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 FOR GREEN: If you bought weed in Michigan in 2023, then you helped kick in millions of dollars in funds for public schools, road repairs, and local governments statewide.

More than $87 million in tax revenue collected from the sale of marijuana in Michigan last year was sent out last month to hundreds of cities, villages, townships, and counties across the state—marking more than $59,000 for every licensed dispensary within their respective borders.

Local municipalities reportedly plan to use the cash to fix up parks and roads, hire more cops, and fund other long-sought projects (like building upgrades) that would otherwise be delayed.

An additional $101.6 million in tax revenue was sent to the state’s School Aid Fund for K-12 education and another $101.6 million was allocated to the Michigan Transportation Fund—which means buying weed in Michigan literally helps to pave roads and educate kids.

FEDERAL ROADBLOCKS: Although recreational marijuana has been legal in Michigan for several years, researchers have faced challenges in studying its potential health benefits (and consequences) because weed is still illegal at the federal level, reports the Washington Post.

BETTER THAN A BAR: Michigan’s third cannabis consumption lounge, Only Alien Cannabis, is officially open for business at 4525 W. KL Ave. in Kalamazoo. Guests can reportedly buy their weed there, then kick back and smoke it inside—like a bar, but with weed instead of booze.

HONORING SERVICE: The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency is now offering a special “Task Force 1620” designation to dispensaries that offer steep discounts to military veterans. 

NEW PRODUCTS: Dozens of new cannabis products are reportedly hitting the shelves at dispensaries across Michigan this year—including strawberry-flavored joints, tiny waffle cones filled with chocolate, and a new brand of weed that’s endorsed by country singer Willie Nelson.

BLACK MARKET BUST: A recent raid of an illegal marijuana grow operation in Highland Park resulted in Michigan State Police reportedly confiscating more than 4,000 marijuana plants and more than 500 pounds of processed products with a market value of more than $6 million. 

NEW IN CHESTERFIELD: JARS Cannabis became the first recreational dispensary to open in Chesterfield Township this month, with a new store on Gratiot Avenue north of 23 Mile Road. Business has been strong despite a lack of grand opening hype, reports the Macomb Daily.

STICKY SITUATION: Multiple lawsuits are still pending as several marijuana companies try to capitalize on recreational weed sales in the Upper Peninsula border town of Menominee, according to reports from MLive. Five pot shops are open, and three more are planned to open soon.

WEED ON THE BALLOT: Citizens of Pontiac, Caro, and Algonac will make decisions on local cannabis policy on Election Day this year, reports Michigan Public. In Pontiac and Algonac, voters will decide on rules that could allow recreational cannabis sales. And in Caro, residents will vote on a ballot proposal that would expand the number of available cannabis licenses.

READ MORE: California brand brings West Coast vibes to Michigan’s weed scene

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