Fellow Michigander,

It’s a packed week—and not just because 420 is approaching.

In this week’s edition, you’ll find a statewide roundup of the best dispensary deals worth chasing, the latest batch of cannabis headlines from across Michigan, a new strain that’s getting some love at 710 Labs, and a fresh poll to see what everyone is reaching for this weekend.

Plus, my dog Fred makes his MichiGanja Report debut.

Let’s get into it.

Every dispensary in Michigan is trying to get your attention for 420.

Not all of them deserve it.

These are the ones that do. 

POTHOLE POLITICS: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is kicking off the final road construction season of her administration but part of her road funding plan still hinges on revenue from Michigan’s 24% wholesale cannabis tax. That’s the same tax now facing legal challenges from the industry, which argues it’s unconstitutional and is contributing to layoffs and closures across the state. 

ON THE CASE: Genesee County Sheriff and gubernatorial candidate Chris Swanson is continuing to make headlines for his push to repeal the state’s wholesale cannabis tax. And according to a new poll, Michiganders are overwhelmingly on board with the idea.

ROAD TRIP: If you’re looking for an excuse to get out of town this spring, a new roundup from the Detroit Metro Times highlights a dozen Michigan dispensaries that are actually worth the drive—including in Ann Arbor, Bay City, Burton, Niles, Kalamazoo, and Grand Rapids. 

ENERGY SQUEEZE: Michigan’s cannabis industry isn’t immune from global oil disruptions, with rising fuel prices expected to drive up the cost of indoor cultivation, production, and transportation across the state as fallout from President Donald Trump’s war with Iran.

GREEN JOBS: April is officially Career Exploration and Awareness Month in Michigan—a reminder that the state is pushing more residents toward degrees, certifications, and skilled trades. That includes cannabis, where the industry now supports nearly 41,000 jobs statewide.

POST-HARVEST PROBLEMS: In case you missed last week’s MichiGanja Report, I took readers inside Growing Pains in Paw Paw to show where things go sideways for a lot of Michigan weed brands. The problem isn’t during cultivation. It’s what happens after the harvest, when rushing, rough handling, and shelf time start stripping away flavor, aroma, and quality. 

Last week, I asked how often you take your budtender’s recommendation. 

The results were mixed. About half of you said “sometimes,” while roughly 25% of you said you “almost always” take their advice. The rest of you rarely—or never—listen to them at all.

So, budtenders still matter but they’re not running the show—which makes sense. At this point, a lot of Michiganders know what they like and aren’t afraid to trust their own instincts.

That brings me to this week’s question:

What type of cannabis products will you be consuming on 420?

Stay tuned. I’ll report back with the results next week.

Last month, one of Michigan’s most acclaimed cannabis brands set out to find its best strain.

And this month, we have a winner.

710 Labs just wrapped up its first-ever “March Hashness” tournament, where Michiganders could buy a bundle of 16 concentrates, dab their way through the lineup, and vote each round until a single strain came out on top. This year’s championship winner is SB36.

This strain is a cross between Sour Bubble OG and KC 36. It leans funky with a sharp citrus edge—something the folks at 710 Labs have compared to chewing on an orange peel.

I’ve seen this strain show up in concentrates and vapes. But thanks to the win, it’s been nearly impossible to find at dispensaries. If you’ve tried it, let me know what you think.

Backyard season is officially back in Michigan.

To celebrate the occasion, I cracked open a can of Mary Jones green apple soda over the weekend and spent a few hours reading a book in my backyard with my dog, Fred.

This one clocks in at a whopping 100mg of THC per can, with an overpowering, artificial, candy-like flavor. It’s not my favorite drink. I probably wouldn’t recommend it to friends. But as you’ll read in next week’s product review, there are far worse options at the dispensary.

Fred is the perfect partner for these types of product reviews. He’s always down to lounge around—and he’s always very supportive of the munchies that tend to follow.

I’ll have much more to say about this one next week. For now, I’ll just say this: With the weather finally warming up, infused beverages feel like a category that’s worth a closer look.

Stay safe out there ‘Ganders. Recreational cannabis is only for use by individuals 21 years of age or older. Keep out of reach of children. It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana. Contact the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.