5 quick hits of cannabis news from across Michigan

By Kyle Kaminski

May 12, 2025

MICHIGAN—Weed waits for no one.

And in Michigan, the pace of pot-related headlines is only speeding up. From Lansing to Detroit, the cannabis conversation just keeps growing. Here are the top stories from the last week:

SURVEILLANCE PUSHBACK: The state’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency recently floated a new plan to livestream video from inside all Michigan dispensaries. But after a wave of public backlash, state regulators say they’re now seriously considering scrapping the idea altogether.

BANNED FOR LIFE: Youssef “Joseph” Barakat recently became the first person ever banned from Michigan’s weed industry. Regulators say he racked up violations across multiple pot shops—including selling to a minor and leaving pounds of untracked flower in an empty store.

BROCCOLI WORKAROUND: Weed ads are still banned on TV—unless you’re advertising… broccoli? Jars Cannabis found a loophole and aired a cheeky 30-second spot during the NFL Draft on Detroit TV. And it turns out the feds can’t stop you if you never actually refer to weed.

SPIT TEST PUSH: A new bill moving through the state Legislature could let Michigan cops use saliva swabs to test drivers for THC, fentanyl, and more. It’s already legal in 24 states—but critics say the technology still isn’t reliable enough to prove someone’s too high to drive.

PICKLEBALL WEED: Detroit Metro Times columnist Steve Neavling just dropped a list of 12 energizing cannabis strains you can find in Michigan. If your current stash is turning you into a couch zombie, these picks might actually help you crush your to-do list—or a game of pickleball.

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Author

Kyle Kaminski

Kyle Kaminski is an award-winning investigative journalist with more than a decade of experience covering news across Michigan. Prior to joining The ‘Gander, Kyle worked as the managing editor at City Pulse in Lansing and as a reporter for the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

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CATEGORIES: CANNABIS

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