In a concerning pre-dawn string of events on October 1st, two marijuana dispensaries in Jackson County were targeted in what police believe to be coordinated burglaries by an identical group of assailants.
The initial incident transpired at Smart Choice, situated on Falahee Road in Leoni Township. The Blackman-Leoni Township Department of Public Safety revealed that officers were summoned to the scene at approximately 3 a.m. following the activation of a burglar alarm.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered forced entry through the store's door, noting that multiple suspects had infiltrated the dispensary, making away with 45 marijuana plants before vanishing from the vicinity.
Security footage from the incident captured images of five individuals, shrouded in masks, forcibly entering the store. The perpetrators were witnessed absconding with the stolen plants, utilizing a white Dodge Durango as their escape vehicle.
A mere four hours following this incident, at approximately 6:52 a.m., officers responded to a second break-in, this time occurring at Kinship Cannabis, located on N. Concord Road in Parma Township.
In a startlingly similar modus operandi, surveillance video from Kinship Cannabis disclosed six masked individuals pilfering an undetermined quantity of plants, once again making their departure in a white Dodge Durango.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office, citing the striking resemblances in the two incidents, posits that both illicit entries were executed by the same cohort of suspects.
As of now, no apprehensions have been made. Investigations into these synchronized thefts continue, with law enforcement seeking any leads or information that could aid in the capture and prosecution of the perpetrators.
In recent years, Michigan has experienced a notable economic uplift from the legalization and subsequent sales of recreational marijuana, particularly in major cities like Detroit. With the inception of legal marijuana sales to adults in December 2019, the state has observed billions of dollars in receipts. However, juxtaposed with this economic gain is a concerning trend in youth interaction with the substance.
Statistics from the Detroit Public Schools Community District spotlight an increase in student suspensions related to the possession of drug paraphernalia or controlled substances. Specifically, suspensions have escalated from 289 incidents during the 2019-2021 academic years to 1,735 in the 2021-2023 span, as shared by Assistant Superintendent Alycia Merriweather. This rise is particularly notable, even when considering potential variables like pandemic-related school closures in 2020 and 2021.
The emerging data indicates a necessity to delve deeper into the underlying causes and potential mitigations of increased marijuana use among young people, ensuring that the economic advantages of legalization do not overshadow the well-being of the community's youth.
This October, cannabis enthusiasts and craft aficionados have a unique opportunity to mingle, connect, and celebrate at the Third Eye Craft Affair Pop Up in Lansing. With its roots deeply embedded in the local community, this event is not only a celebration of craft and cannabis culture but also a gathering that promotes inclusivity and a vibrant community spirit.
The Third Eye Craft Affair is returning home to Lansing, providing an exceptional experience for attendees at its usual haunt - The Fledge. With an ambiance that is both welcoming and exhilarating, attendees are invited to immerse themselves in an environment where creativity, unity, and the appreciation of cannabis converge.
From the early hours of 11am until 5pm, the Third Eye Craft Affair will enchant its visitors with a diverse array of activities and features, including:
The event is open to all adults, with entry available for those aged 18+ possessing a medical card, and 21+ otherwise, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all attendees. The Third Eye Craft Affair has also ensured that security and parking facilities are in place to provide a comfortable and secure experience for all.
With an affordable admission fee of $10, or $5 if you bring along 3 canned goods, the event not only guarantees an enthralling day out but also supports the local community through its charitable endeavors. The discounted admission with a donation underlines the affair's commitment to giving back to the community and promoting a spirit of generosity among its attendees.
The Third Eye Craft Affair Pop Up is set to be an unmissable event for those who cherish the vibrant interplay between craft culture and cannabis appreciation. Whether you're looking to discover new vendors, enjoy lively music, indulge in delicious food, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, this gathering in Lansing promises a day of enjoyment and camaraderie. Mark your calendars for October 22nd, and become part of a celebration that intertwines enjoyment with community spirit at The Fledge.
This fall, Wayne State University (WSU) in Michigan warmly welcomed students to its new undergraduate certificate program, spotlighting the fast-growing field of cannabis science. The program, which has seen a staggering increase from five to 100 majors since its introduction, is intended to lay a solid foundation in analytical chemistry, separation science, and laboratory research, specifically tailored for the cannabis testing industry.
Andrea Matti, an assistant professor of chemistry at WSU, expressed astonishment at the surge in interest. "The enthusiasm we've seen is just incredible. When I heard we had 100 majors, from just five, my reaction was, 'What? That's a 20-fold increase!' But it makes sense – we introduced cannabis," she shared.
The burgeoning program aims not only to equip students with the skills necessary for cannabis testing and regulation – covering both cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – but also to pave the way for careers in a field that is experiencing both local and national growth. With the cannabis industry swiftly expanding, students immersed in its science can unearth new methodologies, establish new standards, and make noteworthy contributions.
Matti emphasized the significance of providing opportunities for students who harbor a genuine interest in laboratory work and testing, even if they do not aspire to enter the healthcare sector. "Many of our majors are pre-med, pre-pharm, or pre-PA. However, I also wanted to provide a pathway for students who are passionate about learning regarding these instruments and desire a career in lab and testing environments," she elaborated.
To be eligible for the cannabis chemistry certificate, students must have completed a minimum of 60 credits and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above. Notably, the program also welcomes students who have previously secured a bachelor's degree from any institution.
In a related vein, the University of Michigan-Flint recently embraced the expanding interest in cannabis through its academic offerings. The university unveiled a new course this fall titled "The History and Culture of Cannabis," marking its inaugural step into the academic study of marijuana. This course endeavors to provide students with an exhaustive overview of the historical, present-day, and future contexts of cannabis, spanning its cultural, economic, and sociopolitical influences.
Both Wayne State University and the University of Michigan-Flint are contributing to a growing trend in the U.S., where academic institutions are increasingly incorporating cannabis-focused courses to meet the rising demand for informed research and knowledge in the field.
The beloved HREAM Swap Meet Special Selection Series is making a triumphant return to Grand Rapids this October, offering a refined, intimate experience for dedicated hash aficionados. The event, renowned for its quality and convivial atmosphere, comes cloaked in an air of mystery, with the exact location being revealed to ticket holders just prior to the gathering. Nonetheless, the secrecy only adds to the allure for those in the know.
When: Saturday, October 21, 3 - 9pm EDT
Tickets: Available on Eventbrite at $15 per ticket
H.R.E.A.M. Swap Meet, the organizers behind this distinctive event, have skillfully curated a space where like-minded individuals can immerse themselves in a realm dedicated to the fine art and enjoyment of hash. For those seeking additional details and updates, the official Instagram page provides a sneak peek, although access is exclusive to approved followers.
At its core, the Hream Swap Meet is a celebration, an event by hash heads, for hash heads. Attendees will find themselves enveloped in an atmosphere that melds camaraderie with a shared appreciation for the nuances of high-quality hash. The event promises not only the opportunity to indulge in and explore diverse dabs but also the chance to engage in the swapping of stories, experiences, and perhaps even a few secret techniques.
While the essence of the gathering revolves around the enjoyment and appreciation of hash, participants may also find opportunities to augment their own collections through discreet exchanges. The atmosphere is ripe for swapping, offering a subtle platform for attendees to navigate ??-for-"product" transactions with finesse and respect for legal boundaries.
Aside from the clandestine exchanges and the indulgence in exquisite products, the Hream Swap Meet also stands as a beacon of fellowship among enthusiasts. Here, one can expect to forge new friendships, rekindle old ones, and dive deep into discussions about the subtleties and intricacies of cannabis enjoyment.
This October, join fellow enthusiasts in a celebration of hash, camaraderie, and subtle transactions at the HREAM Swap Meet Special Selection Series. Secure your ticket, keep an eye on your inbox for the secret location, and prepare yourself for an evening of unparalleled enjoyment among peers in the heart of Grand Rapids.
Correction and Update: The initial article contained speculative content regarding the nature of the charges against Inkster Mayor Patrick Wimberly, suggesting they might be related to marijuana industry corruption due to existing patterns in Michigan. However, subsequent developments have provided clarity, revealing that the charges against Mayor Wimberly are unrelated to the cannabis industry. The mayor has been indicted on a federal bribery charge, alleged to have demanded and accepted bribes to facilitate the sale of city property. We apologize for any confusion or misrepresentation the initial piece might have caused and are committed to providing accurate and verified information.
In recent months, Michigan has witnessed a series of high-profile cannabis-related corruption cases, causing a ripple of concern through the burgeoning marijuana industry and its regulatory apparatus. The spotlight is now shone on Inkster Mayor Patrick Wimberly, as federal prosecutors prepare to charge him with a felony following a public corruption investigation. Though specifics of the case remain under the veil of sealed court documents, the history of cannabis-related malfeasance in the state prompts speculation about potential parallels.
One notable case that has reverberated through Michigan's political and business circles involved former Michigan House Speaker Rick Johnson. Johnson, who was deeply entrenched in the regulatory frameworks governing the state's nascent medical marijuana industry, was sentenced to 55 months in federal prison for accepting bribes exceeding $110,200, a scenario further complicated by the involvement of lobbyists' funded liaisons during his leadership of the medical marijuana licensing board.
Additionally, the sentencing of Detroit businessman John Dalaly to 28 months in prison for bribing the former head of Michigan's marijuana licensing board and the conviction of Ryan Richmond, a Michigan dispensary owner, for tax evasion and obstruction of the IRS, underlines an unsettling pattern of corruption and financial malfeasance within the state's cannabis industry.
With this backdrop, the sealed court order related to Mayor Wimberly, though offering no explicit insights, does spark conjecture. Wimberly, apart from his political career, is identified as a marijuana entrepreneur, tying him directly to an industry that has recently seen several of its players implicated in bribery, tax evasion, and other corrupt practices.
It is crucial to underscore that the insinuations drawn between Wimberly's impending charge and the aforementioned cases are speculative and unconfirmed. Legal proceedings are bound by principles of presumption of innocence until proven guilty, and as such, any assertions regarding Wimberly's case remain hypothetical until detailed charges are unveiled.
Yet, the pattern observed in recent cases, especially concerning individuals who straddle the lines between cannabis entrepreneurship and regulatory roles, raises pertinent questions about the mechanisms in place to safeguard against corruption in this rapidly expanding industry.
As Michigan's cannabis industry continues to burgeon, ensuring robust, transparent, and corruption-free regulatory and business environments is paramount. Learning from the cases of Johnson and others, establishing clear boundaries between business interests and regulatory oversight, alongside stringent financial transparency requirements, may serve as pivotal steps in mitigating potential conflicts of interest and corruption.
The upcoming weeks will likely shed more light on the specifics of the case against Mayor Wimberly. As we await further details, the conversation about ensuring the ethical and transparent development of Michigan's cannabis industry remains ever crucial and timely.
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