Fellow Michigander,

The cannabis industry has been flooring it for years. But lawmakers in Lansing just reached for the handbrake with new legislation that could effectively block new dispensaries and grow operations from getting licensed, as well as crack down on the sale of hemp products.

In other news: We also have a Detroit dispensary mogul who was appointed to the Trump administration, more pregnant women using cannabis, the science behind why vapes and gummies hit so differently, and a dank discount for college football fans ahead of the big game.

Spark up, scroll down, and let’s get into it. 

Is there such a thing as too much weed? 

State lawmakers think so—and that’s why they’re pitching new plans to cap dispensary licenses, freeze grow licenses, and crack down on unregulated, untested hemp-based products that are probably behind the counter at your local gas station. 

WEED ENVOY: Despite having little political or diplomatic experience, Detroit dispensary owner Mark Savaya—best known for his Leaf and Bud stores and their flamboyant billboards—was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the next special envoy to Iraq. 

TAXED TO DEATH: The owner of Leelanau County’s only dispensary says Michigan’s new 24% wholesale weed tax could crush small shops and cause prices to spike if it’s allowed to take effect. Meanwhile, the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association is still suing to block the tax.

PUFF, PASS, PARENT: A new Michigan State University study found that about one in six pregnant women in Michigan use cannabis—even rising to one in four in some regions. Researchers say legalization has made weed more accessible and less stigmatized, but warn that still doesn’t make it any less dangerous to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

PUFF ON HOLD: A Menominee County judge reportedly denied Puff Cannabis’ request to force the city to greenlight its long-delayed 10th Street dispensary. The ruling keeps Puff in legal limbo—at least until after voters decide next month whether to cap dispensary licenses at nine.

FANTASY FIASCO: The ex-wife of Skymint’s former CEO is suing him over what she calls a backdoor weed scheme gone bad. Susan Radway reportedly says Jeff Radway used her to launch Fantasy Farms in Lansing, then siphoned cash to build new ventures out of state. Radway and his attorneys, of course, have vehemently denied the accusations. 

PLANT PROBLEM: Michigan State Police raided a home in Courtland Township last week, hauling away several marijuana plants as part of an ongoing investigation. Details are scarce.

Some Michiganders swear by edibles. Others won’t touch anything but flower. But how can the same plant hit with such different effects depending on the method of consumption?

This week, Dr. Evan Litinas is breaking down the science behind the high and exploring why vapes, gummies, joints, and tinctures can produce completely different cannabis experiences even when the dose and strain are the same. Check it out. You might learn something.

Got a question about weed? Send it in here and Dr. Litinas will find you an answer. 

The Great Pumpkin Patch at Greenhouse of Walled Lake has officially wrapped and once again showed there’s far more community spirit in Michigan’s weed scene than most people expect.

Every fall, the dispensary gives away more than 1,000 free pumpkins. No purchase, no catch, no corporate logos printed on the gourds—just a dispensary giving back because it feels right. 

In recent years, it’s turned into a full-on community event: families pull in, stoners pull up, and before you know it, all of the pumpkins are totally gone. This year, it only took about four days.

There aren’t many places in Michigan where you can pick up a pumpkin, catch a vibe, and maybe grab an eighter on your way out. So here’s to Greenhouse: keeping it festive, keeping it grounded, and reminding us there’s more to weed culture than just selling pre-rolled joints. 

The state might be divided this weekend, but Lucky’s in Muskegon is trying to unite every college football fan around something we can all agree on: dank discounts at the dispensary. 

Ahead of the MSU vs. U-M showdown on Saturday, Lucky’s is serving up a new “Game Day Bundle” that’s cheaper than a six-pack of beer and delivers a way better buzz: It’s an eighter of deli flower, a can of Keef soda, and a free one-gram preroll—all for just 10 bucks.

I’ll be rooting for MSU. And honestly, this deal might make it easier to watch. 

There’s a certain kind of peace that comes from smoking by the water.

And this week, I found it at one of my favorite parks in Lansing.

The joint is Wild Cherry from Seed Junky, a pre-roll I snagged for about $12 at Dispo in Whitmore Lake. It was a little pricey, but Seed Junky never misses. The flavor was unique, smooth, and syrupy, like if cherry cough drops and diesel fumes had a baby. And the high was happy, heady, and steady enough for me to keep my feet moving along the Lansing River Trail. 

Do you know where this photo was taken? Email me your best guesses for a shot at being featured in next week’s edition. I’ll reveal the location in next week’s newsletter. 

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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.