MICHIGAN—Cannabis is a big deal in Michigan—and there’s never a shortage of newsworthy headlines from the industry as the state inches closer to becoming the nation’s weed capital.
Here are eight things you need to know this week:
RIDING THE HIGH: Michigan dispensaries set another monthly sales record of $295 million in August and customers are continuing to pay the lowest prices on record—which is quelling concerns that Ohio’s newly legalized weed market could stifle business for Michigan shops.
MIDWEST SHOWDOWN: While Ohioan pot shops haven’t impacted Michigan’s weed market, Indiana could be the next border state to join the competition after Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jennifer McCormick reportedly voiced a new plan to legalize recreational marijuana.
ANN ARBOR CRACKDOWN: State officials are reportedly looking into allegations of unacceptable record keeping, failing to keep surveillance tapes, and improperly storing cannabis products at Exclusive Brands, which is located in Ann Arbor. According to one complaint, more than 10 lbs. of marijuana products couldn’t be located at the business.
HIGH NOTES: Developers are reportedly planning to open a 4,300 square-foot cannabis consumption lounge and outdoor amphitheater on six acres of land in Ypsilanti, where guests will be able to buy weed at a nearby dispensary, smoke indoors, and enjoy live entertainment.
SENIOR STONERS: A new University of Michigan study shows that older Michiganders use cannabis products more than older adults in other states. More specifically, about 27% of Michiganders in their 50s smoke weed—compared to only about 21% in other states.
PUFF POLITICS: Ex-President Donald Trump, who has sought to portray himself as a “law and order” candidate, is now reportedly pandering to voters in swing states (like Michigan) by voicing new support for efforts to legalize weed in Florida. Despite Trump’s record of opposing past reforms, his remarks illustrate how legalizing weed has now developed into a bipartisan issue.
JOINT REFORM: With the number of card-carrying medical marijuana patients continuing to plummet in Michigan, state lawmakers are reportedly considering “clean merge” legislation that would combine the recreational and medical markets into a single, unified licensing structure.
VOTE GREEN: Michiganders living in two Oakland County neighborhoods—Lathrup Village and Royal Oak Township—will reportedly have a chance to vote on ballot measures in November to decide whether or not cannabis businesses will be allowed to operate in their communities.
READ MORE: Why Michigan’s cannabis voters hold the key to the November election
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