Fellow Michigander,

Spring is here, the weed is cheap, and Michigan’s cannabis industry is somehow thriving and falling apart at the exact same time. 

This week, I’ve got the inside scoop on a new weed competition that’s trying to level the playing field for Michigan’s best weed, a closer look at why cheap weed might actually be bad news, and a Lansing park that deserves more credit than it gets.

Light one up and let’s get into it. 

A new Michigan cannabis competition is letting 300 people judge the best weed in the state this year. 

And every single joint they smoke will be hand-rolled by the same person.

It’s all part of an effort to fix one of the biggest problems with how these contests actually work—and it’s coming to dispensaries soon.

HASH CLASH: The University of Michigan is once again allowing Hash Bash to take over the Diag next month. But it comes with a warning for attendees: Marijuana is still banned on campus under federal law, meaning lighting up could technically land you with a ticket. But whether that actually ruins the vibe is another question. Organizers say the pushback could have the opposite effect—drawing out “OG activists” and energizing the crowd even more.

TAX REBOUND: Michigan’s weed market bounced back in February, pulling in $235 million in sales despite fears that the state’s new 24% wholesale tax would tank demand. Prices are still dirt cheap—hovering at about $60 an ounce—which may be keeping consumers buying even as businesses warn the tax could force layoffs, closures, and long-term damage to the industry.

BLACK MARKET BLUES: A top cannabis policy group is warning that states like Michigan are playing with fire by piling on new weed taxes. In a new op-ed, NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano argues that higher prices won’t stop people from smoking—but will eventually push them back to the illicit market, undercutting legal businesses and the entire point of legalization.

OUT-OF-STATE CHEDDAR: Wisconsinites still haven’t legalized recreational weed, so Michigan dispensaries are happily collecting their cash—and Michigan cities are raking in the extra tax revenue that comes along with it, reports the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

MENTAL MYTHS: Cannabis is widely used to treat anxiety, depression, and PTSD. But a major new study found little evidence that it actually works, reports Michigan Public. Researchers say the gap isn’t just about effectiveness; It’s about how little research has been done at all.

EQUITY DISPUTE: Six Michigan cannabis companies are suing Grand Rapids, alleging millions of dollars in social equity funds have gone missing, reports Crain’s Detroit Business. The lawsuit accuses city officials of mismanaging funds that businesses were forced to pay to stay licensed.

MAJOR BUST: More than 1,000 pounds of illegal cannabis products were seized in a Macomb County raid—along with 20,000 vape carts, guns, and cash—in what police are calling one of the largest drug busts in Shelby Township history. A 51-year-old man, Joseph Zouhair Foumia, was arrested and now faces multiple felony charges tied to the operation.

TERP TALK: In case you missed last week’s MichiGanja Report, Dr. Evan Litinas broke down why two weed products with the same THC percentage can feel completely different—and why Michiganders should start paying attention to terpenes instead of just chasing potency.

Last week, I asked you what Michigan dispensaries should be called if regulators don’t want us calling them dispensaries. And it turns out that nobody’s really on the same page.

The top response was a tie between “provisioning center” and “screw that, I’m calling them dispensaries.” So, it seems half of you are playing along and the other half are rolling your eyes. 

As for me? I’m sticking with dispensaries. State regulators can deal with it. 

This week’s question:

Weed prices in Michigan have been in freefall. Ounces that used to cost $200 are now selling for $60. And it’s got me wondering where people are actually drawing the line.

What’s the most you’d be willing to pay for an ounce of weed right now?

Stay tuned. I’ll share the results in next week’s newsletter.

Our newsroom is hosting its spring grassroots fundraising drive now through the end of the month. We’ll ask just this once: If you value the local reporting we do here at The MichiGanja Report and want to help keep it accessible to everyone, we hope you’ll consider contributing. 

If one weed judging competition isn’t enough this summer, Best in Grass is back for 2026 with another opportunity to put Michigan’s top cannabis brands through their paces.

The setup is largely the same as last year: accessible judging kits packed with products across a range of categories—flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, concentrates—available for everyday stoners to buy, try, and score. No industry credentials required. Just a lighter and an opinion.

Companies will submit products through April. Judge kits hit dozens of Michigan dispensaries on May 9. From there, you’ve got until July 12 to smoke your way through the lineup and submit your scores. Winners will be announced live at an in-person awards show on Aug. 13.

The judging kits vary by category—pre-rolls and edibles tend to run cheaper, while concentrates can get a little spendy. But there’s a payoff: Anyone who completes their reviews gets 20% of their kit price back in store credit, plus two tickets to the awards show.

Want to join me in judging this year’s competition? Head to the Best in Grass website and drop your info to get first access to updates on when and where kits go on sale in Michigan.

If you’ve been stress-scrolling the news this week, you’re not alone. The conflict with Iran is tense—and if you’ve been watching the headlines, you know where this could be headed. 

Most Michiganders aren’t exactly lining up for another war in the Middle East. But here we are. So this week’s deal goes out to the people who don’t get a say in any of it. 

Skymint is currently offering one of the state’s most generous active military discounts: 25% off one full-priced item. Given the moment, it feels less like a promo and more like a quiet nod.

If you’re at risk of being shipped overseas while the rest of us argue about it from our couches, maybe you deserve a little something to take the edge off. 

Call it a small break before whatever comes next. And if you’re not the one preparing to pack a bag? Maybe take a second, stay informed, and appreciate the fact that you’re not.

Oh—and the same discount also applies to cannabis industry personnel, medical card holders, seniors, students, and veterans with proper ID.

My favorite hobby is officially back in season.

That’s riding my electric unicycle around Greater Lansing.

Yeah, I know. It sounds ridiculous. And it kind of is. But once you get the hang of it, there’s nothing quite like that smooth, floating feeling as you glide across the pavement.

This week’s pitstop: Hawk Island Park.

This is one of those spots that doesn’t get enough credit. A few minutes from downtown Lansing, but quiet enough to feel like you slipped out of the city entirely. Plenty of space to find your own corner—which is exactly what I did, tucked up along the lake for a couple quick puffs.

In hand was a live resin disposable from Pro Gro, the cultivation arm behind Pure Options. I’m still working my way through it for an upcoming product review, so I won’t spoil too much. But I will say this: It’s smooth, flavorful, and super convenient for a quick lakeside smoke break.

Full breakdown coming 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.