9 quick hits of cannabis news from across Michigan

MICHIGAN—Cannabis is a 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 nine things you need to know this week:

GREEN RUSH: Cannabis has reportedly become a lucrative business along the state border in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where dozens of shops are aggressively competing for business from the out-of-state “pot pilgrims” who travel into Michigan just to buy their weed.

HEADS UP: Cops in Wisconsin (where weed is still illegal) are reportedly issuing more tickets for possession of marijuana near the Michigan border this year, sparking rumors among cannabis enthusiasts that police are staking out pot shops and targeting certain drivers.

WEED WAR: Tensions are reportedly rising amid the battle over a limited number of dispensary licenses in Menominee, including allegations of secret deals between city leaders and marijuana retailers, and a questionable decision by the City Council to repeal a local ethics ordinance.

SOUTHERN HAZE: The voter-approved recreational marijuana law that took effect this month in Ohio is mostly silent on how Ohioans are actually supposed to acquire their newly legal stash, but there are plenty of Michigan dispensaries near the state border that are open for business.

SENIOR STONERS: A new study from the University of Michigan shows that cannabis use among older Americans is steadily climbing, with 12% of seniors reporting that they’ve consumed a THC-containing substance within the last 12 months. That’s up from 9.5% in 2019.

DANK DETROIT: A total of 37 cannabis businesses have now been licensed to operate in the city of Detroit—including two licenses for on-site consumption lounges. Notably, most of the license holders live in Detroit and 15 are majority-owned by African American entrepreneurs.

NO MIDS IN MIDLAND: Business is reportedly booming at LaCannaville in Sanford, which became the second dispensary to open in Midland County just a few days before Thanksgiving.

STICKY FINGERS: A 24-year-old Detroit man was charged with multiple felonies after authorities said he stole an array of cannabis products from a Stiiizy dispensary in Ferndale.

Cannabis for a Cause

There’s nothing better than that warm, fuzzy feeling of giving back to your local community—except for maybe that warm, fuzzy feeling of getting some free weed.

This month, you can have both.

Through Dec. 22, customers who bring in a new children’s coat or jacket (with tags) to donate at any Puff Cannabis location in Michigan will receive some free weed from Jeeter as part of the company’s second annual “Jackets for Joints” holiday promotion. Company officials said the coats will be donated to local charities and directly benefit kids who live near each dispensary.

“We will always take the lead, not only in the cannabis industry, but amongst all businesses, and do our part in supporting all communities and ensuring that every child stays warm this winter,” Puff Cannabis Founder and President Justin Elias said in a statement this month. 

READ MORE: Elevate these classic Michigan recipes with a festive cannabis twist

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