Friday the 13th Event Merges Tattoos & Cannabis

Published 11 months ago Events & Conferences
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Michigan continues to be a melting pot for diverse collaborations, as evident in an upcoming event at Harlequin Tattoo. This Friday the 13th, the well-known tattoo establishment in the state is teaming up with Pleasantrees and HIVE Hydration for a multifaceted experience.

Details of the Event

Harlequin Tattoo has announced a tattoo special for the day, where tattoos will be available for $113 from 1pm to 7pm at 10021 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212. With it being a first-come, first-served arrangement, attendees should anticipate potential waiting times.

As part of the collaboration, those getting tattoos will also receive an offer from Pleasantrees: 13 grams of flower at no additional cost. The inclusion of Pleasantrees suggests an intersection of interests between the tattoo and marijuana communities in Michigan.

HIVE Hydration will also be present, offering attendees the opportunity to explore discounted IV drips.

A Broader Look at Collaborations

This trio collaboration brings to light the adaptive nature of Michigan's business scene. No longer are industries operating in silos; there is an increasing trend of collaborations that provide comprehensive experiences to consumers. The blending of tattoo artistry, cannabis culture, and wellness through such events indicates an evolving landscape where businesses are exploring shared audiences and synergies.

Final Thoughts

While the Friday the 13th event at Harlequin Tattoo is just one instance, it showcases the potential for innovative partnerships in Michigan's evolving cultural scene. As businesses find ways to intertwine their services, consumers stand to benefit from richer experiences. It remains to be seen how such collaborations will shape the state's industries in the coming years.


Michigan's Budding Cannabis Tourism: A Behind-The-Scenes Look

Published 11 months ago Business & Industry
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Michigan, known for its picturesque lakes and robust automobile industry, is now witnessing a transformative phase in another sector - its marijuana industry. The green rush is on, and with it comes an era of transparency and education. Recreational marijuana ventures, spanning from open fields to boutique establishments, are increasingly inviting the curious and the enthusiastic to step behind the curtain. These tours provide a unique perspective, offering an intimate glimpse into the world of cannabis cultivation, processing, and more.



Baked Bingo: A Delightful Mashup of Cannabis and Classic Gaming in Ann Arbor

Published 11 months ago Events & Conferences
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Imagine blending the old-school charm of Bingo with the modern appeal of cannabis. That's precisely what you get with Baked Bingo, and it's all the rage in Ann Arbor.

Run by the acclaimed Wacky Weed Tours of Ann Arbor, Baked Bingo is an innovative experience that brings together enthusiasts every Sunday at Circ Bar. But what sets Baked Bingo apart from other events, making it a must-attend in Ann Arbor's lively scene?

Bingo and Cannabis: The Perfect Pair

"Win prizes, make friends, have fun," boasts the tagline of Baked Bingo, emphasizing that this isn't just a game—it's an experience. Many people find Mondays tough. So the very idea of Baked Bingo was to make the start of the week something to look forward to. And it did just that! With a perfect start and end time, attendees could revel in the fun without any regrets the following morning.

However, as things evolved, the venue shifted to Circ Bar, located at 210 South 1st Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104. The event has also moved to Sundays. Yet, the essence remains the same.

Sunday Delights at Circ Bar

Sundays at Circ Bar now promise not just the thrilling Baked Bingo but also an all-you-can-eat $10 brunch buffet. As you step in at 1 PM, you can munch on delightful dishes until 5 PM. At 1:30 PM, the real action begins with the first of four bingo games. The cards are still priced at $5, but you can snag a deal with 5 cards for just $20!

The prizes? They remain as enchanting as ever. Winners receive a voucher redeemable at Mission Cannabis. And as a cherry on top, everyone is gifted something special from Mission Cannabis.

Come One, Come All

For those with a penchant for bingo, a love for cannabis, or anyone seeking an exceptional way to spend their Sunday afternoon, look no further than Baked Bingo at Circ Bar. And if ever posed with the question, "What's more exciting than playing bingo?", be ready with the answer: "Playing bingo for Cannabis prizes at Circ Bar on Sundays!" Secure your spot for this unique experience by RSVPing on EventBrite.


MIOSHA Grants to Elevate Workplace Safety

Published 11 months ago Safety & Education
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Michigan's cannabis industry and other small businesses with 250 employees or fewer have a golden opportunity. They can now tap into the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) grant, which offers up to $5,000 in matching funds. This grant aims to bolster equipment and training, ensuring the safety and health of employees in the cannabis sector and other industries.

Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Susan Corbin, remarked, "MIOSHA's grant initiatives play an essential role in ensuring safe and healthy workplaces in Michigan. By investing in workplace safety, especially in burgeoning industries like cannabis, we're building a robust and prosperous economy for every Michigander."

The MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) grant program promises to match every dollar, up to $5,000, which qualifying employers spend on safety and health-enhancing equipment. This aids in fostering safer and healthier work environments, especially in the cannabis sector.

Last year, MIOSHA distributed $250,000 in MIWISH grant funds to 63 Michigan employers, including those in the cannabis industry. A notable recipient was the Howell Area Fire Department, which utilized the grant to buy safety vests, traffic cones, and eye wash stations across its stations.

Brian Anderson, Howell Area Fire Department's Deputy Chief of Operations, shared their experience, "Opting into this grant made sense as it directly benefits our firefighters' health and safety. I urge all, especially those in the cannabis sector, to explore MIOSHA's grant offerings."

It's crucial for Michigan's cannabis business owners to note that while all eligible employers can apply, preference is geared towards those in high-hazard industries, such as cannabis. Applications will be assessed based on the specific risks they address.

MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman said, "We're here to aid employers, especially in the cannabis industry, in minimizing workplace injuries and illnesses. Through this grant, more businesses can access vital equipment and training, ensuring their employees' safety and health."

To be eligible for the MIWISH grant, businesses, including cannabis enterprises, should:

  • Employ 250 or fewer individuals.
  • Have a safety professional or committee perform a site-specific evaluation justifying equipment needs.
  • Demonstrate capability and dedication to execute the project and match the grant funds.
  • Propose actions in the form of equipment or workplace adjustments to mitigate hazards. Examples include noise reduction tools, lock out/tag out systems, and specifically for cannabis growers, climate control systems for cultivation spaces.

As the cannabis industry in Michigan continues to thrive, ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees is paramount. Michigan Green Industry Association Executive Director, Michelle Atkinson, emphasized, "These programs empower small businesses, especially in the cannabis sector, to enhance their safety culture. It's a win-win, with employers ensuring safety without straining their finances."

The grant application period commenced on October 1st, 2023, and will run until the funds are depleted. MIOSHA welcomes new applicants, including those from the cannabis industry.

Businesses that received grants in Fiscal Year 2023 can reapply after January 1st, 2024, provided funds remain.

For a deeper understanding of the MIWISH grant program and application process, prospective cannabis businesses and others can visit michigan.gov/mioshagrants or call MIOSHA's grant administrator at 269-275-7155.

For additional information about MIOSHA and its initiatives to support the cannabis industry and other sectors, please head over to michigan.gov/miosha.


Michigan Marijuana and Its Ripple Effects: Lessons and Lookouts

Published 11 months ago Legislation & Policy Updates
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The marijuana wave sweeping across the U.S. shows no signs of slowing down. As neighboring Ohio contemplates its cannabis future, Michigan stands as a testament to the complexities and potential of a legalized market. Drawing from the experiences of states like Colorado, California, and even Ohio's medical marijuana journey, Michigan offers a multifaceted look at the ripple effects of marijuana's integration into mainstream society. This article delves into the economic, societal, and unexpected implications that have emerged in the wake of marijuana legalization, painting a comprehensive picture of a rapidly evolving landscape.

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Birmingham's Ballot Battle over Marijuana

Published 11 months ago Legislation & Policy Updates
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This November, the residents of Birmingham have an important decision to make. They will cast their votes on an amendment proposal that could reshape the city's stance on marijuana regulations.

Back in 2018, the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA) was enacted, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for those aged 21 and above. However, the Birmingham City Commission made a conscious choice to exclude marijuana establishments within their city limits.

Nevertheless, the MRTMA grants citizens the power to instigate an ordinance permitting marijuana establishments. This can be achieved by launching a petition. If an external organization were to set this in motion, they would essentially dictate the terms, regulations, and qualifications of the ordinance. In simpler terms, a business keen on selling marijuana in Birmingham could gather signatures, pushing their proposal onto the ballot.

Mary Kucharek, City Attorney for the City of Birmingham, commented, "For the sake of our city, the responsibility of determining our community's future should lie with the city government and its residents."

In light of these potential external influences, the city has chosen to be a part of the ballot initiative. Mayor Therese Longe pointed out that nearby communities have been subjected to ballot language imposed on them by external entities. Some of these petitions have even been accused of misleading voters. She emphasized the city's proactive approach, stating, "We need to be ahead of the curve, allowing Birmingham residents to have their say."

The official ballot will pose the question: "Should the Birmingham City Code ordinance, which currently bans marijuana sales, be revised to permit one medical marijuana facility and one recreational marijuana establishment in Birmingham?"

Come November 7th, residents will mark their choice. If the proposal is rejected, the door remains open for external parties to propose a ballot. Mayor Longe, however, hopes a 'no' vote will convey to these groups that Birmingham's residents aren't in favor. On the other hand, a 'yes' vote would grant the city the authority to determine the number of facilities and oversee the entire procedure.

Mayor Longe elaborated on the implications of external entities drafting their ballot language. "If it's our ordinance, we've designed it to prioritize Birmingham residents' safety, offer the city maximum legal control, and set our criteria for awarding licenses."

Three potential zones have been identified for the proposed medical and recreational marijuana facilities. These are the southeast corner of Maple and Cranbrook, the Triangle District, and a segment of the Rail District. The MRTMA mandates that these facilities maintain a specific distance from educational institutions and religious establishments. In line with the city's drafted ordinance, these facilities would only be permitted in existing retail zones.

Mayor Longe clarified, "The identified areas adhere to the stipulation of being retail zones but also ensure they aren't within 1,000 feet of a school or religious building."

While the city doesn't have the authority to initiate a complete marijuana sales ban, an external group can launch a petition to that effect.

Kucharek reinforced the city's commitment to its residents, stating, "Our primary goal is to let the community voice their preferences rather than letting only the Birmingham City Commission or external entities decide."

For those interested in delving deeper: