This Halloween, Flint is about to experience a luminous celebration that will shine a light on both the fun of the season and the importance of medical marijuana: The Halloweed Glow Party. Hosted by Vehicle City Social, this glowing soirée aims to support the medical marijuana community and create a space for enlightenment, fun, and advocacy.
Scheduled for Saturday, October 28th, from 8pm to midnight at the beloved Vehicle City Social, the Halloweed Glow Party is not just an ordinary Halloween bash. It's a radiant occasion designed to challenge stigmas, encourage open discussions, and immerse attendees in the vibrant spirit of Halloween.
What truly makes this event sparkle is its unique offerings for attendees. The first 250 guests will receive the invaluable gift of free medical marijuana certifications, along with complimentary annual memberships to Vehicle City Social. This initiative paves the way for many to discover the potential benefits and relief that medicinal cannabis can offer.
The list of attractions promises to dazzle: from thrilling live music that will awaken spirits to a costume contest bathed in cash prizes. And the brightness doesn't stop there. Participants can also look forward to Elite Genetics giveaways, mysterious guest appearances, and mesmerizing live performances.
For caregivers, brands, and sponsors: this is your chance to be part of an event that's bound to shine in the memories of its attendees for years. Prepare to showcase your best Halloween ensembles, engage with a community of like-minded individuals, and make a lasting impression.
While the Halloweed Glow Party is staunchly medical-only, there's good news for those who might feel left in the dark. Vehicle City Social has illuminated a path for individuals over 21. On the day of the event, there will be a sign-up sheet for free medical certifications. So, even if you're new to the medical community, you can sign up and get certified. Simply call the front desk of Vehicle City Social to reserve your spot ((810) 422-9148), bearing in mind the limited availability of 250 free certifications.
So, Flint residents, mark your calendars, share the news with friends and neighbors, and let's come together under the shimmering night sky this October 28th. Together, we can ensure the Halloweed Glow Party not only lights up the night but also the future of our vibrant medical marijuana community.
Puff Cannabis Company has taken a stand against breast cancer this October. They've pledged to raise and contribute $50,000 towards breast cancer research and awareness throughout the month.
In a show of solidarity, every Puff Cannabis store across Michigan will offer a unique 20mg gummy at just $1. This specially packaged treat will be available all October, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting The Pink Fund and the Chaldean Community Foundation.
"Puff Cannabis Company is deeply committed to the well-being of our Michigan communities. The devastating impact of breast cancer on numerous families drives our determination to engage in meaningful charitable initiatives. Our aim? A future free from this menacing disease. We are honored to align Puff Cannabis with such a noble cause," commented Justin Elias, Founder and President of Puff Cannabis Company.
For a comprehensive list of Puff Cannabis Company's outlets across Michigan, click here.
The Pink Fund provides a financial lifeline to breast cancer patients in treatment, easing their burden by covering 90 days of non-medical living expenses. They believe in offering tangible support during one of life's most challenging battles, ensuring patients focus on healing rather than financial stress.
Established in 2006 by the Michigan-based Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, the Chaldean Community Foundation is devoted to preserving Chaldean cultural heritage while addressing the unique needs of newcomers and non-English speaking immigrants. They empower the vulnerable, providing them tools for integration, self-sufficiency, and success.
A Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) officer, identified as Kernef D. Jackson, has been slapped with 13 criminal charges over an alleged contraband smuggling operation.
In July 2022, suspicions arose within the MDOC about possible contraband smuggling at the St. Louis Correctional Facility, Gratiot County. Acting on these suspicions, they reached out to the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (BAYANET) for assistance. "Our team conducted extensive intelligence work, uncovering evidence of attempts to introduce contraband, including marijuana, into the facility. Officer Jackson emerged as a key player in this scheme," stated MDOC spokesperson Kyle Kaminski.
The investigation took a pivotal turn on August 7th this year, when Jackson, 61, was pulled over in Saginaw, his hometown, post a meeting with a yet-to-be-arraigned female codefendant. A search of his vehicle yielded methamphetamine, marijuana, and opioids. Lt. Kimberly Vetter of the Michigan State Police believes that Jackson intended to distribute these drugs among inmates.
Following his arrest, Jackson spent two nights behind bars. He subsequently appeared for arraignment on September 29th before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank. The charges include four counts of felony firearm possession, eight counts pertaining to the trafficking of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and opioids, and a count of maintaining a drug house, with four of these offenses potentially leading to 20-year prison sentences.
An incarcerated 43-year-old man at the St. Louis prison, serving a term for a second-degree murder conviction from Wayne County, and the aforementioned female civilian, are also implicated as codefendants in this case.
Reacting swiftly to Jackson's arrest, the MDOC suspended him without pay. Jackson has been an MDOC employee since October 2000, Kaminski informed.
Judge Frank set Jackson free on a $100,000 personal recognizance bond, mandating the use of a GPS tether. The case progresses with Jackson's preliminary examination slated for 3:30 p.m., October 18th.
Ever since Michigan greenlit the use of marijuana in 2018, the state has witnessed a proliferation of dispensaries catering to both adult-recreational and medicinal consumers. Mt. Pleasant, in particular, is emerging as a hotspot for new dispensaries. This trend was further accelerated when the city decided to lift the restrictions on the number of dispensaries allowed within its limits.
Previously, the city had set a range, limiting the number to between 3-5 dispensaries. This cap didn't sit well with several aspiring business owners, leading to four lawsuits filed in 2020. Following deliberations, the city chose to remove the cap altogether, paving the way for more businesses to set up shop.
Manuela Powidayko, Mt. Pleasant's Director of Planning and Community Development, observed, "Marijuana license applications have been a frequent sight since I took up my role. The casino, university, and the city's tourism pull might be driving the perceived demand in the market."
To open a dispensary in Mt. Pleasant, businesses must navigate a detailed process. This includes obtaining the necessary licenses and qualifications from both the state and city, presenting and refining site plans, and participating in public hearings. All of this ensures compliance with the city's codes and guidelines.
Among the new dispensaries slated to launch in Mt. Pleasant are The Woods, located at 502 N. Mission Street, and High Society Dispensary, taking over the former Family Video spot at 317 N. Mission Street, which shut its doors in 2021.
"The High Society Dispensary, now occupying the old Family Video premises, is on the verge of completion. We're expecting a call for final inspections soon, post which they'll seek the State of Michigan's approval for opening," stated Mt. Pleasant Building Official Brian Kench. Similarly, The Woods has secured their final nod and are in talks with the state for their closing approval.
As Mt. Pleasant continues to evolve, we can anticipate the arrival of both independent and larger chain dispensaries in the coming years.
In Michigan, sprawling cannabis fields are indistinguishable from traditional farms, with plants reaching skyward from fertile ground and laborers busy during the autumn harvest. Advances in agricultural technology, like specialized grow lights and regulated temperatures, have made it possible for cannabis to flourish indoors as well.
Yet, there's a difference that Michigan's taxation department has held onto: marijuana isn't classified as agriculture when it comes to taxes. However, this perspective is being challenged.
A recent court decision, stemming from a 16-month legal tussle, permitted a southwest Michigan cannabis grower to enjoy farm tax exemption privileges. This groundbreaking move, the first for Michigan, was orchestrated by Detroit attorney Carl Rashid Jr. of Dykema Law, who represented HRP Cassopolis LLC, an indoor cannabis cultivator associated with several brands and a dispensary in Cassopolis.
The contention started when HRP Cassopolis, which possesses four Class C licenses allowing for up to 2,000 stackable plants, was told their farm was commercial property for tax purposes. Their efforts to change this classification via the March Board of Review and the Michigan State Tax Commission were unsuccessful.
HRP Cassopolis's argument was clear: given the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's classification of cannabis as an "agricultural commodity," why was their property deemed commercial? Yet, the state remained steadfast, insisting cannabis cultivation wasn't agricultural.
Their perseverance led to an appeal in the 43rd District Court of Cass County, where the state tax commission's broad definition of agriculture was highlighted. Ultimately, Cass County Circuit Court Judge Carol Montavon Bealor confirmed cannabis cultivation's place within the agricultural sphere.
While this win signals potential tax benefits for other marijuana growers, it also opens conversations on how cannabis integrates into Michigan's massive $104 billion agricultural industry. Will Bowden, CEO of Grasshopper Farms, emphasized the need for recognition of outdoor cannabis cultivation as pure farming.
The majority of cannabis cultivation occurs indoors, yet farms like Grasshopper Farms in Paw Paw, with over 6,000 plants spread across 32 acres, and Lume, set to harvest 40,000 plants on a 70-acre plot, underscore the growing trend of outdoor cultivation, marrying traditional farming methods with modern crops.
Despite the ruling, cannabis growers must navigate the appeals process for tax reclassification, as the court's decision isn't nationally binding. Only rulings from higher Michigan courts would cement the status quo. As Mark Magyar from Dykema Law notes, cannabis cultivators now stand on the precipice of a defining moment, with this opinion offering a compelling argument.
The House Committee on Regulatory Reform has successfully forwarded Senate Bill 180 to the full House of Representatives without any changes. Previously, in June, the Senate had greenlit the proposal with a 29 to 9 majority.
Introduced by Republican Senator Roger Hauck, supported by six Democrat co-sponsors, the bill seeks to permit the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) to collaborate with an Indian tribe regarding marijuana-related businesses. A notable highlight of this legislation is that tribal marijuana business sales within Indian lands will not be subject to the State's customary 10% marijuana excise tax.
Should the House approve the proposal, it will next proceed to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's desk for evaluation.
It's essential to note that while Michigan legalized marijuana in 2018 via Proposal 18-1, the regulation did not address tribal land-based businesses. Senate Bill 180 aims to amend this oversight within the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA). Key provisions include:
For a more comprehensive look into the proposal, you can access the full text of Senate Bill 180 here.
The proposed legislation aims to refine the "Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act" of 2018 by making amendments to various sections. The essence of the bill revolves around:
The bill's enactment is contingent upon the passage of Senate Bill No. 179 of the 102nd Legislature.
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