MICHIGAN—Cannabis is a pretty big deal in Michigan—and there’s never a shortage of newsworthy headlines from the industry as the state inches closer to becoming the nation’s weed capital.
Here are six things you need to know this week:
TOUGH TIMES: At least five Michigan cannabis companies—including one of the largest in the state—are under court-ordered receiverships after their lenders sued them over unpaid debts. Retail prices have dropped dramatically in recent months, and lenders alleged that the companies have fallen behind on revenues and repayments.
NICE DAY FOR A WEED WEDDING: The Greenhouse, a dispensary in Walled Lake, has partnered with Choice Labs to offer one lucky, weed-loving couple the wedding of their dreams. Getting hitched? Just fill out this form for a chance to win an all-expense-paid package—complete with catering and a top-shelf “bud bar”—valued at a whopping $30,000.
LOUNGE SCROUNGE: Despite cannabis being legal here for five years, Michigan only has two cannabis consumption lounges. Experts think a state rule that prohibits lounges from selling cannabis has stifled the business model and slowed expansion.
KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES: Jones Soda Co. is bringing its new “Mary Jones” cannabis-infused beverage brand to Michigan this summer. The flavors supposedly taste like the familiar Jones craft sodas that have been around for decades.
STONED IN SALINE: The city of Saline now has its very own dispensary: Rush Cannabis. Owner Shaun Mansour described it as a “true mom and pop shop” that distinguishes itself through its customer service. Five other shops have filed applications to open in the city.
FOOL AROUND AND FIND OUT: Five people are facing criminal charges after they allegedly burglarized a Smoke Society dispensary in Bay County last week. Authorities said they rammed the suspects off the road and found stolen marijuana in the back of their truck.
This information originally appeared in The MichiGanja Report, a free newsletter from The ‘Gander about all things cannabis, written by ‘Gander Political Correspondent Kyle Kaminski. Click here to subscribe, and we’ll send the next edition straight to your inbox.
READ MORE: Michiganders Bought 180 Tons of Weed Last Month. Who is Distributing it All?
Kyle Kaminski Kyle Kaminski is an award-winning investigative journalist with more than a decade of experience covering news across Michigan. Prior to joining The ‘Gander, Kyle worked as the managing editor at City Pulse in Lansing and as a reporter for the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
