Fellow Michigander,

We’re officially entering the season of big coats, bigger meals, and all the little rituals that come with a Michigan Thanksgiving. This week’s lead story breaks down a few pre-roll packs that deserve a spot in your jacket pocket this season. Plus, I’ve got the latest headlines, a solid seltzer deal, and the inside scoop on that new sign that’s lighting up the Van Dyke Freeway. 

Spark something and settle in. 

Before the turkey hits the table and the Detroit Lions hit the field, there’s one Thanksgiving tradition that never fails in my family. It’s called the “cousin walk.” And in honor of the occasion, I rounded up the best pre-roll multi-packs to bring along for that sacred pre-dinner stroll.

If you’re also sharing your stash this Thanksgiving, you’ll want to read this week’s top story.

ALL-NIGHT NUGS: A Genesee County dispensary is flipping on the “open” sign for good. Gramz Cannabis is now running 24/7 at its Thetford Township and Romeo locations, with managers saying late-night workers needed somewhere to grab their medicine after hours.

TAX TENSION: Industry groups are still duking it out in court over Michigan’s new 24% wholesale tax on weed, with a lawsuit that aims to stop it from taking effect on Jan. 1. Now, it’s up to a judge to decide whether the whole road funding plan holds up or goes up in smoke.

HEMP HICCUP: Congress killed the Farm Bill loophole that was letting hemp-THC brands ship intoxicating products into Michigan, ending a seven-year headache for licensed weed companies. But the change also complicates efforts to send hemp-THC drinks across state lines. Bigger players call it a win; smaller growers say they barely noticed the competition.

NOXX HOLDUP: A masked robber wearing a fake beard and “Straight Outta Compton” hat held up a NOXX Cannabis dispensary in Grand Rapids on Nov. 9 with what looks like a pump-action shotgun. Police say the suspect is armed and dangerous and they’re asking for tips.

BREATHING ROOM: New research shows cannabis workers in multiple states—including Michigan—are developing asthma from grinding, trimming, and processing weed. Two workers have already died from the issue and the study says the real scope is probably underreported.

DISCOUNT DANK: Michigan weed sales bounced back in October—up 6.5% from September—as the average ounce slid to about $62, one of the lowest prices in the country. But the industry isn’t celebrating: With a new 24% wholesale tax on weed set to take effect in 2026, operators warn bargain hunters could bolt for the black market the moment prices jump again.

Most of us just spark up and hope the weed does what we want it to do.

But what if you could actually steer the experience instead of leaving it to chance?

This week, Dr. Evan Litinas is wrapping up his five-part series by pulling all the pieces together—the what, the how, and the how much—into one simple framework for using cannabis with intention. If you’ve ever tried to unwind, get creative, or just feel a little more balanced and wondered why sometimes your stash isn’t playing along, let this column be your roadmap.

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

If you’ve cruised up the Van Dyke Expressway lately, you’ve probably already seen it: a big, bright, six-foot-tall “UTICA” sign glowing like a beacon just off M-53. That’s not a city project or a random roadside art piece. It’s Bowdega and Burn1 putting their hometown on the map.

Each letter is painted a punchy, traffic-stopping orange, and the whole thing lights up at night, giving Utica its own sort of moment in the spotlight, kind of like Detroit’s giant roadside sign that made headlines not too long ago. It’s bold. It’s fun. And honestly, it fits the vibe of a dispensary and consumption lounge that’s trying to bill itself as the hangout base camp for local stoners.

The best part? It’s all privately funded—built by WerkzDirect, landscaped by DiMartino Landscaping, and dreamed up by Bowdega owner Marvin Kiezi, who grew up nearby and wanted more Michiganders to stop treating Utica like some kind of drive-through town.

“Utica deserves to be seen and celebrated,” Kiezi said in a statement.

Here’s a fun one for the sober-curious crowd or anyone who’s sick of waking up with a hangover: Lume just dropped a genuinely solid deal on their BUZZN infused seltzers.

The deal is 6 for $18, 12 for $33, or 24 for $60—and now they come in two new flavors: lemon lime and orange. Each can has a respectable 7.5mg of THC, which is basically the sweet spot for cracking open two or three cans without losing the plot of whatever you’re watching.

Michigan’s drinkable weed scene has been blowing up lately, and honestly, I love seeing more options that feel like an actual beverage and not a science experiment. If you’re not drinking right now, drinking less, or just want to avoid a hangover, this is a killer alternative to booze.

And no shame in grabbing the 24-pack. Cold air and smoke are rough on the lungs, Michigan winter is about to bully us all back indoors, and a fully stocked fridge is a form of self-care.

Last week, I caught one of Mid-Michigan’s last 50-degree days along the Lansing River Trail—my unofficial backyard, where I’m usually out trying to unwind with my dogs and a joint.

But this time, the joint was special: a Boreal Cannabis pre-roll I snagged as a trade sample at the Flower Expo in Detroit, and the first weed I’ve ever smoked from the Upper Peninsula. 

Boreal is a tiny operation in Gwinn where everything is organically grown. And you can taste the difference. This thing smoked smoother than half the big-name brands on the market. It was the perfect flower, weather, and moment before winter shows up and ruins my outdoor routine.

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.