Fellow Michigander,

There’s a lot happening in Michigan weed right now.

This week, I’m digging into some questionable vape pens, a messy tax fight in Lansing, and a dispensary giveaway that might require a dump truck to haul it all to the winner’s home.

I’ve also got the latest headlines from across the state, a quick explainer on that “sleepy” cannabinoid everyone’s talking about, and a big party in Detroit you won’t want to miss.

Spark up and let’s get into it.

Here’s a hard truth:

Most disposable vapes in Michigan are not worth your money.

I tested three of them to prove it—and see what actually separates them. 

TAX BATTLE: The Michigan Cannabis Industry Association filed a second lawsuit against the state Treasury, arguing Michigan’s new 24% wholesale cannabis tax effectively creates an illegal “tax on a tax” that is driving up prices beyond Michigan’s 6% sales tax cap.

GOOD COP: Democratic gubernatorial candidate and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson said he’d work to repeal Michigan’s 24% wholesale cannabis tax if elected—calling the policy “unfair” for the industry and warning it could push some consumers back to the illicit market.

UNION SMOKE: A new column in City Pulse is pulling back the curtain on a harsh reality in Michigan’s cannabis industry: when workers try to organize, companies often push back hard—even exploiting federal illegality as a loophole to sidestep basic labor protections.

UP NORTH PAYOUT: Several Upper Peninsula communities split more than $3.4 million in marijuana tax revenue from last year—part of a roughly $94 million statewide payout—with each licensed dispensary kicking back about $54,000 to local cities and townships.

MIDNIGHT MOVES: Northfield Township near Ann Arbor recently approved new rules extending cannabis delivery hours to midnight—giving local dispensaries some more breathing room after they reportedly ran into state violations. In-store sales will still end at 9 p.m.

SWEET SMOKE: Glacier Cannabis got some well-earned love for its take on Apple Tartz—a crowd favorite strain that blends Apple Fritter and Runtz into a terpene-packed knockout. According to Leafly, it’s as “sweet as apple pie and hits like a freight train.”

CREAM OF THE CROP: The Detroit Metro Times recently dropped a list of 15 cannabis brands that consistently deliver. It’s a well-curated roundup that includes some of my all-time favorite brands. And it’s a solid cheat sheet for anyone tired of rolling the dice at the dispensary.

ROLL MODEL: In case you missed last week’s MichiGanja Report, a new Michigan weed competition is ditching janky pre-rolls and putting one guy in charge of rolling every single joint. With just 300 judging boxes hitting dispensaries next month, expect this one to sell out fast.

Last week, I asked how much you’d be willing to pay for an ounce of weed in Michigan’s bargain-bin market. And you all gave me a pretty clear answer: Most of you (43%) drew the line at $100. The rest of the responses were scattered between $80 and $160.

But for any brands or dispensaries that might be paying attention, the message was loud enough: Three figures is the threshold and anything north of that is a hard sell.

So, price matters. But here’s this week’s question:

When you’re actually standing in a dispensary deciding what to grab, what matters most? What’s the single most important factor when shopping for weed?

Stay tuned. Results next week.

You probably know about THC and CBD.

But what about CBN?

It’s been around for a while but lately, this “sleepy” cannabinoid has been popping up everywhere. And it’s being pitched by budtenders as a sure-fire way to fall asleep fast.

Before you jump in, Dr. Litinas says there are a few things you should know.

Opening Day for the Detroit Tigers is basically a full-blown Michigan holiday. 

And this year, House of Dank and Mitten Extracts are treating it like one.

First up: A morning tailgate near Comerica Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Expect food trucks, a live DJ, games, and more. 

Then, the party migrates to an all-day block party at Annex Detroit, where doors open at 10 a.m. and the fun runs all the way until 2 a.m.

If you’re headed to the Motor City for the opener on April 3, this is the place to be. 

Just remember to pace yourself.

Is there such a thing as too much weed?

I have yet to hit the threshold.

But if you win this raffle at Nature’s Remedy in Ferndale, you just might.

The rules are simple: Spend $250 in store, get an entry. Spend more, stack your chances. 

At the end of the month, one lucky winner walks away with a $2,000 prize pack loaded with cannabis products, accessories, apparel, and more.

What’s not simple is what a $2,000 haul actually looks like right now in Michigan, where eighths are going for $15 and ounces for less than most folks spend on dinner. 

This isn’t just a decent prize; it’s a logistics exercise—the kind of haul where you’re making multiple trips to your car just to carry it all out. 

And if you do win, finishing it all before it goes stale becomes a challenge in itself. 

Good luck out there. 

Last week, I was in Paw Paw—the home of Growing Pains—where I scored an exclusive tour and interview with the folks behind one of Michigan’s most respected cannabis brands.

Before leaving town, I grabbed this shot in front of the city sign with one of their hand-rolled joints—which I saved for later to smoke on the couch like a responsible adult.

If you’ve spent any time hunting for good weed in Michigan, you already know Growing Pains. 

They’ve carved out a real reputation in a crowded market with dialed-in flower, loud terpene profiles, and the kind of consistency that keeps people coming back.

I’ll have the full story on what makes them stand out next week.

420 is coming! If you or your company want to showcase your products or services to an engaged audience of more than 19,000 cannabis enthusiasts, contact kimberly@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.