While this piece isn't directly tied to marijuana, the parallels with the psychedelic community are undeniable. Both have faced challenges in understanding, acceptance, and research. At Michigan Marijuana News, we recognize the interconnected journey of these communities, driven by a pursuit of healing and well-being. We're proud to share this story, wishing the best for our brothers and sisters in the psychedelic realm as they push the boundaries of knowledge and acceptance.
In an innovative approach to understanding the brain and the transformative potential of psychedelics, the University of Michigan's newly inaugurated Psychedelic Center has fashioned its lab with elements reminiscent of a psychedelic experience. One of their major studies is examining whether oral psilocybin, the primary psychoactive component in certain mushrooms, can provide relief to fibromyalgia patients.
The research isn't just about the physical symptoms. It seeks to understand how the combination of psilocybin and psychotherapy can unlock profound psychological and spiritual insights, enabling patients to better manage and comprehend their ailments.
Kevin Boehnke, a leading researcher and an assistant professor at U-M, who himself has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, elucidates the potential of psychedelics. "These substances, perhaps even cannabis, provide an avenue to approach aspects of oneself that have long been evaded. They offer a fresh perspective, making previously inaccessible issues come to the forefront, ready for introspection and understanding," he shared.
This exploration of psychedelics comes at a time when their therapeutic value is being reconsidered on a national scale. Cannabis acceptance appears to have catalyzed interest in psychedelics, but many challenges remain. Dr. George Mashour, the founding director of the Michigan Psychedelic Center, emphasizes that the journey into psychedelic research is both rigorous and crucial. "We are deeply committed to this scientific endeavor with a singular aim – to genuinely assist patients in need," Mashour remarked.
Currently, the center is zeroing in on fibromyalgia, a condition that afflicts millions across the U.S. Unlike traditional treatments that aim to suppress symptoms, psychedelics, as per the center's research, might assist patients in confronting and understanding their pain more directly.
The burgeoning interest in psychedelics is mirrored in legislative shifts across the nation. While states like Oregon and Colorado have taken strides to legalize psilocybin, Michigan too is showing signs of progressive change. Cities like Ann Arbor have already decriminalized psychedelics, and efforts at the state level are underway, spearheaded by advocates like Michigan Senator Jeff Irwin, who is championing personal cultivation and possession of psychoactive plants and fungi.
Yet, despite these advancements, Boehnke reiterates the urgency for developing more effective treatment modalities, especially for conditions like fibromyalgia. "The existing options leave much to be desired, and a vast number of individuals continue to grapple with their suffering. Our hope is to change that narrative," he concluded.
The cannabis community in Michigan and beyond mourns the loss of a true pioneer, Rick Thompson, whose contributions to the cause of cannabis normalization and advocacy spanned over a decade. Thompson's unwavering commitment to the industry, his passion for reform, and his heartfelt connections with countless individuals made him a force to be reckoned with.
From the bustling streets of Oak Park to the corridors of power in Michigan, Thompson's footprints are undeniable. A member of the Committee for a Safer Michigan since September 2011, Thompson played an instrumental role in propelling Michigan's 2018 cannabis legalization initiative to fruition. A true citizen journalist, he was also a cherished member of the Michigan Association of Compassion Centers, further advocating for safe and responsible cannabis consumption.
His educational background from the University of Michigan-Flint, where he studied African-Afro American Studies, English, and Biology, gave him a unique perspective that he carried into his advocacy work. Thompson's passion for cannabis and community transcended his role as an advocate; he was also a creative force, serving as the Editor-in-Chief at Michigan Medical Marijuana Magazine and contributing to notable publications like HIGH TIMES.
Colleagues and friends remember Thompson for his infectious smile, endless energy, and profound dedication to the cause. His role as a co-host on the Jazz Cabbage Café television show and his invaluable insights as the Executive Director of the NORML chapter in Michigan only scratch the surface of his multifaceted career. Rick Thompson was not just an advocate; he was a mentor, a friend, and a true believer in the power of cannabis to change lives.
Heartfelt tributes have poured in from all corners, remembering the dynamic personality that was Rick Thompson. His talent for capturing moments through photography, his eloquence in articulating the needs and challenges of the cannabis community, and his fearless leadership have been highlighted by many. Whether he was shouting "For Wakanda!" or rallying support for a cause close to his heart, Thompson's voice was a clarion call for change and progress.
Beyond the accolades and accomplishments, Thompson's legacy is best captured in the relationships he forged. From mentoring budding advocates to forging alliances with industry leaders, he was a beacon of hope, inspiration, and change. As we remember Rick Thompson, we are reminded of the power of passion, dedication, and the indomitable spirit of an individual who believed in a cause and dedicated his life to it.
Swartz Funeral Home, located at 1225 W. Hill in Flint, is overseeing the funeral arrangements for Thompson. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, September 22nd, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. A subsequent visitation will be held on Saturday, September 23rd, starting at 10 a.m., with the funeral service commencing at 11 a.m.
His battle with cancer may have taken him from us, but Rick Thompson's spirit remains alive in the countless lives he touched and the movements he inspired. The cannabis community, and indeed the world, is undeniably richer for having known him.
Rest in peace, Rick Thompson. Your legacy continues to inspire, and your contributions will never be forgotten.
Michigan's cannabis industry experienced a significant milestone in July, with sales surpassing the $276 million mark, encompassing both recreational and medical uses. These figures, reported by the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency, suggest a promising trajectory for the state, with projections indicating that revenues could eclipse $3 billion for the first time this year. Should this trend continue, Michigan is poised to become the second-largest cannabis market in the country, trailing only California.
Despite the booming sales, challenges persist for retailers, many of whom grapple with thinning profit margins. One of the main culprits? A continuous decline in marijuana prices, despite a modest recent uptick.
The regulatory framework in Michigan allows the Cannabis Regulatory Agency to grant new licenses for growers every month. According to Beau Whitney, a senior economist at the National Cannabis Industry Association, this frequent licensing is a significant factor causing the current struggles for retailers. Whitney describes the situation as a "race to the bottom," where the sheer volume of competition is driving prices to unprecedented lows, a trend that is unsustainable in the long run.
In a detailed breakdown of July's licensing, the state processed 97 applications, granting 87 new licenses. A significant portion, 17 licenses, went to class C growers, who, under state regulations, are permitted to possess up to 1,500 plants.
Currently, Michigan boasts 2,080 active licenses for recreational cannabis. Intriguingly, over half of these licenses belong to class C growers or retailers.
Jerry Millen, proprietor of The Greenhouse dispensary located in Walled Lake in western Oakland County, provides further insights into the challenges the industry faces. He highlights the struggles of smaller, independent retailers facing stiff competition from major corporate entities, which, armed with deeper pockets, can afford to engage in aggressive pricing strategies, often to the detriment of smaller establishments.
Green Peak Industries stands as a testament to these market dynamics. This Dimondale-based cannabis company, with its Skymint-branded dispensaries scattered across the state, is known for its competitive pricing – typically below the average $99 per ounce as indicated by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency's report. However, despite their aggressive expansion, having opened over 20 locations since their debut in Ann Arbor in 2018, the company currently finds itself under receivership, with allegations of a staggering $127 million debt.
Following the legalization of marijuana in Michigan in 2018, a 10% excise tax was introduced, compounded by an additional 6% sales tax. This, coupled with high production costs and an oversaturated market, paints a complex picture for retailers – albeit a favorable one for consumers. For instance, consumers now enjoy a reduction of $23 on the price of an ounce of recreational marijuana compared to the previous year.
Interestingly, while prices have shown a general decline over the past year, they were slightly higher in February, when sales reached a remarkable $200 million.
It's worth noting that Michigan's marijuana market typically demonstrates seasonality. The warmer months often see a surge in prices, largely due to the increased costs of cultivating marijuana in indoor greenhouses compared to outdoor farms. As summer concludes, the predominant supply available for sale is the more costly, indoor-grown cannabis. However, this expected price hike hasn't been as prominent this year.
As harvest season looms, characterized by typically cheaper prices, retailers bear the brunt of cannabis taxation. They're left striving to innovate and collaborate with suppliers to ensure profitability.
Millen emphasizes a necessary paradigm shift for retailers: "Rather than obsessing over undercutting competitors, retailers should prioritize customer service, education, and mainstreaming marijuana." He nostalgically adds, "This race to out-price one another isn't in line with the original spirit and culture of the marijuana industry."
The shifting sands of marijuana legislation and public sentiment have spurred a nationwide debate. From coast to coast, states grapple with aligning their policies to the evolving legal status and societal perceptions of cannabis. While many regions oscillate in their stances, Michigan has emerged as a focal point of progressive change in the realm of employment-related cannabis policies. To truly understand the state's pioneering steps, we must first explore its historical perspective on cannabis, especially in the backdrop of its employment landscape.
Historically, Michigan, like much of the United States, maintained a stringent view on cannabis, particularly concerning its implications in the workplace. The age-old argument was straightforward: cannabis use could impair job performance, posing risks to both the individual and those around them. However, as the winds of change blew, states began to reevaluate their standpoints, with Michigan at the forefront of this transformation.
In this article, we'll delve deep into Michigan's paradigm shift, reflecting on its past, assessing the present, and speculating on its potential future impact.
Statewide legislatures, including Michigan's, are progressively implementing laws based on roadside saliva tests for drug-impaired driving. Of primary concern is the detection of THC, the key psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Yet, while well-intentioned, these laws underscore a tension between legal enforcement and scientific evidence.
Alcohol impairment is readily gauged with breath tests, as blood alcohol concentration directly corresponds to impairment levels. Marijuana, however, is a different challenge. THC blood levels don't directly equate to impairment, a fact supported by research from the University of California, San Diego, which found that field sobriety tests aren't precise enough on their own to detect THC impairment.
This situation is exacerbated by the fact that THC lingers in the body for days or even weeks after consumption. Current tests struggle to differentiate between a driver impaired from recent marijuana use and one who consumed days earlier.
In Michigan's neighboring state, Kansas, law enforcement has adopted the SoToxa test, which detects THC and other drugs. However, its use is problematic. SoToxa only detects the presence, not the concentration, of a drug. The foundational principle of pharmacology, "the dose makes the poison," reminds us that it's the quantity, not mere presence, that determines impairment.
Implications extend beyond driving. Many sectors, such as transportation and healthcare, mandate drug tests. Workers can lose their jobs due to these flawed tests. For instance, a truck driver might test positive for THC because of legal hemp-based CBD oil consumption, which can contain trace amounts of THC.
Michigan stands at a crossroads, reflecting the broader national dilemma. With marijuana decriminalization gaining traction, it's essential to revisit and refine our testing methods. Organizations like Stop Drugged Driving and studies from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety emphasize the complexities in determining THC impairment thresholds.
The allure of a zero-tolerance policy, while administratively simpler, risks unjustly penalizing unimpaired individuals due to highly sensitive testing equipment. We must prioritize both public safety and fairness. In this effort, the guiding principle should be to uphold scientific accuracy and justice, even if it means resisting quick fixes and reevaluating our approach to drug testing in Michigan.
Michigan saw a subtle dip in cannabis sales from a record $276.7 million in July to $276.3 million in August. However, the bigger picture tells a story of rapid growth: sales have surged 32.9% from the same period last year, marking an increase from last month's 31.8% year-over-year growth rate.
The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency offers a detailed breakdown between medical and recreational sales:
Medical Sales: Witnessed a significant drop of 69.5% from last year, totaling $5.6 million. This is an 8.3% decrease from July.
Adult-Use Sales: Continued its robust growth, shooting up 42.9% year-over-year to $270.6 million, maintaining its momentum from July.
Additionally, the state offers insights into sales and pricing across different cannabis categories, for both medical and recreational uses.
One notable trend is the falling price of flower for recreational use. In August, the average price stood at $1507 per pound, a sequential drop of 4.5% and a sharp 19.4% decrease from last year's figures.
Looking at a broader timeframe, Michigan's cannabis sales swelled by 82.1% in 2021, reaching $1.79 billion. The momentum continued into 2022, with sales growing 27.9% to clock in at $2.29 billion. For 2023, the sales trajectory remains promising. In just the first eight months, sales have risen by 36.8% compared to the same period in 2022. As supply chain efficiencies improve and distribution networks widen, the Michigan cannabis market is poised for further growth.
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