11 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 11 things you need to know this week:

BETTER NOT: Michigan potato chip maker Better Made is suing several dispensaries for trademark infringement—namely because they sold products with a “Better Smoke” logo that closely resembled the snack food company’s branding. Better Made is also reportedly asking for all of the profits from Better Smoke products be provided to the actual snack foods company.

CANNABIS 101: Eastern Michigan University is reportedly expanding its lineup of cannabis-related classes to include two new courses—including one on “Canna-Planning.” 

MARKET SAFETY: A Lansing-based cannabis company that went by the name Noble Road Co. has surrendered its license to do business in Michigan after it reportedly mixed together legal and illicit products for the retail market. The company has been closed since February and its licenses will not be renewed, reinstated, or otherwise reissued, according to state officials.

BEST IN GRASS: A new competition coming to Michigan aims to discover the state’s best marijuana. The “Best in Grass” awards were reportedly started by two former employees of High Times magazine. Voting begins on April 6, and the winners will be announced on June 18.

IN THE BLACK: Michigan’s monthly cannabis sales reportedly climbed 7.5% to $261 million from January to February. That marks a 20% increase in overall sales from February 2023.

THE GOOD WORD: Michigan senior Tucker Jasso is making headlines for traveling to various senior centers and senior living facilities across Michigan and discussing the benefits of CBD. Jasso calls her visits “open houses” and uses them as a chance to address long-standing misconceptions—especially among older adults—about using marijuana-based products.

GIBRALTAR DANK CENTER: Pleasantrees recently celebrated the full grand opening of its gigantic new dispensary space inside the former Gibraltar Trade Center in Mount Clemens—making it the largest dispensary in Michigan in terms of sheer square footage. 

ROUGH RIDE: An anxious Michigan woman who was under the influence of cannabis reportedly jumped from a moving vehicle after she confused her Uber ride for a kidnapping.

BIKERS, BUDS, & BREWS: A new cannabis-friendly music venue in Baldwin, believed to be the first in the US to offer both weed and alcohol sales and consumption, is reportedly hosting its first event on May 18. The concert will feature acts from Marcy Playground and Soul Asylum.

STANDING TOGETHER: The workers at Zen Leaf, a dispensary in Buchanan, reportedly voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers union. Workers said that union representation will help them build a more stable career in an industry that’s known for high employee turnover.

PRO PICKS: Heading to Hash Bash this weekend? MLive recently published a compelling new guide to five dispensaries that are worth visiting in Ann Arbor. And if you’re tired of gummies, City Pulse has some fresh recommendations for unique edibles in Lansing. Hour Detroit also recently featured some local brands with cannabis-infused confections and beverages.

READ MORE: 20 Michigan dispensaries that offer deals for first-time customers

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