7 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 seven things you need to know, starting with the biggest news of the week:

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HIGH HOPES: Vice President Kamala Harris is stepping up to the plate to take down ex-President Donald Trump. And if she ends up making her way to the White House next year, it could help pave the way for more cannabis reforms—and maybe even nationwide legalization.

Over the last few years, the Biden-Harris administration has pardoned thousands of people who were convicted of marijuana charges on the federal level, as well as taken the initial steps to formally reclassify marijuana down to a Schedule III (or less dangerous) controlled substance.

Harris reportedly said that she used to smoke weed in college, has actively supported legalization efforts, and also co-sponsored several proposed marijuana reforms over the last few years—including the SAFE Banking Act, the Marijuana Justice Act, and the MORE Act.

Even though Harris used to be a prosecutor, reports show most people who were apprehended for minor possession under her tenure did not face jail time. And in recent years, Harris has pushed for both legalization and the expungement of weed-related criminal offenses.

“Nobody should have to go to jail for smoking weed,” Harris said during a discussion with rapper Fat Joe in March, noting “far too many people have been jailed for simple possession.”

Harris is expected to maintain her stance on weed as she hits the campaign trail this month, especially with polls showing widespread support for cannabis legalization across the country.

MICHIGAN MARKET: Although sales have slowed in recent months, more than $1.6 billion in weed was reportedly sold statewide during the first half of the year—putting Michigan just one spot below California for the title of the cannabis capital of the US.

JOBS FOR STONERS: US Sen. Gary Peters (D-Michigan) introduced a bill (known as the DOOBIE Act) that would ban federal agencies from using cannabis consumption as the sole factor in rejecting applicants for jobs or making decisions related to federal security clearances.

WEED OLYMPICS: Voting is now underway for one of Michigan’s most anticipated cannabis competitions. It’s called the Zalympix, and it’s essentially a showdown of the state’s most popular cannabis brands. The winners are set to be revealed at an awards show this fall.

TURN UP THE BASS: Michigan country singer and cannabis enthusiast Sadie Bass—who was featured in the MichiGanja Report last year—reportedly shared the stage with big-name acts like Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, and Hardy during the Faster Horses country music festival. 

BEST IN SHOW: Leafly recently updated its list of the eight best dispensaries in Detroit.

STATE RANKINGS: WITL released a list of the 15 most stoner-friendly cities in Michigan.

READ MORE: Are you a real Michigan weed connoisseur? High Times needs your help.

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