8 Quick Hits of Cannabis News From Across Michigan

By Kyle Kaminski

April 19, 2023

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 eight things you need to know this week:

MICHIGANDERS ON TV: Actor-turned-pot-farmer Jim Belushi will feature three Michigan cannabis companies—Highway Horticulture, Sunset Coast Provisions, and Green Stem Provisioning—on an episode of Growing Belushi at 9 p.m. tonight on Discovery Plus.

GREAT GANJA OUTDOORS: With the spring’s arrival, more Michiganders are again enjoying their ganja in the great outdoors. If you’re looking for new places to go, Hour Detroit has a new a story about weed-friendly outdoor destinations. They’re all worth a visit.

QUID PRO WOES: Rick Johnson—a former Republican Michigan House speaker-turned cannabis regulator—admitted to taking more than $110,000 in bribes in exchange for cannabis business licenses during his time as chairman of the state’s licensing board, from 2017 to 2019. Three other defendants were also charged with paying bribes in the scheme.

NO GREEN IN GAYLORD: Gaylord city leaders voted last week to reject a proposal for a new cannabis-friendly golf outing this summer. Officials were reportedly most concerned by a request from organizers that would’ve allowed participants to smoke weed while playing.

SMOKE DOWN IN DETROIT: The third annual 420 Music Fest—on April 29—will be the first event in Detroit that’s fully licensed for on-site cannabis consumption. Find details here.

PENDING LEGISLATION: State lawmakers are mulling over new legislation that would reduce the minimum age required to work in the state’s cannabis industry—from 21 to 19. The move could help more Michiganders get jobs and help more companies retain staff.

READY TO GROW: Industry experts told Northern Express this week that Michigan’s friendly attitude toward cannabis could attract more tourists to the state. The biggest hurdle? Lingering stigma attached to marijuana—particularly among conservative residents.

DEALS FOR DAYS: Michigan pot shops are going all out for 420 this year—including a chance to win a year’s supply of weed. The Detroit Free Press has a big list of the state’s best deals.

This article originally appeared in The MichiGanja Report, a free monthly newsletter from The ‘Gander about all things cannabis, written by political correspondent Kyle Kaminski. Click here to subscribe, and we’ll send the next edition straight to your inbox.

Author

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.

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