This week’s newsletter is a little different.

Instead of the usual roundup, I’m bringing back three of our most popular stories this year: Michigan’s best first-time dispensary deals, a pre-roll autopsy that ended with one joint in the trash, and a Muskegon grow that sells the strains your dad used to smoke in the ‘70s.

Why the break?

My other job at The ‘Gander is covering politics, and the election swallowed up my whole week. If you’re still catching up on who won, here’s a roundup I put together on the latest results.

Next Wednesday is Veterans’ Day, so expect me back in your inbox with your regularly scheduled cannabis news Nov. 18.

The best time to visit a Michigan dispensary is the first time.

With more than 800 shops competing for your business, nearly all of them will hand you something just for walking through the door. This summer, I updated our guide to the best first-time deals in the state. Don’t forget to bookmark this one. Your wallet will thank you.

Pre-rolls are the gas station hot dogs of Michigan weed. 

Everyone’s bought one. Everyone’s had a bad one.

In February, I bought three joints at three very different price points (99 cents, $9.99, and $19.99), tore them open on my rolling tray, and looked at what was actually inside. 

One looked more like oregano than weed. It went straight in the trash.

Every Michigan stoner over age 60 likes to give the same speech: “Weed was better back then. You kids don’t know. We had Panama Red.” Personally, I never really bought it.

But this summer, I spent an afternoon inside a 114-year-old warehouse in Muskegon, smoked an ounce of Maui Wowie, and realized I owed my uncle a sincere apology.

Stay safe out there ‘Ganders. Remember that recreational cannabis is only legal in Michigan for ages 21 and up—and it’s NEVER OK to get high and drive.