8 quick hits of cannabis news from across Michigan

(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

By Kyle Kaminski

November 16, 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:

CASH COW: Since Michiganders voted to legalize weed, annual tax revenues from its sales have climbed to $266.2 million. That’s more than the state is making from the sale of beer, wine, and liquor combined, according to a report from the state House Fiscal Agency.

SALES SLUMP: Cannabis sales in Michigan reportedly dipped by 4.3% in October, marking the third consecutive month of declining sales. Last month’s sales—$262.9 million in total—are still up by about 26% from last year and are expected to climb again this winter.

POT AT THE POLLS: While Ohioans voted to legalize weed this month, voters in four Michigan cities—Birmingham, Grosse Pointe Park, Keego Harbor, and Rochester —rejected ballot proposals that would’ve allowed pot shops to open in their towns.

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES: Ohio won’t dole out licenses to pot shops for at least another two years. But when those stores open, dispensaries in southern Michigan are expecting their sales to dwindle as fewer Ohioans take the trip to Michigan for weed.

TROUBLE UP NORTH: Three dispensaries in Menominee were ordered to close (and then allowed to reopen) amid a legal battle involving a limited number of business licenses.

BAD CIDER: Cans of cannabis-infused apple cider that were sold by Armada Cannabis Company between Oct. 11 and Nov. 1 have reportedly been recalled after reports of cans swelling and bursting open. The listed expiration date on the cans is Jan. 2, 2024.

HOT PRODUCT: A new cannabis brand from country singer Willie Nelson—which was featured in last week’s edition—is so popular among Michiganders that it has reportedly sold out at all 15 dispensaries in Michigan to carry the new product line.

MIKE IN MICHIGAN: Boxing legend Mike Tyson flew into Michigan to celebrate the grand opening of LIV Cannabis’ newest retail location in Westland. Tyson has launched his own cannabis brand in Michigan called Tyson 2.0, which includes edibles, flower, and vaporizers.

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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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