being home to multi-state operators like Green Thumb Industries and Cresco Labs, and its role as an application town for technology and business. The discussion shifts to the Midwest Cannabis Forum, scheduled for May 28th at Salvage One in Chicago. Cole and Brad emphasize the event's value in bringing together diverse stakeholders from across the Midwest, including industry executives, policymakers, regulators, and consumers. They mention that the forum will feature discussions on topics like rescheduling and intoxicating hemp beverages. A live comment from a listener named Mitch sparks a brief exchange about a news article reporting that President Trump wants the interim Attorney General to sign rescheduling, highlighting the fluid nature of cannabis policy. Brad reflects on the evolution of cannabis in 2026, noting federal rescheduling and state-level developments under figures like Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. He stresses the importance of viewing cannabis as one plant, encompassing legal markets, hemp, and CBD, to better inform regulators. The episode wraps with personal acknowledgments, as Cole thanks Brad for inspiring him and Brad praises the show's professional perspective. They encourage listeners to subscribe for future live streams and attend the forum, with links provided in the show notes.

As heard by us

A Friday broadcast ties GrownIn's relaunch to the people still holding Midwest cannabis policy together.

The Cole Memo frames a surprise Friday broadcast around GrownIn's relaunch and the broader question of who remains invested in Midwest cannabis policy and business.

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Why you'd press play

You get a Friday pop-up with a GrownIn relaunch, a Midwest Cannabis Forum preview, and a room that sounds built for true believers.

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