Fellow Michigander,

This week, we’re talking pot for potholes. Lawmakers in Lansing are advancing a hefty new marijuana tax to help bankroll road repairs, and it’s got industry leaders buzzing. 

On top of that, I’ve got a fresh batch of cannabis headlines from across the state, a closer look at a tasty new infused edible, and a steal of a deal for our senior stoners. And if that’s not enough, keep scrolling to see why one executive says Michigan’s weed market was built to fail.

For years, Michigan politicians have promised to “fix the damn roads.” 

Now, they’re reaching for the weed jar to get it done. 

This week, state lawmakers are set to finalize legislation that will enact a new 24% wholesale tax on recreational marijuana sold in Michigan. And while it could pump an extra $420 million a year into road repairs, it also has the industry in full panic mode. It’s this week’s top story. 

VAPE WAVE: A new University of Michigan survey shows more teens are turning to weed vapes—especially flavored ones that are easy to hide and harder for schools to police.

WEED WALKOUT: The strike at Exclusive Brands in Ann Arbor, which started after the company allegedly fired a pro-union worker amid a unionization drive, has now reportedly become one of the longest work stoppages in US cannabis industry history.

FALL FAVORITES: A couple weeks after The MichiGanja Report dropped its official fall product guide, the Detroit Metro Times has now followed suit with its own list of top seasonal picks.

HEMP HUSTLE: Michigan lawmakers are eyeing hemp-infused THC drinks as another new cash stream, with a plan to sell them through bars, liquor shops, and grocery stores. Supporters say the changes could bring in millions in tax revenue and rein in the unregulated hemp market.

BANKING BUD: Mason-based Dart Bank is reportedly going all-in on cannabis cash and has quietly turned a century-old community bank into one of the country’s biggest weed financiers.

DISPENSARY DRAMA: Puff Cannabis is reportedly suing the city of Menominee and its manager, accusing them of blocking its new dispensary from opening on 10th Street despite Puff having proper state approvals and a certificate of occupancy. If the lawsuit is successful and the dispensary is allowed to open, it would be Puff’s first store in the Upper Peninsula. 

If you’ve been following our coverage, then you already know Michigan’s cannabis market has seen better days. Prices are tanking, shops are struggling, and growers are sweating bullets.

But according to Mike Khemmoro at Mango Cannabis, that’s not just bad luck. It’s the way the system has been built. His take? Oversupply is just the tip of the iceberg, and unless Michigan starts building real demand—think lounges, festivals, and places where weed melds with state culture—we’re doomed to repeat the market crashes we’ve already seen in other states.

Ever had an edible so good that you forget it’s even infused with cannabis? That’s the trap with BANNED’s new “potcorn.” It’s crunchy, salty, buttery—and oh yeah, loaded with 200mg of THC.

Flavors range from White Cheddar and Caramel Apple to Birthday Cake, Sweet Chili, and my personal favorite, Garlic Parmesan. The best part? There’s no weedy aftertaste. It’s just a tasty little treat that could easily pass for something you grabbed at the gas station.

And here’s the travel pro-tip that you didn’t get from me: I like to dump this popcorn into a regular popcorn wrapper before flying. TSA doesn’t seem to care about edibles these days, but it just feels way smoother strolling into a non-friendly state when your carry-on looks basic.

Heads up, silver stoners: King of Budz in New Buffalo has a standing discount you might want to know about. Every Sunday, everything in the store is 15% off for customers ages 55 and up. The only catch? You’ve gotta roll in sometime between 12-3 p.m. to claim the deal. 

Just call it a perk of aging gracefully—because nothing says golden years like discount green.

My favorite place to spark up is in an alley. It usually means you’re on your way somewhere, found a quiet little pitstop before the main event, and the evening is about to get interesting.

And that’s exactly where I lit up this Slurmz joint from Voyage Bloom before heading into the Michigan premiere of the Kiss My Grass documentary in downtown Detroit last week.

Slurmz has been one of my favorite strains for a minute. It smokes like grape-apple candy with an energy drink edge, then drops you straight into a heavy, euphoric body high. As for the film, I’ll have more to share later. But for now, I’ll say this: Pairing a powerful story about women of color in cannabis and one of Michigan’s most celebrated strains made for a damn good night.

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.