8 quick hits of cannabis news from across Michigan

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:

‘TIS THE SEASON: Just about every pot shop in Michigan offered steep discounts and specials for Green Wednesday and Black Friday last week. At one store in Kalamazoo, the deals were so good that some customers reportedly waited in line for nearly two hours to refill their stash.

LAW & ORDER: State regulators reportedly imposed dozens of fines against several marijuana businesses last month. The latest state reports include various penalties for security infractions, missing financial documents, and one instance of expired gummies being sold to a customer.

BAD CHOCOLATE: Nearly 100 packages of cannabis-infused chocolate called “Sweet Cheeks White Chocolate Booties” have reportedly been recalled in Michigan because they contain too much THC. Shoppers who bought the chocolate (either from Endo in Adrian or Farmhouse Provisioning Center in Gould City) are encouraged by state officials to return them for a refund. 

POPULAR DEMAND: Celebrity brands come and go in the weed world, but some businesses in Michigan are reportedly finding success with certain names—like Willie Nelson and Mike Tyson—as Michiganders are faced with an overwhelming number of choices at the store.

ANOTHER ONE: Two-time Grammy winner Future has officially released a new brand of cannabis products in Michigan called “EVOL by Future.” The new strains (which also come in pre-roll form) are exclusively available at House of Dank, which has six locations in Michigan.

HERB FOR HOOSIERS: With Michigan, Illinois, and now Ohio having legalized the use and sale of recreational weed, some Indiana lawmakers reportedly believe there is strong enough support to potentially pass similar legislation in the future—just not in the immediate future.

GREAT BAKES STATE: With nearly 500 dispensaries now open across Michigan and demand for marijuana continuing to increase, the state’s cannabis industry is reportedly set to track about $3 billion in sales by the end of the year—more than any other state except California. 

Cannabis in the Community

Common Citizen’s month-long “Danksgiving” campaign, where customers could donate canned goods in exchange for free pre-rolled joints during the month of November, helped to feed more than 200 families across Michigan this year, according to company officials. Common Citizen employees at all LIV Cannabis stores across Michigan, Pure Lapeer, and Xplore Cannabis Co. in Lapeer also volunteered a combined 100 hours to prepare and serve food for Thanksgiving.

“Danksgiving is yet another way we are connecting people through the power of cannabis,” Common Citizen CEO Michael Elias said in a statement. “We look forward to announcing more efforts to give back during the holiday season and in the weeks and months ahead.”

The cannabis company has also partnered with Weedmaps, Outfront, Wyld, and Good Tide to raise funds that will be used to support food access in several communities across Michigan.

READ MORE: Michigan dispensaries with the cheapest ounces

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