It’s been a big week in Michigan’s cannabis world—and I’ve got a personal stake in at least one of the stories. Michigan’s largest weed competition is back for another round. Judging kits will be available soon. And I’ll be picking mine up as an official “VIP judge” for the competition.

Somewhere between that and catching my first foul ball at Comerica Park, I also managed to find the best jar of weed I’ve smoked in a long time. The news roundup is stacked too. 

Let’s get into it.

Best in Grass is returning to Michigan this summer with 3,000 judging kits, more than 75 competing brands, and a live awards show in Royal Oak. This year, I’ve been selected as a “VIP judge.” And I have everything you need to know before the kits drop this weekend.

EDIBLE DANGER: Six elementary school students in Detroit were reportedly hospitalized after they ate cannabis-infused edibles at Thomas Edison Elementary—part of a broader trend that a Children’s Hospital of Michigan doctor says plays out in the ER “just about every single day.” In response, school district leaders are now broadly calling for a “greater restriction of sales statewide,” as well as a new statewide ad campaign to reiterate the health risks for children.

HIGHER LEARNING: The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency launched a new webpage listing colleges and universities across the state that offer cannabis-related academic programs—a resource aimed at students, job seekers, and future industry professionals.

UP BEEF: A Menominee judge recently dismissed a lawsuit brought by Puff Cannabis over the right to open a dispensary in the city. But Puff isn’t done, reportedly filing a separate, 38-page lawsuit against its competitor, Lume Cannabis, alleging the state’s largest retail chain secretly bankrolled a “sham ballot committee” to cap licenses and freeze out the competition. 

BORDER BUSINESS: Indiana residents reportedly spend an estimated $1.8 billion annually on cannabis despite having no legal market of their own. And with 44% of Hoosiers living within 50 miles of an out-of-state dispensary, Michigan retailers are almost certainly getting a cut. 

SHROOM BOOM: With Trump’s new order to accelerate psychedelic drug research and Democratic Attorney General candidate Eli Savit declining to prosecute cases involving those drugs, Michigan has found itself at an interesting new legal crossroads, Bridge Michigan reports. 

FEDERAL BUST: A newly unsealed federal indictment shows at least 51 people have been charged in connection with a nationwide black-market marijuana trafficking operation. The only suspect from Michigan on the list was a 35-year-old man from Troy named Gangrong Chen.

ICYMI: In last week’s newsletter, we broke down what President Donald Trump’s marijuana reclassification actually means for Michigan stoners—and why most of them will barely notice.

Last week, I asked how frequently you consume cannabis. The results were not subtle. Almost every respondent said they smoke weed every day. Only a few of you smoke a few times a week. And exactly two of you have the restraint to only get stoned a few times a month.

Make of that what you will. You’re reading a cannabis newsletter, so I’m not exactly shocked by the sample. But daily use dominating by that steep of a margin is still worth noting.

Which brings me to this week’s question. We already know most of you prefer flower over edibles, vapes, drinks, or concentrates. So now I want to know how you’re actually smoking it:

What’s your preferred method for smoking weed?

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

I recently picked up a few half-ounce jars from Alien Tek Farms for an upcoming product review, and I’ll have more to say about the full lineup soon. But this one needed its own moment.

Fudge Truffle is a rare cross between Sinmint Cookies and White Truffle, clocking in at 25% THC. And the terpene profile here is simply unlike anything else I’ve smoked—with deep cocoa notes, a rich creaminess, and some nutty, earthy smoothness that’s difficult to describe.

The nose alone stopped me in my tracks.

Alien Tek is a small grow operation out of Vassar, run by a couple of former caregivers named Dan and Steve who have been growing their whole adult lives. They’re real OG weed farmers. And it shows. I told my wife she can’t have any of this one. It’s my personal stash.

Stay tuned for the full review. In the meantime, you can find Alien Tek for yourself in limited quantities at Cake House, Information Entropy, and a handful of other Michigan dispensaries.

I’m not a corporate cannabis kind of guy. But $15,000 is $15,000—and it’s coming from the largest chain of dispensaries in the state, so someone might as well take it.

Lume and Muha Meds have teamed up to give away $15,000 in cash. Every $10 you spend at Lume between now and June 1 earns you one entry. Just download the Muha Members app, create an account, upload your receipt, and you’ll be locked in for a chance to win.

Good luck. I expect a finder’s fee.

Last Friday, I watched my first-ever Detroit Tigers game at Comerica Park.

It was Polish Heritage Night. We played Texas. I went with my dad. I caught a foul ball. We lost. It was a blast. I also had a Magic Melon OG all-in-one disposable from Muha Meds in my pocket. And I’ll just say the game felt a little more enjoyable as the innings went on.

Muha Meds isn’t my favorite brand. But this disposable pen did exactly what I needed it to do—fit in a pocket, stay discreet, and get the job done. Sometimes, that’s enough. 

The foul ball though? That part was legitimately great. 

Sorry not sorry to the kid in row 12 who never had a chance.

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.