Marc Robert, a local entrepreneur, has infused new life into the historic building at 120 S. Michigan Ave. above Shooter's Bar & Grill, offering a fusion of a marijuana dispensary, coffee hub, and an entertainment venue. Here's a deeper dive into this pioneering venture:
Originally known as Lucky's, the space has been revamped and renamed to Luckyspot. This full-service marijuana dispensary partners with Roasted Insomniac, a coffee nook offering baked delicacies and diverse coffee blends.
Replacing the historic Masonic Temple lodge, the newly christened Acacia Place is set to host events ranging from concerts and weddings to musicals and grand group gatherings. Robert's inspiration traces back to his student days at Ferris State University when he frequented this place for fraternity events. "The building's energy is palpable, and it has a rich history. It's where the first two Ferris State University class graduations took place. We aim to preserve and celebrate this legacy," remarked Robert.
Roasted Insomniac – A Retro Coffee Corner: Positioned to serve the visitors of the dispensary, this cafe will offer an array of baked goods and coffee. An additional nostalgic touch? A TV hooked up to 10,000 retro games.
Upcoming Events and Offers: Acacia Place is all set to host rapper Sada Baby on October 21st at 8 p.m. General admission tickets are priced at $99, and VIP tickets, offering a sound check and meet & greet, come at $149. Ticket holders also get tempting offers on cannabis products and accessories.
The dispensary will have its grand opening at 9 a.m. on September 25th, with deals and top-shelf brands awaiting customers.
With a seating capacity of 225, which Robert hopes to expand soon, the venue aims to integrate with Ferris State University and the local music scene. Plans for student internships to manage the venue are also on the horizon. Robert is keen on contributing to local initiatives, supporting entities like Muskegon State Park, the Muskegon Humane Society, and Ferris State University, among others.
"My primary goal is to enrich Big Rapids' culture," Robert expressed. "Culture intertwines with music, art, entertainment, and community. I hope to pass down a vibrant community space to future generations."
For details on the Luckyspot, check out luckyspotusa.com. To stay updated on events and availability at Acacia Place, head over to acaciaplacelive.com.
In an alarming incident highlighting the dangers surrounding the underground marijuana trade, four teenagers have been detained in connection with a shooting near a Warren school.
On September 14th, Warren police were dispatched to the crossroads of Martin and Bunert after reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man in a vehicle, riddled with bullets. The unfolding situation prompted immediate lockdowns at both Macomb Community College and Warren Woods Tower High School.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the shooting stemmed from a botched robbery. The 26-year-old victim from Roseville, who is currently fighting for his life after multiple surgeries, was reportedly involved in local cannabis dealings. Authorities believe his connection to the marijuana trade played a significant role in making him a target. As of now, the man faces a grim prognosis of possible paralysis due to the injuries sustained.
On the subsequent Monday, four teenagers – two aged 14 and two aged 15 – were apprehended at Warren Woods Tower High School. Of the four, three hail from Warren, while the fourth is an Oak Park resident. That same day, law enforcement also carried out searches at three Warren homes and an Oak Park residence, unearthing five firearms. It's speculated that two of these weapons are connected to the shooting incident.
Macomb County's Juvenile Chief, on Tuesday, allowed the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Juvenile Unit additional time to deliberate on charges and to decide if the teenagers should be prosecuted as adults.
The proposed charges against the adolescents include armed robbery, assault with intent to murder, conspiracy, and multiple weapons offenses.
Macomb County Prosecutor, Peter Lucido, commented on the gravity of the situation, stating, "These young individuals have cast a spotlight on the consequences of our life choices. Not only do these decisions mold our destinies, but they also shape the security of our neighborhoods. Our commitment remains unwavering in pursuing the truth, ensuring those at fault face the repercussions, and delivering justice for the victim and our society."
A preliminary hearing for the teens has been scheduled for September 25th.
Hearings for five out of the six men accused in the July 16th break-in at a Coleman marijuana grow house have been postponed. One of the suspects, Addiel Torres, 49, was shot during the alleged burglary. The hearings, originally scheduled for September 18th in Midland County District Court, will be rescheduled due to the number of defendants and a language barrier. Midland County Prosecutor J. Dee Brooks anticipates needing up to eight interpreters over the five-day hearing duration.
The suspects include:
All are slated to appear in district court for their preliminary hearings.
Meanwhile, Andy Gomez-Niebla, 37, has waived his preliminary hearing and will have a final pretrial conference at 8:30 a.m. on October 24th in Midland County Circuit Court.
Charges include:
The origins of some suspects trace back to Michigan, while others reportedly hail from Florida and Colorado. Determining the true identity of some has been challenging due to their use of aliases.
The incident on July 16th saw a response from Midland County Sheriff's deputies after reports of a break-in with shots fired. Torres was reportedly shot by a resident. Sheriff Myron Greene acknowledged the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies in apprehending all six men swiftly.
Michigan's legalization of cannabis has found its way to the festival scene, and Breakaway Music Festival is leading the charge.
Travelling across five states every summer, Breakaway Music Festival graces cities from coast to coast, featuring acts like Zedd, GRiZ, Flume, and many others. Its Grand Rapids stop at Belknap Park on August 18-19 was an electrifying edition, with stellar performances from top artists such as deadmau5, RL Grime, Porter Robinson, and Tiësto. Robinson's ethereal set stood out, a mesmerizing blend of new tunes and beloved classics. Meanwhile, Tiësto's remix of Lana Del Rey's "Say Yes To Heaven" ignited the crowd into a frenzy.
But the real buzz? The festival's embrace of the cannabis culture. JARS Cannabis was the primary sponsor, with other local cannabis businesses such as Ascend Dispensaries, Cloud Cannabis, and House of Dank making their presence felt. Festival-goers were treated to a plethora of freebies, from pre-roll coupons to THC-related merchandise. It was a unique scene, a nod to the shifting perception of cannabis. However, a call for more educational information about THC and CBD's benefits was noted.
The festival had its challenges. The crowd's energy was a mix, with some attendees seeming new to festival etiquette, making for some disruptions. However, the overall experience remained positive.
Living at the intersection of music and marijuana advocacy, I commend Breakaway for joining festivals like Northern Nights and Outside Lands in championing cannabis. It's thrilling to see festivals embrace cannabis culture as legalization and normalization continue across the U.S.
Recent findings from a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology have indicated that habitual cannabis use may not amplify the risk of heart attacks among middle-aged adults. Surprisingly, the research even hints that recent cannabis consumption might correlate with decreased likelihood of such events.
Yet, this doesn't necessarily certify marijuana as a heart health booster. The complex relationship between cannabis and heart health continues to be explored, and some past studies have insinuated potential risks tied to its consumption.
This recent examination was spearheaded by specialists from the University of California-San Diego (UCSD). They analyzed data from about 10,000 middle-aged adults (average age of 47.3) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2009 and 2018.
Of these respondents, nearly a quarter admitted to prolonged monthly cannabis use. The average age of this group was 48.1 years, and most identified as white. Notably, those with extended cannabis use also reported engaging in more weekly physical activities compared to non-users.
However, a detailed analysis found no significant link between monthly cannabis use and increased heart attack risks. Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH, the primary author from UCSD, observed that while cannabis users tended to indulge in more detrimental habits such as smoking and drinking, they also exhibited health benefits like higher physical activity levels and better metabolic profiles. This duality raises questions regarding which factors outweigh the other in terms of cardiovascular risk.
Interestingly, the study unveiled that among prolonged cannabis users, those who hadn't consumed recently faced higher odds of a heart attack than their more recent counterparts. The authors posited that some users might halt consumption due to health worries, which might elevate their heart attack risk—similar to the 'smoker's paradox' in tobacco studies.
In light of these findings, the research team emphasized the need for further in-depth studies, particularly those focusing on cannabis potency and detailed consumption patterns, given the worldwide proliferation of cannabis accessibility.
A Different Take on Cannabis and Heart Health
Separately, Dr. Kristie M. Harris from the Yale School of Medicine weighed in on this topic in a commentary for the American Journal of Cardiology. She underscored the importance of understanding cannabis's cardiovascular effects, given its known short-term impacts such as increased heart rate and potential blood vessel dysfunction.
Harris also pointed out the methodological challenges facing current research, especially concerning the evolving nature of cannabis products, with newer, more potent variants entering the market. Highlighting the infancy stage of our comprehension of cannabis's cardiovascular effects, she urged for more comprehensive studies to bridge the gap between the present findings and prior research.
In conclusion, while these revelations are enlightening, it's evident that the full story on cannabis and cardiovascular health remains yet to be written. As marijuana becomes more mainstream, understanding its full spectrum of health implications is paramount.
In the chilly days leading up to Christmas, amidst the festive fervor and joyful anticipation, a chilling incident unfolded in the quiet town of Saginaw, casting a shadow over the celebrations. At a seemingly innocuous locale - a car wash named Tae & G's Hand Wash and More, situated on 2211 E. Holland Ave. (M-46) - a group of friends gathered, sharing stories, laughter, and sips of prescription cough syrup. Their jovial evening was soon to be marred by violence and tragedy, forever etching December 13th into the annals of Saginaw's history.
Central to this narrative were several key players, each with their roles to play in the unfolding drama. Delano C. "Scootie" Green, a 31-year-old Saginaw native, known for his love of motorcycles, music, and the infectious laughter he brought to every gathering. Allen J. Foster, a 35-year-old, who, as events would reveal, had connections and grievances related to Green. Marcus T. Gilmer, a 33-year-old co-owner of the car wash where the incident took place, and an unnamed third individual, shrouded in mystery but deeply implicated in the evening's events.
While festive lights twinkled in homes and Christmas carols played in the background, these lives collided in a whirlwind of accusations, confrontations, and ultimately, gunfire. This article dives deep into the sequence of events, eyewitness accounts, and the subsequent investigation to paint a comprehensive picture of that fateful night.
Helpful Links Categories Recent News