INSIDER
As the US moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, could more states legalize it?
Read full article: As the US moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, could more states legalize it?A federal proposal to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug has raised the hopes of some pot backers that more states will embrace cannabis.
$59M in marijuana tax distributions going to Michigan communities: How much is going where
Read full article: $59M in marijuana tax distributions going to Michigan communities: How much is going whereCities, townships and counties across Michigan are sharing $59.5 million in adult-use marijuana tax distributions from the 2022 fiscal year, the state treasury department announced Monday.
Study finds most exposures to marijuana edibles in young children happen at home
Read full article: Study finds most exposures to marijuana edibles in young children happen at homeThe study found that calls to poison control centers about children younger than six consuming edibles containing THC rose by 1,375% between 2017 to 2021.
One of Detroit’s first recreational marijuana shops is now open for business
Read full article: One of Detroit’s first recreational marijuana shops is now open for businessDetroit regulators issued retail licenses for adult-use marijuana four years after recreational cannabis sales began in Michigan.
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.
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.
‘We know the real America we live in’: Warren police officer placed on leave over rough arrest
Read full article: ‘We know the real America we live in’: Warren police officer placed on leave over rough arrestA Warren police officer is off the streets Monday (June 6) night because of an arrest captured on camera.
A guide to Michigan’s recreational marijuana laws: What you should know
Read full article: A guide to Michigan’s recreational marijuana laws: What you should knowAs the cannabis industry in Michigan booms, it can be hard to keep up with the laws and regulations. This guide will break down everything you need to know about cannabis in Michigan.
2,175 pounds of marijuana found hidden inside semi truck’s boxes of ‘foam pool toys’ in Detroit
Read full article: 2,175 pounds of marijuana found hidden inside semi truck’s boxes of ‘foam pool toys’ in DetroitAn x-ray scan of a semi truck at a Detroit cargo facility revealed more than a ton of marijuana hidden inside boxes labelled “foam pool toys,” police said.
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.
Sunday Read: 18 guns found at home of Detroit man making $2,000 a day with marijuana vending machine, police say
Read full article: Sunday Read: 18 guns found at home of Detroit man making $2,000 a day with marijuana vending machine, police sayOfficials said they found 18 guns at the home of a Detroit man who was making $2,000 per day by running a marijuana vending machine outside the house.
18 guns found at home of Detroit man making $2,000 a day with marijuana vending machine, police say
Read full article: 18 guns found at home of Detroit man making $2,000 a day with marijuana vending machine, police sayOfficials said they found 18 guns at the home of a Detroit man who was making $2,000 per day by running a marijuana vending machine outside the house.
Permits approved for 3 Royal Oak marijuana businesses after residents pack meeting in protest
Read full article: Permits approved for 3 Royal Oak marijuana businesses after residents pack meeting in protestPermits were approved for three Royal Oak marijuana businesses after residents packed a five-hour City Commission meeting in protest.
Deputies: Florida bride, caterer served marijuana-laced food to wedding guests
Read full article: Deputies: Florida bride, caterer served marijuana-laced food to wedding guestsOfficials say a 42-year-old Florida bride and her 31-year-old caterer are accused of serving food laced with marijuana to unsuspecting guests at a wedding reception.
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.
Detroit City Council finally approves city’s recreational marijuana ordinance
Read full article: Detroit City Council finally approves city’s recreational marijuana ordinanceAfter years of back-and-forth, court battles and intense debate, the Detroit City Council has finally approved the city’s recreational marijuana ordinance.
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 debates marijuana ordinance
Read full article: Detroit City Council debates marijuana ordinanceMichiganders voted to legalize recreational marijuana back in 2018. However, as it stands three-plus years later, the city of Detroit still doesn’t have a finalized plan for businesses to sell it.
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.
Watch as Detroit officials saw through lock, pry open doors to find hundreds of marijuana plants
Read full article: Watch as Detroit officials saw through lock, pry open doors to find hundreds of marijuana plantsDetroit officials sawed through a heavy lock and pried open several doors to discover a room filled with hundreds of illegal marijuana plants on the city’s west side.
Police bust illegal car crushing operation on Detroit’s west side
Read full article: Police bust illegal car crushing operation on Detroit’s west sideA used car lot of Detroit’s west side between Schaefer Highway and Joy Road was surrounded by Detroit police who were trying to get into the building as they suspected a Marijuana growing operation inside.
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.
13 people -- 9 Detroiters -- charged in fentanyl, meth, cocaine distribution scheme
Read full article: 13 people -- 9 Detroiters -- charged in fentanyl, meth, cocaine distribution schemeNine people from Detroit and four people from Phoenix have been charged in a drug and money laundering conspiracy linked to the distribution of fentanyl, meth, cocaine and marijuana, officials said.
Marijuana business near Royal Oak school was rejected by planning commission
Read full article: Marijuana business near Royal Oak school was rejected by planning commissionA contentious night in Royal Oak as the Planning Commission got an earful from the public over two proposed retail marijuana shops. One proposed site is located on Meijer Drive in the north end of town, while the other is in a residential area on Harrison in the south end of town.
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).
Walled Lake marijuana dispensary to reward blood, plasma donations with free joints
Read full article: Walled Lake marijuana dispensary to reward blood, plasma donations with free jointsA Southeast Michigan dispensary is prepared to offer free marijuana to adults who prove they donated blood or plasma in an effort to aid a severe national blood and plasma shortage.
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.
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.
How a garbage truck crash in Sterling Heights uncovered a marijuana grow operation
Read full article: How a garbage truck crash in Sterling Heights uncovered a marijuana grow operationA driver running a red light and causing a garbage truck to crash in Sterling Heights eventually led to police uncovering a marijuana grow operation, they said.
Rick Wershe Jr. and others protest prison sentence of Metro Detroit dispensary owner
Read full article: Rick Wershe Jr. and others protest prison sentence of Metro Detroit dispensary ownerOn Wednesday, supporters of Rudi Gammo, including Rick Wershe Jr., gathered outside the Oakland County courthouse. Gammo is charged with operating a city-sanctioned medical marijuana dispensary in Michigan back in 2018 before voters approved of legalizing adult use of marijuana.
Michigan AG Nessel argues employees fired over private marijuana use should still be eligible for unemployment benefits
Read full article: Michigan AG Nessel argues employees fired over private marijuana use should still be eligible for unemployment benefitsMichigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed an amicus brief on Monday, arguing that a person who is fired for marijuana use outside of their workspace should still be eligible for unemployment benefits.
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.
Michigan Gov. Whitmer signs marijuana legislation regulating delta-8 THC products
Read full article: Michigan Gov. Whitmer signs marijuana legislation regulating delta-8 THC productsAccording to the Governor’s Office, the product will be regulated by the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) beginning Oct. 11.
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.
Revenue from marijuana tax to be put towards equity programs in Washtenaw County
Read full article: Revenue from marijuana tax to be put towards equity programs in Washtenaw CountyThe Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners approved of a budget amendment committing the annual marijuana tax revenue, expected to be more than $200,000, to the equity issues in the county.
Teenage girl charged with driving intoxicated in Monroe County crash that killed 2 of her friends
Read full article: Teenage girl charged with driving intoxicated in Monroe County crash that killed 2 of her friendsA 17-year-old girl has been charged for driving under the influence of marijuana at the time of a crash that killed two of her friends in Monroe County, officials said.
Michigan Gov. Whitmer joins bipartisan call for marijuana banking reform
Read full article: Michigan Gov. Whitmer joins bipartisan call for marijuana banking reformOn Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined with fellow governors to call on Congressional leadership to pass the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act, which would remove legal limitations and allow financial institutions to bank with state-licensed cannabis businesses.
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.
Man using submarine to smuggle drugs across Detroit River sentenced
Read full article: Man using submarine to smuggle drugs across Detroit River sentencedDETROIT – Glen Richard Mousseau was sentenced Wednesday to 71 months imprisonment after having plead guilty to using a submarine business to smuggle drugs between the United States and Canada. Original Story: Man using submarine to smuggle drugs across Detroit River found tied to floating bags of marijuanaMousseau, 49, is from Windsor, Ontario, Canada. After trying to stop the vessel, agents said they saw two large bundles being thrown into the water. While approaching the bundles, agents said they saw an unconscious man in the water. More Information: Man using submarine to smuggle drugs across Detroit River found tied to floating bags of marijuana
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.
‘Our justice system needs to treat kids like kids:’ Washtenaw County Prosecutor won’t charge juveniles accused of minor crimes
Read full article: ‘Our justice system needs to treat kids like kids:’ Washtenaw County Prosecutor won’t charge juveniles accused of minor crimesANN ARBOR, Mich. – The juvenile justice system is no longer Washtenaw County’s go-to option when children and teens are accused of minor crimes. Since his term started, Savit has introduced sweeping policy changes to the county’s justice system, including rescinding the county’s no-tolerance policies, scrapping cash bail and combatting racial profiling. “All of this gives rise to a simple conclusion: Our justice system needs to treat kids like kids. Fights involving injuries and/or weapons on or off school property will be dealt with at the discretion of the prosecutor’s office. Petitions can be authorized by APAs if a continued threat to the safety of others is indicated or if the case is “more severe than typical school-related misbehavior.”Find the full policy directive here.
Greenhouse of Walled Lake will give you a free pre-rolled joint if you’ve received a COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: Greenhouse of Walled Lake will give you a free pre-rolled joint if you’ve received a COVID-19 vaccineThe Greenhouse of Walled Lake is teaming up with UBaked Cannabis Company to offer free pre-rolled joints to people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine and can prove it. WALLED LAKE, Mich. – The Greenhouse of Walled Lake is teaming up with UBaked Cannabis Company to offer free pre-rolled joints to people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine and can prove it. The “pot for shots” COVID-19 vaccination promotion runs from Jan. 22 through Feb. 28. You need to bring in written proof that you’ve received a COVID-19 vaccine and you’ll be given a free pre-rolled joint with no purchase necessary. Jerry Millen, Founder and owner of GreenhouseThe Greenhouse of Walled Lake is located at 103 East Walled Lake Drive in Walled Lake, Michigan.
Washtenaw County prosecutor no longer pursuing charges in marijuana, entheogenic plant cases
Read full article: Washtenaw County prosecutor no longer pursuing charges in marijuana, entheogenic plant casesWASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – It was recently announced that Washtenaw County will no longer pursue charges related to marijuana and entheogenic plants. Read: Washtenaw County Prosecutor: No more charges in cannabis, psychedelic plant casesThis means indictments such as possession and distribution related to marijuana or shrooms will all be off the table from a legal standpoint. They can focus on the people who are doing real crime in the community, then it’s definitely worth it,” said a Washtenaw County woman who also chose not to be identified. We should no longer continue to perpetuate the cruel roulette wheel that imposes criminal consequences only on an unlucky few,” said Savit. Criminal charges can still be filed against large-scale operations that are distributing controlled substances if the health of the public is at risk.
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.
Detroit City Council reveals recreational marijuana licensing plans
Read full article: Detroit City Council reveals recreational marijuana licensing plansIt’s been nearly a year since recreational marijuana was legalized in Michigan, yet recreational shops and other businesses have not been allowed in Detroit.