MICHIGAN—Cannabis is driving Michigan’s economy, fixing its roads, and helping its veterans. Meanwhile, some local municipalities are still reluctant to embrace the state’s favorite plant. And somewhere out there, a dog is sleeping off an edible it never should’ve found.
Here’s the rundown:
TAX TANGLE: A judge has refused to pause Michigan’s new 24% wholesale tax on cannabis, officially clearing the way for it to kick in on Jan. 1. But industry leaders are still fighting back in court and their lawyers say an appeal is coming, meaning any tax money the state collects next year could end up sitting in escrow for months until the litigation is resolved.
JOB MARKET JOLT: Michigan’s recreational cannabis industry has reportedly become the single biggest driver for private-sector job growth in the state, with cannabis companies now responsible for more than half of all new jobs created in Michigan from 2018 to 2024.
PTSD RELIEF: Wayne State University reportedly received nearly $20 million to study whether cannabis can help veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
STONED PET ALERT: Michigan veterinarians say they’re seeing more pets accidentally getting high, usually after scarfing down edibles or whatever was left on the coffee table after a sesh. Most recover within a day, but vets warn THC can still send pets into scary, intoxicated states.
UNION UPGRADE: Michigan’s biggest private-sector union—UFCW Local 951, which represents cannabis industry workers across the state—has picked its newest president. Courtney Phillips is the first woman to ever lead the 31,000-member union.
TOWNSHIP SAYS NO: A tiny border community near Indiana will lose out on about $60,000 a year in tax revenue after Gilead Township officials rejected plans for an 80-acre grow operation.
UP NORTH BUZZKILL: Iron Mountain officials voted to stop issuing new licenses for cannabis grow operations, locking in its two existing cultivation sites as the only ones allowed to operate. Leaders say oversupply, shuttered facilities, and a few odor complaints made it an easy call.
HOLIDAY PICKS: Detroit Metro Times rolled out another new cannabis gift guide for the holiday season, highlighting everything from half-ounce jars to new THC drinks and live rosin.
READ MORE: 4 Michigan-grown cannabis strains that are getting me through the holidays
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