Note to Readers: While the primary focus of our platform remains cannabis-related news, we think it's important to explore the parallel happenings in the realm of psychedelic substances in Michigan, due to its close kinship and its potential implications for future policy-making in related fields. We hope you find the following article enlightening.
In a pivotal moment in 2021, Detroit saw a marked shift toward leniency in drug policy with the voter decision to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms and several related substances. However, the practical application of this seemingly progressive move has recently been challenged.
Last week, Soul Tribes International Ministries, a self-identified psychedelic religious institution, faced a raid by Detroit police. Despite the organization's assertions of legal and religious sanctity in their practices, the authorities conducted a search, seized substances, and subsequently shut down the operation, branding it illicit.
Shaman Bobby Shu, the founder of Soul Tribes, has expressed a firm intent to resume operations by Monday. The point of contention arises from Proposal E, which was affirmed by 61% of Detroit voters in 2021. While it intended to decriminalize psychedelics within city boundaries, Assistant Corporation Counsel Doug Baker highlights that it neither specifically sanctions the sale/distribution of psilocybin mushrooms nor supersedes state law that continues to designate psilocybin as a controlled substance.
The enforcement of the said operation, according to a police statement, ensured the confiscation of "illegal controlled substances" and cessation of an "illegal operation" that purportedly posed a risk to the community.
Soul Tribes, having inaugurated its services inside the longstanding Bushnell Congregational Church over Labor Day weekend, offers access to psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca, and other entheogenic plants they deem sacraments. The ministry eloquently defends its position: "These sacraments reflect our deeply-held religious beliefs and form an integral part of our worship and religious practices, as supported by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993."
The founder, Shu, was not only pivotal in the institution's operations but was also actively involved in the campaign to pass Proposal E. The resulting city ordinance from the proposal indeed states that law enforcement pertaining to "the personal possession and therapeutic use of entheogenic plants by adults" should be of the lowest priority in Detroit.
In a nuanced explanation, the ordinance clarifies therapeutic use as involving a range of activities with entheogenic plants among adults, potentially under the guidance of a licensed therapist, medical professional, or religious leader. It endeavors to:
Even before the abrupt shutdown, Shu conveyed that he had engaged in dialogues and email communications with the Detroit Police Department (DPD), affirming the legitimacy of Soul Tribes as a legal and religious entity, registered with the state.
Shu reveals that the police confiscated entheogenic plants valued at over $700,000 and emphasizes that he has not been criminally charged related to the raid. He, along with his legal team, is diligently working to reopen the facility.
Beyond providing access to entheogenic plants and guiding participants through sessions, Soul Tribes also offers teachings on breath work, thought management, reiki, and meditation, among other practices.
Asserting his rights, Shu stated, "You cannot discriminate against us because of our religious beliefs, that's the First Amendment. The police's job is to enforce city ordinances."
This instance underscores the complexity and potential friction points in the navigation between local ordinances, state law, religious freedoms, and drug policy reform—a topic surely to continue sparking debates and discussions in Michigan and beyond.
Stay tuned to our platform for more updates on policy changes, debates, and discussions related to cannabis and psychedelics in Michigan.
In the quaint town of Morenci, Michigan, population 2,300, you'll find a scarcity of grocery stores but an abundance of marijuana dispensaries. Positioned strategically along the Ohio border, this locale and others like it — Adrian and Monroe, to name a couple — have become hotspots for cannabis tourism, especially for Ohio residents where recreational marijuana use remains illegal.
Morenci's reliance on the thriving cannabis industry contrasts its lack of basic amenities. Local residents endure at least a 20-minute drive to stock up on groceries, yet the town hosts five distinctive marijuana stores, primarily patronized by Ohioans, many of whom may be navigating Michigan's marijuana market for the first time. If you're one of them, check out our Michigan Marijuana Buying Guide for Tourists for comprehensive insights. The prominence of the marijuana industry starkly contrasts with the town's scarcity of fundamental amenities, underlining its vital economic role in an area lacking basic resources like food markets.
However, the tides might be shifting. Morenci, along with other Michigan border towns, is cautiously observing the November 7th vote in Ohio, which could legalize recreational marijuana and thus, potentially curtail the inflow of Ohio cannabis tourists to Michigan. Current illegal status notwithstanding, numerous Ohioans make the trek to Michigan, where they can legally purchase and enjoy marijuana products.
The proposition presented to Ohio voters seeks to legalize the purchase of marijuana products for adults aged 21 and above in state-sanctioned stores. Furthermore, it would allow residents to cultivate marijuana at home, representing a potential significant shift in regional cannabis commerce.
A poll conducted by Yes2, an advocacy group supporting the initiative, reported that 59% of Ohioans back the proposal, while 36% intend to vote against it, highlighting the potential for this shift to become a reality.
In Morenci, the economic benefit derived from cannabis sales is conspicuous. Brad Moran, Morenci's city superintendent, revealed that the most recent annual sales tax payment to the town from marijuana sales reached $240,000. This sum is augmented by $75,000 from licensing fees for medical and recreational marijuana businesses. The exact figure for property taxes from the five businesses is undisclosed, but it adds a supplementary boost to the town's coffers.
The looming Ohio vote, Moran conveys, is being "watched anxiously."
Bob Eschrich, co-owner of the Jade Collection, a marijuana store prominently located on Morenci's Main Street, estimates "Probably 75% to 80% are Ohio people" among his clientele. The ramifications of the vote could thus be stark, potentially diminishing a sizable chunk of the customer base for businesses like his.
Although many of Michigan's marijuana locations might remain unscathed by the Ohio vote's outcome, towns like Morenci that rely heavily on cross-border sales might experience a downturn. Eschrich anticipates that the survival of Morenci's marijuana businesses is not assured, especially in the intermediate term.
Despite potential challenges, Eschrich remains resilient, asserting that a prospective one-year gap between the vote and the actual opening of recreational stores in Ohio (if the state question passes) provides a crucial window for Michigan stores. Additionally, an excess supply has reduced prices in Michigan's cannabis stores, providing a tentative price advantage until Ohio's market stabilizes.
Eschrich envisions a "three- or five-year window" of transition, during which customer loyalty, particularly among older adults seeking pain relief, will be pivotal. "My way of survival is to be that one people are willing to drive to," he concludes.
In essence, Michigan's border towns, having burgeoned amidst a burgeoning marijuana market, now teeter on the brink of a new era, where adaptation and customer loyalty will determine the sustainability of their green economy amidst potential policy shifts across state lines.
In recent years, Michigan has become a hotbed for both cannabis business and the banking challenges it presents. While cannabis ventures are flourishing in the region, their banking needs remain complex and somewhat contentious. This is a sector that, despite its growing economic significance, is still shrouded in layers of regulatory caution and skepticism. At the intersection of profit and prudence, banks have been forced to tread carefully, often implementing expensive and compliance-heavy programs to navigate the intricacies of cannabis finance.
But for those institutions brave enough to delve into the fray, the rewards have often been worth the risks. With many banks still reluctant to embrace the sector due to perceived compliance burdens and potential risks, pioneers in the field have capitalized on a largely untapped market, gaining access to a plethora of cheap deposits. However, this landscape is rapidly evolving. With more players stepping into the arena, the once straightforward benefits of banking the cannabis industry are becoming more nuanced. The game is no longer simply about risk and reward but about differentiation, innovation, and most crucially, staying ahead of the competition.
In this article, we'll delve into the various facets of the competitive cannabis banking environment in Michigan, from the strategies employed by forward-thinking institutions to the voices of caution, and the innovative solutions emerging in response to growing competition.
In a new chapter of the unfolding legal drama surrounding Menominee's marijuana licensing, recent developments have put a temporary halt to the issuance of further licenses, revealing deeper intricacies and ongoing issues in local governance and adherence to state law. The City of Menominee, nestled in Michigan, has found itself entwined in a complex lawsuit that challenges the transparency and ethical considerations of its marijuana licensing and ordinance proceedings.
Judge Mary Barglind recently issued a preliminary injunction, asserting that the city cannot undertake any further actions in line with its altered marijuana ordinance or violate the Open Meetings Act during the ongoing state lawsuit. Originating in August, the lawsuit has been spearheaded by a ballot committee named the Committee to Stop Unlimited Marijuana Shops, along with Rize and The Fire Station.
The crux of this legal action centers around allegations of violations concerning the Open Meetings Act and city charter. If victorious, the plaintiffs could see the latest marijuana ordinance invalidated, prohibiting the city council from modifying the number of allowed marijuana shops or issuing various permits until the citizens of Menominee have had their say through a certified, referendum petition. Furthermore, the plaintiffs are advocating for public meetings without closed sessions and for licenses to be limited to only two.
Notably, Menominee City Manager Brett Botbyl has testified that the city did, in fact, violate the Open Meetings Act, shedding light on a pattern of continued non-compliance that Judge Barglind found far from mere technical violations. The judge asserted that this repeated non-adherence to the Act might, in a permanent injunction hearing, be deemed as impairment to the public's rights.
Barglind's decision and Botbyl's admission arrive amidst a backdrop of criticisms directed at the city's handling and communication related to the marijuana lawsuits. Attorney Mike Cox, representing Rize, emphasized a "routine disregard" for keeping Menominee's citizens informed about governmental actions before and after pivotal meetings.
In a perplexing twist, even the introduction of appropriations seemed shrouded in a lack of clarity and transparency. Mayoral candidate Casey Hoffman announced in a special meeting that an allocation to "back the blue" would soon be introduced, despite neither the mayor nor Botbyl having prior knowledge of such financial adjustments. Botbyl's testimony revealed that even council members and city attorneys were in the dark about the appropriation's introduction, raising further questions about internal communication and governance within the city council.
This legal entanglement also offers a closer look at the dealings between the city and various marijuana companies. Distinct disparities were unearthed in the stipulations and requirements for original applicants like The Fire Station and Rize compared to companies like Highwire Farms and NU Group who entered through a settlement. This discrepancy is emphasized by the fact that no other licenses can be issued until those six companies from the settlement secure licenses and locations, putting other applicants on an indefinite hold.
Botbyl pointed fingers at the city website and the EagleHerald for being culpable for Open Meetings Act violations, attributing them to delays in publishing minutes. Nevertheless, the resulting impact leans towards a less informed Menominee citizenry, as the city's internal and external communication pipeline appears fractured at best.
As this saga unfolds, it further intertwines with a history of alleged murky ethics and clandestine dealings that have punctuated Menominee's marijuana licensing landscape. A previous article delves into past allegations, including potential conflicts of interest and battles between the city council and Menominee voters, presenting a detailed overview for those wanting to explore the initial stages of this ongoing dispute.
Navigating through this intricate web of lawsuits, settlements, and ethics queries, Menominee stands as a striking example of the challenges emerging in the legal marijuana business landscape, where high stakes and a potential influx of revenue appear to be entwining with governance, ethics, and transparency in ways that the citizens and businesses of Menominee are wrestling to untangle.
It remains to be seen how these ongoing legal battles and ethics inquiries will resolve and what impacts they will have on the marijuana industry, local governance, and the citizens of Menominee, Michigan. As this situation continues to unfold, ensuring clarity, transparency, and adherence to both legal and ethical guidelines will be paramount in navigating the troubled waters of marijuana licensing and governance.
In a recent twist in Michigan's legal landscape concerning marijuana, a 41-year-old resident of Sebewaing, Jessica Saenz, has confessed to unlawfully entering a neighbor's home multiple times with the intent to steal marijuana. This revelation came to light during a session in Huron County's 52nd Circuit Court on Monday.
Saenz's admission comes after being accused of the third-degree home invasion during her neighbor's vacation period between November 29th and December 3rd, 2022. In a detailed confession, she verified that she intruded the property without consent, capitalizing on the homeowner's absence.
The gravity of Saenz's act is further intensified as third-degree home invasion is classified as a felony in Michigan, carrying with it the potential consequences of up to five years in prison and fines that can reach up to $2,000.
Judge Gerald M. Prill, who oversaw the arraignment, has now accepted a plea agreement in which Saenz will pay full restitution. This decision comes with an assurance from the prosecution not to introduce or amend any further charges pertaining to this case.
Saenz currently remains out of custody, having posted a $5,000 cash or surety bond. Her scheduled sentencing will take place on Monday, November 27th at 9 a.m.
This case highlights the complexities surrounding marijuana and its place within the community, even in states like Michigan where its use has been legalized. As the story unfolds, residents and stakeholders will undoubtedly watch closely, bearing witness to the unfolding ramifications of this case on the broader marijuana discourse in Michigan.
On Monday, the Three Rivers Planning Commission recommended special exception permits to the City Commission for two applicants, TR Retailer LLC and Three Rivers NZ LLC. Both businesses are looking to establish recreational marijuana provisioning centers along the highway. These recommendations are set to be deliberated at the city commission's next session on Tuesday, October 3rd.
TR Retailer LLC is gearing up to operate under the name "Cannabis Outlet", situated at 745 S. U.S. 131 in the shopping plaza across Meijer, nestled between Subway and Wild Bill's Tobacco. Jevin Weyenberg, a co-owner, informed that this would be the eighth store in their line, which includes the Lake Effect and Doja retail outlets. With local roots, Weyenberg emphasized his Michigan connection, as most of the ownership team hails from the state. The store is projected to employ 15-20 individuals.
During discussions, a point of contention arose regarding the absence of a reception area or vestibule in the building's initial renderings - a mandatory feature per city ordinance. Weyenberg acknowledged this oversight, assuring updated plans with a vestibule in place. Commissioner Jenny Koski expressed satisfaction with their proactive approach to resolving this.
John Beebe, the Planning Commission Liaison, noted a few pending adjustments in the plans, like defining "limited access" zones and beefing up security details. Upon these amendments, the planning commission unanimously endorsed the recommendation.
Three Rivers NZ has plans to operate as "Gramz Three Rivers" at 223 N. U.S. 131 in the River Crossings Plaza, close to the Goodwill drop-off point. One of its owners, Steven Kilano, spoke of the allure of Three Rivers, praising its vibrancy and unique charm. Despite other potential spots, Kilano emphasized selecting a location keeping the "family-friendly" ambiance in mind.
Kilano, who also owns a cannabis retail store in Genesee County and a cultivation facility in Warren, is confident about their new venture. He revealed that, barring any major hurdles, the store might start operating in a few months. Like TR Retailer, Kilano also highlighted some necessary plan revisions, especially concerning fire safety and access points. Commissioner Karl Armstrong praised the firm's proactive approach to most concerns. Consequently, the planning commission unanimously backed this recommendation too.
Both businesses await the City Commission's decision next week, marking a notable step for Michigan's marijuana landscape.
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