The Elevated News Podcast

Drive-thru dispensaries are here, the DEA is forcing a business owner to fire her employees, and a new government study proves what we've been saying about medical cannabis all along. 🌿 This week on The Elevated News Podcast, Aaron and Dave break it all down. Topics this episode include the fallout from hemp vs dispensary lawsuits and the War on Hemp documentary, Illinois' first drive-thru dispensary in Woodstock, the state expanding access for medical cannabis patients, the DEA forcing a Mississippi dispensary owner to fire longtime employees to keep federal protections under Trump's rescheduling move, and a major government-backed study sho...

Illinois cannabis license map, a 5,800 lb weed bust on I-80, Sabalenka calling out weed smell at the US Open, and Trump delaying the hemp THC ban. It's a wild Labor Day episode of Elevated News with Two Dope Dudes 🌿💨

Grab a smoke and settle in because this Labor Day edition is stacked. We break down Illinois' brand new interactive cannabis and hemp business license map, dig into a massive 5,800 pound marijuana bust near LaSalle County, react to Aryna Sabalenka complaining about weed smell mid match at the US Open, unpack Cresco Labs scooping up PharmaCann's Pennsylvania assets, and co...

🚨 200,000+ people arrested for weed possession last year, a deadly cannabis explosion in Oklahoma, and the FDA is quietly eyeing psychedelics. Aaron and Dave break it all down on Episode 156 of The Elevated News Podcast.

This week the Two Dope Dudes cover the Sand Springs BHO explosion that left 2 dead, Illinois adding new qualifying conditions to its medical cannabis program, British tennis pros complaining about weed smell at the US Open, fresh FBI arrest data that proves cannabis is NOT actually legal in America, and a new federal report on FDA psychedelic approval. Plus Billy Str...

🌱🔥 The Two Dope Dudes are back with Episode 155!

This week we talk about Illinois medical cannabis sales, new medical dispensary rules, a guy allegedly carrying 32 pounds through O'Hare, whether rescheduling could open the door to medical cannabis delivery in Georgia, and the FDA wanting to monitor cannabis conversations on TikTok, Reddit and Instagram.

Plus, My Bud Jon puts some Hashburger to the test, we talk outdoor growing and aging cannabis, and Dave's Conditional Cannabis Corner gets into effective dosing, cannabinoid ratios and why "indica vs sativa" may not tell you nearly as much a...

Illinois cannabis rules are changing again, medical dispensaries face new fees and taxes, Connecticut cannabis tax revenue jumps 67%, and North Carolina courts say cannabis odor can still lead to a stop. Plus My Bud Jon and Dave’s Conditional Cannabis Corner. 🌱🔥

Welcome back to The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes! We are YOUR source for Midwest cannabis news, culture and more! Aaron and Dave break down what is actually happening behind the headlines, government language and the numbers.

🔥 MY BUD JON

Jon reviews Seed Junky Genetics Bubblegum Sherb and the Tickled Pink pre-ro...

Hemp ban drama, Square cutting off hemp and CBD sellers, New York opening up cannabis farmers markets, a new study on cannabis and cortisol, My Bud Jon reviews The Botanist, and Dave's Conditional Cannabis Corner on using cannabis for stress. Episode 153 is packed. 🌱🔥

Welcome back to The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes! We are YOUR source for Midwest cannabis news and culture and more!

This week Aaron and Dave get into the latest fallout from the federal hemp changes, including Square telling businesses to stop selling hemp and CBD products on its platform

W...

This week on The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes, Aaron and Dave break down the latest cannabis news including Michigan dispensary surveillance, the federal hemp THC ban delay, Minnesota market updates, and the newest data showing Americans now use cannabis more than alcohol. Plus My Bud Jon delivers one of his funniest product reviews yet, and Dave explains why more people are choosing cannabis over alcohol.

If you care about cannabis policy, industry news, home grow, culture, and honest opinions, you're in the right place.

👇 In this epi...

Michigan just handed cannabis consumers one of the biggest legal wins we've seen in years.

This week we're breaking down the Michigan Supreme Court ruling that says the smell of cannabis alone is no longer enough for police to search your vehicle. We also discuss the disturbing discovery of a hidden camera inside a Curaleaf dispensary restroom in Illinois, an Indiana marijuana trafficking case, Vermont expanding legal possession limits, and what these stories mean for consumers across the Midwest.

This week's My Bud Jon Battle of the Grams features products from Flora, Nature's Grace, Ozone...

Welcome back to Episode 150 of The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes!

This week Aaron and Dave return from vacation to break down the latest cannabis news from Illinois and across the country.

This week's stories include Illinois cannabis sales, Michigan market comparisons, cannabis seed sales in Illinois, new comments from state agencies, and a newly introduced federal legalization bill in the U.S. Senate.

🌿 This week's My Bud Jon review covers:

• Nature's Grace Nimbus Snacks Cured Batter

• Beezle Mad Fruit Live Rosin

Dave's Conditional Cannabis Corner...

🎙️ The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes | Episode 149

We are YOUR source for Midwest cannabis news and culture and more!

This week Aaron and Dave break down major cannabis and hemp developments across the country, including Virginia's new adult-use cannabis sales framework, Kentucky's latest restrictions on medical cannabis purchases, and Illinois' new Hemp Act implementation guidance.

We also dive into the ongoing conversation around cannabis quality, cultivation practices, market trends, and consumer experiences. Plus, My Bud Jon returns with another review and discussion that cannabis enthusiasts won't want to miss.

🔥 Topics C...

This week Aaron and Dave celebrate THREE YEARS of The Elevated News Podcast while breaking down some of the biggest cannabis stories affecting Illinois and the Midwest.

🚨 Illinois cannabis sales continue trending downward

🚨 Hundreds of Ascend workers walk off the job

🚨 New Illinois cannabis law changes are officially taking effect

🚨 Minnesota releases new medical cannabis patient outcome data

🚨 My Bud Jon reviews Midweek Friday products and declares war on shake

The guys take a hard look at Illinois cannabis sales numbers, discuss why out-of-state sales are falling, explain how SB3...

🚨 The Elevated News Podcast Episode 147 is here!

This week Aaron and Dave break down a HUGE week for cannabis news as the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously sides with a cannabis consumer in a major Second Amendment case, potentially changing the future of cannabis and firearm rights across America.

We also discuss the upcoming DEA marijuana rescheduling hearings beginning June 29th, why only opponents of cannabis reform were selected to participate, and what this could mean for the future of federal cannabis policy.

Plus:

🔥 Illinois cannabis market concerns

🔥 Grown Rogue res...

🚨 Illinois just signed one of the biggest cannabis reform packages since legalization and we're breaking down what it REALLY means.

This week Aaron and Dave dive deep into Illinois SB3222 and the massive omnibus cannabis and hemp legislation signed by Governor JB Pritzker. We cover the new possession limits, drive-thru dispensaries, curbside pickup, telehealth certifications, medical cannabis changes, hemp regulations, ownership transparency requirements and why some people believe Illinois continues to favor corporate operators over small businesses.

We also discuss a Michigan cultivation facility being marketed as an AI data center, declining medical cannabis sales in...

The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes | Episode 145

This week on The Elevated News Podcast, Aaron and Dave dive into several major cannabis stories impacting consumers, patients, and the cannabis industry.

We kick things off with My Bud Jon's review of Ozone's Mandarin Z flower and the Dr. Dabber Ghost 2 portable concentrate vaporizer. Jon breaks down flavor, effects, performance, and whether these products are worth your hard-earned dollars.

Then we jump into Illinois cannabis enforcement after a man was arrested on a CTA train while rolling a cannabis cigar. The discussion evolves...

🚨 Illinois just passed the biggest cannabis overhaul in years!

This week on The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes, Aaron and Dave break down Illinois' newly passed cannabis omnibus bill, the doubling of possession limits, changes impacting hemp operators, medical cannabis access improvements, and what it all means for consumers and businesses.

We also discuss Alabama finally opening its first medical cannabis dispensary after years of delays, whether regenerative farming is the future of cannabis cultivation, and why Dave believes ALL cannabis use can be considered medical use.

The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes Episode 143 is here and this one goes DEEP.

This week Aaron and Dave sit down with Jay Wills of Tree One Four Genetics, We talk legacy cannabis culture, massive pheno hunts, terpene preservation, deli style dispensaries, corporate cannabis problems, the truth about THC percentages, old school Kush genetics, and how Jay went from DEA raids in Montana to helping build one of Missouri’s most respected cannabis brands through Vibe Cannabis.

This episode is packed with stories from the early underground cannabis days, conversations about preserving real ca...

The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes Episode 142 is here!

This week Aaron and Dave break down major cannabis news stories including the TSA updating its cannabis policy, Indiana Republicans opening up to medical marijuana legislation, a federal judge approving bankruptcy protections for a cannabis MSO, Texas revoking medical cannabis permits, and a new study showing cannabis helping pain patients reduce opioid use.

Plus:

My Bud Jon reviews Hijinx Sleep Spray, Space Chunks gummies, and Blue Raz RSO shooters

Dave explains why “Indica vs Sativa” is outdated in another Conditional Cann...

The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes Episode 141

This week Aaron and Dave break down a major lawsuit targeting cannabis companies over alleged mental health risks, the ATF quietly updating gun purchase forms involving medical marijuana, and Minnesota lawmakers advancing psilocybin therapy legalization.

Plus:

My Bud Jon reviews the new Jeters hitting the Illinois cannabis market

Dave delivers another powerful Conditional Cannabis Corner focused on cannabis, CBD, and cancer support

Disc golf stories, hole-in-one energy, live chat shoutouts, and more cannabis culture conversation from the Midwest

<...

Is the federal government about to change gun laws for cannabis users? Is Missouri’s cannabis market being controlled behind the scenes? And why did a Texas judge just BLOCK a hemp ban?

In Episode 140 of The Elevated News Podcast, Two Dope Dudes break down the biggest cannabis stories in the country right now. From federal policy shifts to market manipulation and hemp industry chaos, this episode is packed with real talk, education, and unfiltered opinions.

We also get a brutally honest My Bud Jon review, react to your YouTube comments, and dive into Dave’s Co...

The cannabis industry is sending mixed signals in 2026…

Illinois leads the nation in 420 sales, retailers see massive spikes in transactions, and yet something still feels off. Is this real growth or just hype?

In this episode of The Elevated News Podcast, we break down the biggest cannabis news stories including illegal weed vending machines pulling in up to $20,000 a day, new THC law changes, and what 420 sales really tell us about the future of cannabis.

We also dive into another My Bud Jon review, respond to your comments, and explore how cannabis can be...

The 420 Special is here and we are not holding back.

Is 420 still about cannabis culture or has it turned into a corporate cash grab? We break down why 420 might actually suck now, plus the biggest cannabis news stories you need to know right now.

From Illinois cannabis sales numbers to a potential federal hemp THC ban and new research on safer consumption methods, this episode is packed with insights, opinions, and real talk from Two Dope Dudes.

What we cover in this episode:

420 culture and...

Cannabis sales are dropping across multiple states including Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio… so where is the money going?

In this episode of The Elevated News Podcast, we break down the latest cannabis industry trends, including falling dispensary sales, the rise of home grow, and what this means for the future of legal weed.

We also recap our trip to the Quad Cities Gardening seed swap, talk dispensary ownership changes in Rockford, and dive into new medical cannabis developments in Illinois.

Plus, My Bud Jon reviews a Diamond Science Guava Kush cart and High Su...

The Illinois cannabis industry is STILL dealing with lawsuits, corporate consolidation rumors, and major questions about fairness… and now the FINAL licensing lawsuit is heading to court.

This week on The Elevated News Podcast, we’re joined by Dag from QC Gardening Supply to talk about the upcoming Quad Cities Gardening Seed Swap, growing your own cannabis, and why community matters more than ever.

We also break down:

Illinois’ final cannabis licensing lawsuit and what it means

Rumors on Reddit that GTI could be buying Revolu...

Illinois Medical cannabis sales are dropping again and the numbers are raising serious questions about the health of the market. In Episode 135 of The Elevated News Podcast, we break down the latest medical cannabis sales data released by the State of Illinois, why dispensaries and MSOs are struggling, and what it means for the future of legal weed.

We also cover major cannabis company closures, layoffs across multiple states, and what’s really happening behind the scenes in the industry. Plus, a brand new 24/7 drive-thru dispensary just opened near St. Louis and the Army is changing its ma...

Illinois cannabis sales are down to start 2026 and the numbers are raising serious questions about the future of the market. At the same time, Ohio just rolled out new cannabis and hemp restrictions that could push consumers back to the unregulated market.

In this episode of The Elevated News Podcast, we break down what is really happening behind the numbers, what the new Ohio laws mean for consumers and businesses, and why Missouri’s licensing system is facing major legal challenges.

We also have another My Bud Jon review, plus Dave’s Conditional Cannabis Corner cove...

Evanston, Illinois wants to tax Delta-8 hemp products and use the revenue for reparations programs. Meanwhile the cannabis industry is facing massive federal tax pressure as MSOs rack up billions in unpaid 280E tax bills.

In this episode of The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes, Aaron and Dave break down the biggest cannabis stories of the week including a Delta-8 tax proposal in Illinois, the IRS digging in on cannabis tax enforcement, and the ongoing consolidation of the legal cannabis industry.

We also cover new research suggesting cannabis may help treat female orgasmic...

Welcome back to The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes. Dave is back and we are diving into another week of cannabis news, culture, and commentary from the Midwest and beyond.

This episode covers the strange contradictions happening in the cannabis industry right now. Alabama is about to launch medical cannabis after years of delays, while someone in Illinois just received a 16 year prison sentence for a cannabis crime. At the same time lawmakers in multiple states are fighting over cannabis taxes that may be hurting legal markets.

We also bring...

Illinois marijuana reform is back on the table. Four new bills have moved to the Senate Cannabis Subcommittee, including two omnibus cannabis bills and two conflicting hemp regulation bills. Is this real progress or another round of stalled reform?

We break down Senate Bill 4015, Senate Bill 4048, and the competing hemp bills including SB 3377, SB 3820, and SB 3919. What does this mean for hemp drinks, intoxicating hemp products, enforcement, and potential fines?

Plus:

• Michigan marijuana sales drop 16 percent after a major tax hike

• Are cannabis taxes finally catc...

The cannabis industry just got more interesting.

Illinois retailers sold a RECORD number of cannabis products in 2025, yet revenue dropped by nearly $200 million. What is really happening behind the numbers? Is this true price compression, market correction, or proof the system was built wrong from the start?

Guest cohost Cole Preston of The Cole Memo joins Aaron to break it all down.

We also cover Minnesota’s slow recreational rollout, massive testing backlogs, a multi-million dollar Michigan grow bust, and the FDA missing its federal hemp deadline as the clock ticks toward potential ca...

Is cannabis medicine, wellness, recreation… or all three?

In Episode 129 of The Elevated News Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Amanda Reiman, PhD, MSW, cannabis researcher, policy expert, former Drug Policy Alliance leader, and founder of Personal Plants, for one of the most balanced and honest conversations we have ever had about cannabis.

We break down:

• The real risks of cannabis use

• What a THC overdose actually is

• Medical vs wellness vs recreational use

• Minimum effective dose and why most p...

Winter blues, cannabis truths, and a BIG shift happening in the industry 👀🌿 This episode is a real one — from mental health and seasonal burnout to major moves in the cannabis market that could change the game for growers and consumers alike.

Aaron and Dave kick things off talking about winter, community, and why getting outside (or even just tending plants under grow lights) can be a serious mental health tool. Then it’s straight into Midwest cannabis news, industry shake-ups, and a deep dive into why THC drinks are suddenly everywhere. 

In thi...

Cannabis sales are breaking records across the country, but the real story is what is happening underneath the surface.

In this episode of The Elevated News Podcast, Two Dope Dudes break down fresh cannabis sales data from Arkansas, Minnesota, Michigan, and Montana, revealing what strong numbers, soft months, and billion dollar milestones actually mean for the future of legal cannabis.

We also dive into new research showing that sterilization and remediation do not fully remove toxic fungi from cannabis, raising serious questions about consumer safety and large scale production practices. Plus, we unpack the ATF’s...

New cannabis reform bills are already being introduced in Illinois, Virginia is debating a $20 million adult-use conversion fee, and researchers claim they’ve created a standard way to measure cannabis use. We break down what these developments actually mean and where the logic starts to fall apart.

In Episode 126 of The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes, Aaron and Dave dig into early Illinois cannabis legislation, including proposed changes to the Cannabis Equity Commission and medical cannabis program. They also examine Virginia’s controversial cannabis license conversion fees and why some operators see them as a barg...

The federal government is easing alcohol consumption guidance while cannabis remains federally illegal and medical marijuana patients continue losing access. In Episode 125 of The Elevated News Podcast, Two Dope Dudes break down the growing hypocrisy in federal drug policy and what it means for patients, public health, and the future of legalization.

This episode covers the Trump administration backing away from alcohol limits while marijuana stays criminalized, even as more Americans turn to cannabis for health and wellness. We also dive into a real world medical cannabis crisis in Illinois, where a family risks losing access to...

Michigan just imposed a new 24 percent wholesale cannabis tax and the industry is already reacting. We break down what this tax actually means, who really pays it, and why the panic outside Michigan does not match the reality on the ground.

Illinois regulators are celebrating a so called “transformative year” in their FY2025 cannabis report. We dig into the IDFPR and IDPH numbers to see what actually changed, what stayed the same, and where the data does not support the narrative being pushed.

Dave’s Conditional Cannabis Corner returns with an honest and necessary conversation about...

The cannabis industry is under pressure heading into 2026 🌱

In episode 123 of The Elevated News Podcast, Two Dope Dudes break down the mounting regulatory, economic, and political pressure reshaping cannabis and hemp across the United States.

This episode focuses on the growing strain between access and control. States are tightening hemp rules, reworking cannabis frameworks, and in some cases openly questioning adult use markets. What started as legalization is evolving into layered regulation, taxation, and enforcement that is squeezing operators, consumers, and patients alike.

We cover state level developments including Wisconsin’s hemp safety initi...

Cannabis rescheduling is finally moving forward, but what does it actually mean for patients, homegrowers, and the industry?

In this episode of The Elevated News Podcast, Two Dope Dudes break down the federal executive order to reschedule marijuana, what Schedule 3 really changes, and why Illinois regulators are quietly expanding enforcement powers at the same time. From dispensary distance rules to warrantless seizures, this episode is packed with facts, context, and real talk you are not hearing anywhere else.

We also cover reactions from major Illinois cannabis executives, explain the legal consequences of rescheduling, and dig...

The cannabis hype cycle is back and this time it is rescheduling. In Episode 121 of The Elevated News Podcast, Two Dope Dudes break down what cannabis rescheduling actually means, why it is not the silver bullet many think it is, and what really matters for patients, operators, and consumers.

We cover major Illinois cannabis updates, a key U.S. Supreme Court decision rejecting a marijuana industry challenge, and major medical marijuana expansion news from Alabama and the South. Plus, Dave dives deep into cannabis as a neuroprotectant and why cannabinoids matter for brain health...

Welcome back to The Elevated News Podcast with Two Dope Dudes, your source for Midwest cannabis news, culture, and community. In this episode we cover a packed week of headlines and take a deep dive into the growing mental health crisis in America.

Chicago considers an early ban on hemp products months before the federal deadline. PharmaCann and 4Front default on rent again and face possible eviction. The Illinois Department of Public Health proposes new medical cannabis conditions. Texas expands its Compassionate Use Program. We also talk Thanksgiving, disc golf, freeze dryers, solar panels, and read your...

The Two Dope Dudes are back with a loaded Thanksgiving week episode packed with Midwest cannabis news, real talk about the industry, and a whole lot of community love. From Ohio’s overnight cannabis and hemp overhaul to Illinois sales falling short for reparations funding, this one digs deep with insight, honesty, and humor. We break down the headlines, read your YouTube comments, talk DJ Short Blueberry genetics, and share our top five ways to survive family time during the holidays.

We are YOUR source for Midwest cannabis news and culture and more. Tap in...