Fellow Michigander,

Michigan’s cannabis market might be cooling off, but you’d never know it from all the cash still flying around. With no access to traditional banking, dispensaries have been forced to operate more like trap houses than legitimate businesses. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel hates it. And now she’s calling on Republicans in Congress to finally pass some federal reforms.

Keep reading for the full story, plus the latest Michigan weed headlines, a science check on cannabis for anxiety and pain relief, and a few summer recommendations I think you’ll love.

Dozens of attorneys general—including Nessel—are demanding action on long-stalled federal legislation that would finally let licensed cannabis businesses use banks like everyone else.

It’s called the SAFER Banking Act—and it’s this week’s top story. 

SPIT TAKE: Michigan lawmakers are one step closer to letting cops swab your mouth for weed. Two bills to legalize roadside saliva testing for THC have cleared the state House and are now en route to a legislative committee for further review. Opponents say the swab tests are junk science that don’t accurately measure impairment and could lead to bogus arrests for stoners.

HIGHER OFFICE: Michigan cannabis activist Chuck Ream, who is known for his decades of activism in the marijuana movement in Ann Arbor and as regular speaker at the annual Hash Bash, is running for City Council to stop “complete developer takeover,” MLive reports.

CROSS-BORDER CHRONIC: House of Dank opened a dispensary in New Buffalo this month, joining an ever-growing raft of Michigan cannabis companies that are counting on Chicagoland road-trippers to drive new revenue. Locals are welcome too, of course—if they can find parking.

HEMP BAN BOOST: Congress is moving toward a federal ban on intoxicating hemp products—like Delta-8—which have been cutting into Michigan dispensary sales for years. If passed, the ban would shut down a key source of unregulated competition, potentially shifting millions back into the licensed marijuana market, according to Crain’s Detroit Business.

BUBBLE BURSTING: Union leaders expect small, mom-and-pop dispensaries are going to have trouble surviving Michigan’s brutally over-saturated cannabis market in the months ahead. 

Is cannabis really good for pain relief? What about anxiety? Insomnia?

In his latest column, our resident cannabis doctor is digging into what we actually know about weed and where the facts still fall short. The good news: Marijuana shows some real promise when it comes to improving our health. The bad news: We’re still lagging behind on research.

Got a question about weed?

Send it in here and Dr. Litinas will find you an answer. 

I know you’ve heard me rave about Local Roots in past editions of this newsletter—and I meant every word. It’s still one of my all-time favorite places to buy weed in Michigan.

Now they’ve gone and made it even better.

This month, the family-run dispensary opened a new store in Perry. And from what I’ve been hearing, the vibe there is just as warm and welcoming as their OG shop in Laingsburg.

But it’s not just good weed and good people. It’s also getting cheaper. With the expansion, the owners have reportedly been able to lower their profit margins and focus more on volume—which means better deals at both shops. 

Stop by, say hi, and support a small-town shop that gives back way more than it takes. If you missed my original deep-dive into the story behind Local Roots, you can catch up right here.

If you’ve driven anywhere in Michigan this summer, chances are you’ve hit at least one construction detour—and maybe cursed loudly while doing it. That’s why this week’s featured deal is courtesy of LIV Cannabis in Lansing, where the orange barrel chaos has been very real. 

Ongoing road construction has cut off access from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard entirely. Instead, customers are forced to take an inconvenient loop into the parking lot from S. Cedar Street or drive up Washington Street to westbound Edgewood Boulevard like a true local.

But here’s the good news: If you spend $10 or more, the store will reward your road rage with a free pre-roll just for showing up. Because honestly—at that point, you’ve earned it.

Nothing beats summertime in Michigan—even if you live an hour from the nearest Great Lake. Case in point: Me, this pre-roll from Pressure Pack, and Frankie (my adorable Westie mix) living our best backyard lives in Lansing with a pink kiddy pool and zero regrets.

This week’s featured pick? Lemon Cherry Gelato. 

It’s bright, balanced, and just the right kind of mellow for a breezy afternoon with your furry best friend. Pressure Pack always delivers. But what really sets them apart is the build: No cones here; just thick, compact joints with a custom filter that burns even and hits smooth, every time. 

You can usually snag one for under $10, which makes it an absolute steal. 

Who needs a beach when the backyard vibes are this good?

Got your own MichiGanja in the Wild moment to share? Send in your best Michigan-made cannabis product pics out in the world for a chance to be featured in next week’s edition. 

Do you or your company want to support The MichiGanja Report’s mission and showcase your products or services to an engaged audience of more than 15,000 cannabis enthusiasts at the same time? Contact advertise@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

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.