8 Quick Hits of Cannabis News From Across Michigan

By Kyle Kaminski

May 2, 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:

GREASY PALMS: Former Republican House Speaker Rick Johnson—the old top dog on the state’s marijuana licensing board—pleaded guilty to bribery after he took $110,000 in exchange for approving business applications. He’s also ready to squeal: Johnson agreed to give investigators details about “any and all criminal activity of which he is aware.”

WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES: Several dozen staffers who were laid off after Burger King recently closed 26 locations across Michigan have a new opportunity. Stiiizy has reportedly offered to hire all of them at its manufacturing facility in Orion Township, where the company makes its line of vape pods, infused blunts, and pre-rolled joints.

GOOD FOR THE ‘GANDER: Munising Cannabis Company is officially the “best” microbusiness in Michigan—at least according to the readers of Michigan Green State. The dispensary’s willingness to educate customers helped them earn the accolade.

DRIVERS BEWARE: With record high sales, state officials have also tracked an increasing number of robberies—specifically among marijuana delivery drivers. Some have suggested that federal legalization, and access to federal banking, could be a remedy.

NEW IN TOWN: Flora, the first pot shop in Clinton County, celebrated its grand opening on April 20. Under local ordinance, the store will be the only cannabis retailer in Bath Township. It also has a drive-thru window—so grabbing a bag is as easy as picking up morning coffee.

HALF-BILL CLUB: New projections show that Michigan is poised to rake in $500 million in sales tax revenue from cannabis next year. And that means even more cash is headed back to local governments to support public schools and to repair roads and bridges statewide.

TRAVEL SAFE: Making travel plans to another state? Not everyone is as friendly toward cannabis as Michiganders. Make sure you know the weed laws before you depart—and remember that weed bought in Michigan should never travel south into Indiana or Ohio.

MARLEY IN THE MITTEN: A new brand of cannabis products founded by Bob Marley’s son, Rohan Marley, has landed in The Mitten. It’s called Lion Order—and if you haven’t already seen the highly-rated strains at your local pot shop, it will probably be there soon.

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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