Last week, I picked up a handful of cannabis drinks for what I thought would be a quick taste test. It didn’t stay that simple for long. What I found sent me down a rabbit hole that completely changed how I think about one of the fastest-growing categories in the state.

Meanwhile, Ohio is cracking down on cross-border weed runs, tax-induced layoffs are starting to hit Michigan dispensaries, prices are slowly ticking up, and one community college is rolling out a new plan to train the next generation of cannabis workers.

Oh—and I’ve got a new poll this week. I really want your input.

Let’s get into it.

Michigan dispensaries are packed with cannabis drinks, each one promising something a little different. But after picking up a few to try, I noticed they all traced back to the same place—which raises some interesting questions about how much variety is really out there.

BUCKEYE CRACKDOWN: Ohio lawmakers are cracking down on Michigan weed runs, with a new law that makes it illegal for Ohio residents to possess cannabis purchased out of state. Dispensaries near the border could see sales take a hit as a result.

BORDER BUST: Michigan weed doesn’t travel well in Indiana, either. A driver there was reportedly hit with a felony after cops found nearly 250 grams from a Michigan dispensary.

RESEARCH GAP: Michiganders are smoking more weed than ever, but an outdated federal law is still blocking researchers from studying the long-term impact of the high-potency products sold in dispensaries—leaving major questions about health effects unanswered.

UP NORTH CUTS: The impact of Michigan’s new 24% wholesale cannabis tax is starting to show, with Higher Love reportedly laying off dozens of workers across its Upper Peninsula dispensaries and industry leaders warning more cuts could be on the way.

TAX TRICKLE: State regulators tracked another month of rising cannabis sales in March. But at the same time, the average price has been climbing—suggesting the state’s new 24% wholesale tax on weed may be slowly making its way to customers at the checkout counter.

BUDS TO BUST: One of Southeast Michigan’s most recognizable weed brands—Leaf and Bud—is reportedly unraveling, with the company now down to just one store as its owner shifts his focus overseas after a recent stint serving as President Donald Trump’s envoy to Iraq.

CLASS IN SESSION: Baker College is offering six new online cannabis certification programs this summer, covering everything from cultivation techniques to retail sales.

Last week, I asked what category of cannabis products you prefer, and the results were pretty clear. Flower dominated by a mile, pulling in over 60% of the vote. Edibles came in a distant second, while vapes, concentrates, and beverages trailed behind in smaller numbers.

And honestly? Same here. I’m a flower guy, too. It’s familiar. It’s reliable. And when it’s grown and handled right, it’s the truest expression of the plant itself. 

But the results also say something about how you guys are approaching cannabis: For most of you, the format seems to matter less than the effect.

Which brings me to this week’s question:

What effect are you usually trying to achieve when you consume cannabis?

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

Michigan cannabis retailers: This is your last call.

The Exchange is back in Lansing on May 6-7. And if you’re trying to lock in partnerships, source new products, and stay ahead of where this industry is headed, this is where it all happens.

Quick note: This isn’t a public event. It’s just retailers, brands, and service providers sitting down face-to-face to do real business at the Eagle Eye Golf Club. And spots are going fast. Vendor slots are already sold out, and only a handful of retailer tickets are still available.

Also: I’ll be there. I’ll have a table set up with some free stuff and I’m stoked to meet some of you in person. If you’ve ever read this newsletter, argued with one of my takes, or just want to say what’s up—come find me. Just look for the big MichiGanja Report banner.

Most dispensaries used up their best deals for 420. 

But I found one that’s still worth your time.

Lume is currently running a sweepstakes where one Michigan shopper will win a weekend trip for two to Mexico—flights and hotel included. No purchase is required, but you’ll need to enter by May 3 either online through their rewards program or in person at their New Buffalo location.

Worst case, you leave with weed. Best case, you leave the country.

I smoke a lot of pre-rolls for this newsletter.

But most of the time? I’m rolling my own.

This week’s pick: Blue Nerdz from Society C, which I grabbed for $42 a half-ounce at Herbana. 

This strain is supposedly a cross of Runtz and The Original Z, though Society C doesn’t post the exact lineage on its website. It’s loud out of the bag and sweet on the nose, with just enough gas to keep things interesting. And for the price, it punches way above its weight.

Society C has quietly built a reputation for putting out consistently good flower at prices that don’t feel like a scam—especially if you grab their small buds, which are usually marked down.

I’m heading to Orion Township later this week for an exclusive tour of Society C’s facility. And because I take this job very seriously, I’ve been doing some hands-on research. More on Society C (and what’s really going on behind the scenes) coming in next week’s edition.

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.