INSIDER
University of Michigan research finds medical cannabis patients have increased six-fold since 2016
Read full article: University of Michigan research finds medical cannabis patients have increased six-fold since 2016In 2022, the CDC says over 60 million Americans used cannabis. Research from the University of Michigan finds more than four million of that 60 million were licensed medical cannabis patients. That's a six-fold increase from 2016.
Ann Arbor’s Bloom City Club making Hash Bash donations to expungement nonprofit
Read full article: Ann Arbor’s Bloom City Club making Hash Bash donations to expungement nonprofit“What Bloom City Club is doing is what makes Michigan’s cannabis industry so great--an industry of compassion, and dedication to building a better tomorrow,” said GLEN President and Redemption Cannabis CEO Ryan Basore in a release.
President Biden wipes marijuana offenses off for thousands of Americans -- what this means for Michiganders
Read full article: President Biden wipes marijuana offenses off for thousands of Americans -- what this means for MichigandersWith the swipe of a pen, President Joe Biden wiped marijuana use or possession offenses off the records of thousands of Americans.
First phase of Detroit applications for recreational marijuana licenses now open for businesses
Read full article: First phase of Detroit applications for recreational marijuana licenses now open for businessesThe first phase of recreational marijuana license applications has opened for adult-use retailers, microbusinesses and designated consumption establishments.
Michigan State Police halt marijuana THC tests after lab problems
Read full article: Michigan State Police halt marijuana THC tests after lab problemsThe Michigan State Police crime lab has stopped screening blood samples for THC, the compound that gives marijuana users a high, after problems with testing.
Senate Democrats introduce bill to end federal prohibition on cannabis: View it here
Read full article: Senate Democrats introduce bill to end federal prohibition on cannabis: View it hereSenate Democrats introduced a bill that would end the federal prohibition on cannabis by removing it from the federal list of controlled substances.
Detroit to open online license applications for recreational marijuana businesses: How to apply
Read full article: Detroit to open online license applications for recreational marijuana businesses: How to applyPeople seeking recreational marijuana business licenses in Detroit can begin applying next month.
City of Detroit opens applications for commercial adult-use marijuana business licensing
Read full article: City of Detroit opens applications for commercial adult-use marijuana business licensingDetroit City Council voted anonymously to approve the opening of applications for limited adult-use licensing for commercial marijuana being sold within retail, microbusiness and as well as consumption in a lounge.
2 elementary students hospitalized after eating marijuana edibles in Livonia classroom
Read full article: 2 elementary students hospitalized after eating marijuana edibles in Livonia classroomTwo fifth grade students at Grand River Academy were hospitalized as a precaution after reportedly consuming marijuana edibles while at school.
Royal Oak rejects proposal for marijuana sales at Arts, Beats & Eats festival
Read full article: Royal Oak rejects proposal for marijuana sales at Arts, Beats & Eats festivalCity officials have rejected a proposal seeking to allow marijuana at the annual Arts, Beats & Eats festival in Downtown Royal Oak.
Application process begins for Detroit adult-use marijuana licenses
Read full article: Application process begins for Detroit adult-use marijuana licensesThe Detroit Department of Civil Rights, Inclusion and Entrepreneurship’s (CRIO) Office of Marijuana Ventures & Entrepreneurship started accepting applications on Wednesday for those looking for marijuana licenses.
Flashpoint Interview: Detroit, industry leaders discuss future of recreational marijuana in city
Read full article: Flashpoint Interview: Detroit, industry leaders discuss future of recreational marijuana in cityDetroit voters approved recreational marijuana in the city two years ago, but only now has it been given the green light by the city.
First 100 customers at The Grove marijuana dispensary in Center Line win year of free pre-rolled joints
Read full article: First 100 customers at The Grove marijuana dispensary in Center Line win year of free pre-rolled jointsA new cannabis dispensary is opening in Center Line and the first 100 customers will win free pre-rolled joints for a year.
Ex-NBA star Allen Iverson launches exclusive weed strain in Michigan
Read full article: Ex-NBA star Allen Iverson launches exclusive weed strain in MichiganAmerican basketball star Allen Iverson is partnering with cannabis brand Viola to release a new marijuana strain bred in Detroit exclusively for Michigan.
Detroit City Council continues to sort through recreational marijuana ordinance
Read full article: Detroit City Council continues to sort through recreational marijuana ordinanceLast summer, a judge put a halt to granting recreational marijuana licenses in the city of Detroit. Instead of waiting to go to trial, there’s a new ordinance on the table.
High Times Cannabis Cup looks to find top recreational, medical products in Michigan
Read full article: High Times Cannabis Cup looks to find top recreational, medical products in MichiganMichigan’s High Times Cannabis Cup will go virtual this year and organizers are expecting it to be the largest cannabis event in the state.
Cannabis retailer partners with Ann Arbor shelter for winter essentials drive
Read full article: Cannabis retailer partners with Ann Arbor shelter for winter essentials driveUntil the end of March, visitors to the Main Street cannabis retailer can drop off new winter essentials including socks, gloves, hats and warm sweatpants.
Massive cannabis facility planned for old Gibraltar Trade Center site in Mount Clemens
Read full article: Massive cannabis facility planned for old Gibraltar Trade Center site in Mount ClemensAfter sitting vacant for years, the Gibraltar Trade Center site in Mount Clemens is set to become a massive cannabis dispensary and a cannabis-based drinks operation.
Lucky Leaf Expo cannabis conference coming to Detroit on March 25-26
Read full article: Lucky Leaf Expo cannabis conference coming to Detroit on March 25-26Lucky Leaf Expo, which calls itself one of the nation’s top B2B cannabis events companies, has announced the addition of Lucky Leaf Expo Detroit on March 25 and 26 at Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center).
Study: Cannabis compounds prevent coronavirus from entering human cells
Read full article: Study: Cannabis compounds prevent coronavirus from entering human cellsA new study published by researchers at Oregon State University found hemp compounds have the ability to prevent the virus that causes COVID-19 from entering human cells.
Officials warn of fentanyl-laced marijuana in Michigan, call it ‘emerging public health threat’
Read full article: Officials warn of fentanyl-laced marijuana in Michigan, call it ‘emerging public health threat’Michigan poison control officials have issued a warning about possible cases of fentanyl-laced marijuana in the state, labeling it as a potential “emerging public health threat.”
Richard Wershe Jr., formerly known as ‘White Boy Rick,’ launches ‘The 8th’ cannabis brand
Read full article: Richard Wershe Jr., formerly known as ‘White Boy Rick,’ launches ‘The 8th’ cannabis brandMore than one year after his prison release, Richard Wershe Jr., formerly known as “White Boy Rick,” is launching a cannabis brand.
Outgoing mayor of Pontiac appoints herself to Medical Marijuana Commission
Read full article: Outgoing mayor of Pontiac appoints herself to Medical Marijuana CommissionVoters in Pontiac passed medical marijuana ordinances in 2018, but owners are still waiting for licenses to be approved and dispensaries to open.
Pistons legend Ben Wallace signs deal to develop brand of cannabis products
Read full article: Pistons legend Ben Wallace signs deal to develop brand of cannabis productsDetroit Pistons legend Ben Wallace, recently inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, has signed a deal with a Michigan-based cannabis company to develop his own products.
Former NBA star Chris Webber building $50 million cannabis facility in Detroit’s Corktown
Read full article: Former NBA star Chris Webber building $50 million cannabis facility in Detroit’s CorktownNBA legend and Detroit’s own Chris Webber was back in town Tuesday for his latest business venture, a $50 million cannabis facility on 22nd Street in Corktown.
Roseville police say arrests made after gas station sold snacks, candy containing marijuana
Read full article: Roseville police say arrests made after gas station sold snacks, candy containing marijuanaA family from Roseville said they purchased snacks from a gas station in town and later realized the snacks had THC, marijuana’s high-producing chemical, in them.
Ex-Lions star Calvin Johnson aims to change game with cannabis business
Read full article: Ex-Lions star Calvin Johnson aims to change game with cannabis businessCalvin Johnson is simply in awe that he will soon join Jim Brown and Gale Sayers as Pro Football Hall of Famers inducted at the age of 35 years old or younger.
79-year-old Ypsilanti Township woman appears in virtual hearing, ordered to reduce number of marijuana plants
Read full article: 79-year-old Ypsilanti Township woman appears in virtual hearing, ordered to reduce number of marijuana plantsA show cause hearing was held for a 79-year-old woman, who says she’s growing multiple marijuana plants for those in pain.
79-year-old woman battles Ypsilanti Township over number of medical marijuana plants caregivers are allowed
Read full article: 79-year-old woman battles Ypsilanti Township over number of medical marijuana plants caregivers are allowedThere is a limit on the number of medical marijuana plants a person can have in their home in Ypsilanti Township.
Judge halts recreational marijuana licensing in Detroit over ‘likely unconstitutional’ ordinance
Read full article: Judge halts recreational marijuana licensing in Detroit over ‘likely unconstitutional’ ordinanceA district court judge ruled Thursday to halt the granting of recreational marijuana licenses in the city of Detroit over an ordinance that allegedly favors certain Detroit residents over other applicants.
New York is latest state to legalize recreational marijuana
Read full article: New York is latest state to legalize recreational marijuanaPassed after several years of stalled efforts, the measure makes New York the 16th state to legalize adult use of the drug, though South Dakota’s measure is in legal limbo. New York becomes the second-most populous state, after California, to legalize recreational marijuana. Still, New Yorkers can’t smoke or vape marijuana in locations where smoking is prohibited by state law, including workplaces, indoor bars and restaurants and within 100 feet of a school. Legalization supporters say that it’s already easy for young adults to get pot and that there’s no clear link between marijuana legalization and traffic accidents. The trade publication Marijuana Business Daily estimates New York could become the East Coast's largest recreational marijuana market — generating a potential $2.3 billion in annual sales by its fourth year.
Parents say Girl Scouts were barred from selling cookies near Walled Lake marijuana shop, officials say otherwise
Read full article: Parents say Girl Scouts were barred from selling cookies near Walled Lake marijuana shop, officials say otherwiseWALLED LAKE, Mich. – Girl Scout troops in Metro Detroit were reportedly prohibited from selling cookies outside of a marijuana dispensary in Walled Lake, but local organization leaders say that the troops were given false information. Last weekend, Oakland County Girl Scouts were welcomed outside of the Greenhouse of Walled Lake cannabis store by owner Jerry Millen, who authorized the girls to sell cookies outside of his dispensary. Following their successful sales, several more Girl Scout troops asked Millen if they could also sell cookies outside of Greenhouse, which Millen approved. Ad“Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan (GSSEM) does not have a policy prohibiting troops from selling cookies at or near any legally operating business. The national Girl Scouts organization, Girl Scouts of the USA, does discourage troops from selling at locations where the girls cannot legally enter, however, there is no policy prohibiting selling at such businesses,” the statement reads.
Michigan cannabis jobs doubled in 2020, report details
Read full article: Michigan cannabis jobs doubled in 2020, report detailsCannabis jobs doubled in Michigan in the year 2020, and the growth in sales continues to build stronger. US cannabis jobs reportCannabis website Leafly released its 2021 jobs report this week, noting the United States added about 77,000 full-time jobs in the cannabis industry. AdThere is some very interesting data in here, such as consumer data showing who is spending the most on cannabis -- Generation X has the highest average monthly spend on cannabis:Leafly 2021 Jobs Reports (Leafly)Michigan cannabis jobs doubleRecreational cannabis jobs now span 37 states. Michigan is among the top 10 in terms of the number of jobs, jobs added in 2020 and cannabis sales in 2020:There are 18,078 legal cannabis jobs in Michigan -- 9,216 were added in 2020, a doubling. Legal sales began in late 2019, making 2020 the first full year of legal recreational cannabis sales in Michigan.
Michigan’s marijuana industry leaves people of color behind
Read full article: Michigan’s marijuana industry leaves people of color behindThe Marijuana Regulatory Agency collected data in December that showed 79% of people interested in ownership of licensed marijuana facilities were white. AdThe history of people of color being arrested and prosecuted for marijuana-related offenses makes them less likely to be given opportunities to participate in the industry, workgroup member and attorney Barton Morris said. The workgroup found that access to the necessary capital and information on operating marijuana businesses in accordance with rules set by municipalities are big barriers for people of color. The MRA could also establish a webinar and training sessions for municipalities to learn how to equitably create ordinances for marijuana businesses and share ideas. AdState Rep. Sarah Anthony, who is on the workgroup, said members plan to have those who come to communities to educate on the marijuana industry be reflective of those communities.
Michigan company aims to make cannabis industry more fair for all
Read full article: Michigan company aims to make cannabis industry more fair for allCannabis has become a multi-million dollar business in Michigan, but there is still a double standard when it comes to social equity in the industry. The Michigan company Pleasantrees is known for its cannabis products, but they’re also working to make the marijuana industry more equitable for everyone. “Social equity has basically become a term of art in the cannabis industry,” said Jerome Crawford with Pleasantrees. The Michigan company is hiring more minorities like Crawford, an attorney who now oversees legal operations and social equity for Pleasantrees. AdYou can learn more about Pleasantrees’ social equity plan on their website here.
Michigan’s first certified organic cannabis company opens shop in Ann Arbor
Read full article: Michigan’s first certified organic cannabis company opens shop in Ann ArborANN ARBOR – In a town dense with cannabis dispensaries, it can be difficult to navigate the wide selection. But the newly-opened Apothecare Ann Arbor hopes to stand out from the crowd. It is Michigan’s first organic cannabis company, certified by Certified Kind, featuring 100% organic cannabis flower, concentrates and edibles. (Shanley Pearl)“We are pleased and proud to finally debut our store and to showcase our unique organic cannabis products,” co-owner Jack Edelstein said in a news release. Apothecare Ann Arbor features individual consultation stations.
Washtenaw County Prosecutor: No more charges in cannabis, psychedelic plant cases
Read full article: Washtenaw County Prosecutor: No more charges in cannabis, psychedelic plant casesMarijuana plants are pictured at the Baker's marijuana nursery at Baker Medical Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)ANN ARBOR – Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit announced Tuesday that his office will no longer bring charges in cases related to marijuana or entheogenic plant use, possession or small-scale distribution. Today, I’m pleased to announce that we'll no longer be charging cases related to marijuana or entheogenic plants (naturally occurring psychedelics). If Washtenaw County’s largest city’s resolution decriminalized the use, growth and possession of psychedelic plants, the Prosecutor’s Office sees no point in bringing charges forward elsewhere in the county. For that reason, we will no longer be contesting expungement for marijuana or entheogenic-related offenses.”See the full policy directives for cannabis and marijuana and entheogenic plants.
US House passes bill aimed at decriminalizing cannabis, clearing nonviolent federal convictions
Read full article: US House passes bill aimed at decriminalizing cannabis, clearing nonviolent federal convictionsThe U.S House voted Friday to pass a bill that would decriminalize cannabis and clear the way to erasing nonviolent federal marijuana convictions. The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, or MORE Act, is aimed at decriminalizing cannabis (marijuana) and making it possible to erase nonviolent federal marijuana convictions. BREAKING: US House votes 228-164 to pass historic bill that would decriminalize cannabis and clear the way to erase nonviolent federal marijuana convictions; bill moves to US Senate. Related: UN agency removes cannabis from strictest drug categoryThis comes after more states voted to legalize recreational marijuana this past month. Friday’s vote would mark the first time a full chamber of Congress has taken up the issue of federally decriminalizing cannabis, NBC reports.
Congress takes up ’MORE Act’ aimed to decriminalize marijuana
Read full article: Congress takes up ’MORE Act’ aimed to decriminalize marijuanaThe U.S. House is scheduled to vote Friday on the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, or MORE Act, which would decriminalize cannabis (marijuana) and make it possible to erase nonviolent federal marijuana convictions. UPDATE: US House passes bill aimed at decriminalizing cannabis, clearing nonviolent federal convictionsThe bill also aims to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act. Related: UN agency removes cannabis from strictest drug categoryThis comes after more states voted to legalize recreational marijuana this past month. Friday’s vote would mark the first time a full chamber of Congress has taken up the issue of federally decriminalizing cannabis, NBC reports. Medical marijuana has been legal in Michigan since 2008.
Former Ann Arbor dispensary employees sue, claiming wrongful termination
Read full article: Former Ann Arbor dispensary employees sue, claiming wrongful terminationThree former employees at Om of Medicine have filed wrongful termination claims as their colleagues still working at the dispensary attempt to unionize. Conine, Om’s community outreach coordinator, said that staff were initially told that 4Front would preserve Om’s mission in serving the community, but at some point things began to change. In response, Om’s employees began the effort to unionize with the United Food Workers' cannabis division. The shop abruptly closed for the rest of the day, resulting in a picket by the three women and some current Om employees outside its Main St. location. When A4 reached out to Om’s local management for comment, they said they cannot comment publicly on specific employment and HR matters while legal proceedings are ongoing.
Cloud Cannabis to open Ann Arbor dispensary Monday
Read full article: Cloud Cannabis to open Ann Arbor dispensary MondayANN ARBOR, Mich. – Cloud Cannabis wants customers to “live higher.”Michigan-based cannabis brand will open its Ann Arbor dispensary at 1760 Plymouth Rd on Monday, Oct. 19Co-founded by Chief Development Officer John McLeod, a former Detroit Police Department officer who credits cannabis with helping him quit opiates, the company approaches the cannabis industry with a patients-over-profit mantra. The Ann Arbor location will sell cannabis for both medical and recreational use through curbside services and aims to educate customers with individualized recommendations. (Cloud Cannabis)McLeod said the company wanted to open up an Ann Arbor dispensary due to the city’s well-known forward and open approach with cannabis. The Ann Arbor location will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. To give back to the surrounding community, the cannabis brand is partnering with the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County.
First recreational marijuana dispensary opens in Ypsilanti
Read full article: First recreational marijuana dispensary opens in YpsilantiYPSILANTI, Mich. The first recreational marijuana dispensary has opened in Ypsilanti. Oz Cannabis, just outside of Depot Town in downtown Ypsilanti, is the first to receive both city and state approval as a marijuana retailer selling medical and adult-use (recreational) cannabis. Oz Cannabis founder, Nemer Haddad, a lifelong Detroit-area entrepreneur, says hes proud of the companys Ypsilanti location. In 2018, Michigan voted to legalize recreational marijuana by an 11-point margin. Related: Michigan voted to legalize marijuana in 2018, but many communities have opted out of salesMichigan regulators starting accepting license applications in late 2019 and are slowly working to activate them, in accordance with marijuana laws in the state.
Om of Medicine kicks off month-long celebration of advocacy
Read full article: Om of Medicine kicks off month-long celebration of advocacyANN ARBOR, Mich. Om of Medicine in downtown Ann Arbor is celebrating its 10-year anniversary throughout July with a concert, a comedy show, yoga and other programming. Om of Medicine Director of Community Outreach Lisa Conine said that the celebration was a way to mix the centers community engagement and celebrate its impacts within Ann Arbor. Om of Medicine is also a supporter of many Ann Arbor nonprofit organizations and projects including Food Gatherers, the Main Street Area Association, Prison Creative Arts Project, Cancer Support Community of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Medical Cannabis Guild, Ann Arbor Wellness Coalition and the Ann Arbor Film Festival. Currently, Om of Medicine can have 10 guests in its center at one time. For more information about the events hosted by Om of Medicine, visit https://omofmedicine.org/.
Liberty Ann Arbor to open Monday with Kick COVID to the Curb program
Read full article: Liberty Ann Arbor to open Monday with Kick COVID to the Curb programANN ARBOR, Mich. On Monday, Ann Arbors latest cannabis provisioning center, Liberty Ann Arbor, will be holding its grand opening. The business will also be launching its Kick COVID to the Curb program, which is intended to help local restaurants around the provisioning center. Managed by Holistic Industries, the company intends to hold Liberty Cannabis Cares town halls and educational programs as well as offer a rewards program. To keep customers safe, Liberty Ann Arbor will limit in-store customers to four or five at a time and require masks and social distancing. Liberty Ann Arbor will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.