Three Rivers city officials are deliberating an expansion to the existing marijuana ordinance that could pave the way for cannabis lounges. If greenlit, these lounges will find a home in the heart of the central business district, encompassing downtown.
The push for this revision stemmed from a petition spearheaded by Daly Broekema, the proprietor of Daly Dope dispensary. Current regulations hindered her expansion aspirations. "The existing ordinance focused mainly on retail operations and safety protocols. There wasn't a definitive 'no' to lounges; they just weren't included," Broekema noted.
After a 5-1 initial approval by the city commission, Broekema is a step closer to transforming the third floor of a historic building on Portage Avenue. She envisions a split usage: part social lounge, operational during regular business hours, offering a haven for people to enjoy food and non-alcoholic beverages. She sees this as a valuable setting for patrons to responsibly and legally consume cannabis, especially those who wish to avoid consumption at home or in public. "Many individuals, including parents, seek an alternative to consuming at home. They neither want to resort to their cars nor break the law by consuming publicly," Broekema emphasized.
The additional space is designated for events and educational initiatives, introducing cannabis fundamentals and safe consumption practices. Broekema said, "Despite the burgeoning cannabis industry, misconceptions persist. My aim is to demystify and destigmatize."
However, not all officials share her enthusiasm. City commissioner Pat Dane voiced significant reservations, largely due to marijuana's federal status. "I'm sworn to uphold the law. How can we justify introducing lounges for public smoking when it remains federally illegal?" Dane questioned.
Broekema counters by highlighting the legal status of recreational marijuana at the state level. She's eager to address and correct misconceptions that overshadow the cannabis industry. "Many perceive cannabis merely as a misused recreational drug. I intend to rectify that perspective through education," she added.
A public hearing for the proposal's follow-up reading is slated for Tuesday, September 19th. Should the ordinance be ratified and implemented, Broekema anticipates launching the lounge by summer 2024, subject to necessary permits.
Greenhouse of Walled Lake, a marijuana dispensary located in Oakland County, is providing a 50% discount on its products to active UAW members during the duration of their strike. Additionally, these members can obtain a free container of Wana brand gummies, which some claim are beneficial for sleep and stress.
Jerry Millen, the owner of the dispensary, commented on this initiative: "A significant portion of our regular customers are from GM, Ford, and Stellantis. We're offering this as they strike."
To further their involvement, the dispensary is selling T-shirts at $20 each with the imprint "We Support Our Local Auto Workers." All revenue from this will go to the UAW Strike Fund.
Greenhouse of Walled Lake, located at 103 East Walled Lake Drive, holds the title of being Oakland County's first fully licensed medical and recreational marijuana dispensary. They have been known to offer unique promotions in the past, such as their "Super Bowl specials" for football enthusiasts.
The UAW's decision to strike emerged after contract negotiations with Detroit automakers proved unsuccessful. This led to UAW members halting work at several assembly plants in Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri.
Prominent figures, including the father of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and former state legislators, have rallied in support of Rick Johnson, ex-House Speaker, as his fate hangs in the balance amid bribery allegations during his tenure with Michigan's now-defunct Medical Marijuana Licensing Board.
Johnson's defense, led by attorney Nicholas Dondzila, submitted a memo late Thursday accompanied by letters from 20 influential personalities. Notably, among the writers were Richard Whitmer, former CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; ex-Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville; and ex-Representatives such as Larry Julian, James Howell, and others.
Richard Whitmer, in a candid statement, admitted, "We all err, but our true mettle is tested by our response." Back in April, he penned his belief in Johnson's potential for reform, stating that Johnson had committed a "grave error" but will ensure to steer clear of any misdeeds in the future.
The prosecution is pushing for Johnson, 70, to serve a minimum of six years behind bars. However, Dondzila argues for clemency, highlighting Johnson's cooperative nature with investigators, his unblemished past record, his years of public service, and the extensive support he's garnered.
The ex-House Speaker, a Republican hailing from LeRoy, held his position from 2001-2004. After serving his term, he became a lobbyist for 12 years. His subsequent appointment to the marijuana licensing board in 2017 by then-Gov. Rick Snyder has now become a focal point of controversy. Admissions of accepting over $110,200 in cash and perks from licensing aspirants have been confirmed, including alleged bribes of sexual deeds.
However, Johnson's peers, such as Richardville, remember him differently. In August, Richardville penned a letter emphasizing Johnson's effectiveness as a leader, despite not being "perfect and/or polished."
Many have described Johnson as a man full of regret, who shouldn't be solely judged based on this crime but on his lifetime's worth of actions. Edward Gaffney mentioned in June that Johnson feels deeply apologetic for the dishonor he has caused.
In related news, another defendant, businessman John Dawood Dalaly of West Bloomfield Township, recently received a two-year prison sentence for bribing Johnson. Meanwhile, two cannabis business lobbyists, Brian Pierce and Vincent Brown, await their sentencing on October 18th.
In an era of increasing acceptance of recreational cannabis and ongoing tobacco use, a digital cohort study aimed to understand the mental health outcomes associated with their use. The study, involving a sample of US adults, was conducted during the early to later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and offers important insights for both public health and clinical practice.
There's a clear association between the use of tobacco and/or cannabis and self-reported anxiety and depression.
Notably, those who reported co-use (both tobacco and cannabis) displayed significantly higher odds of anxiety compared to those who used tobacco alone.
Daily use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cannabis was associated with an increased likelihood of reporting anxiety and depression.
Surprisingly, participants were less likely to report anxiety and depression in the later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic (2022) compared to its early phase (2020).
Co-Use and Vulnerability: The research flags the critical issue of the comorbidity of substance use and mental health. Individuals using both tobacco and cannabis were found to be especially vulnerable to poor mental health, potentially making cessation more challenging.
Role of Alcohol: Beyond tobacco and cannabis, increased alcohol consumption was also linked to heightened anxiety odds, underscoring the potential risks of polysubstance use.
Screening for Substance Use: Given that tobacco and cannabis use is prevalent among those with mental health concerns, routine screening for these substances should be integrated into mental health treatment programs.
Treatment Coordination: Coordinating tobacco and cannabis cessation programs with mental health treatment could enhance outcomes. Implementing alternative coping strategies might be beneficial for those using these substances to manage or mitigate anxiety and depression symptoms.
While the study sheds light on the intertwined nature of substance use and mental health, there are limitations to consider.
Understanding the complex relationship between tobacco, cannabis, and mental health is pivotal in today's world. This study underlines the pressing need to integrate substance use considerations into mental health interventions and calls for a holistic approach to treatment. As society's perception of these substances continues to evolve, it is paramount for research to keep pace and offer clear guidance for public health initiatives and clinical practices.
Prepare yourself for an exhilarating experience as the Motor City Roots Festival makes its grand return on Sunday, September 17th, 2023, from 1:00 PM to midnight. This year, the festival is bringing its Haunted Edition to the historic Eloise Asylum in Westland, promising attendees a spine-chilling journey.
The musical lineup is set to ignite the stage with headline acts like JEEZY, Babyface Ray, Antonio Brown, Matashia, and several others. But music is just one of the many attractions. In the spirit of Halloween, a multi-level haunted house promises to send shivers down your spine, promising a heart-pounding experience throughout the festival.
While you catch your breath from the ghostly encounters, indulge in a variety of mouth-watering options from diverse food trucks, or take part in adult games that are sure to entertain. For the sports fans, there's a Detroit Lions tailgating experience awaiting. And let's not forget the highlight of the festival, The Motor City Cup Awards Show. Fans were able to cast their votes for their favorites at: motorcityrootsfest.com
Event Details:
Location: Eloise Asylum, Westland, MI.
Date and Time: Sunday, September 17, 2023, from 1:00 PM to midnight.
Ticket Options:
General Admission includes access to the festival, main stage, food trucks, vendors, and the Lions tailgate experience. (Note: No re-entry once you leave.)
VIP Admission offers expedited entrance, an exclusive haunted house experience, main stage access, a preferred viewing section for concerts and award shows, a swag bag filled with goodies, and a unique Lions tailgate experience. Plus, VIPs have the privilege of re-entry all day.
DJ Line-up: To be announced soon.
The festival is proudly sponsored by Herbolgy, The Flower Bowl, and King Of Budz. Show your support and make your memories using the official hashtag: #MotorCityRootsFestival
Bazonzoes Provisioning Centers across Michigan are set to mark their thirteenth year of operation on September 17th, 2023, from 9am to 9pm.
The commemoration will take place at their retail locations in Walled Lake on East West Maple Road, South Lansing on American Road, and North Lansing on Willow Street. Attendees can anticipate a range of activities including discounts, games, raffles, and the opportunity to interact with representatives from prominent Michigan cannabis brands.
Erin McCann-Sabo, Director of Experiences, reflected, "Thirteen years of service to our communities is a milestone we cherish. To us, it's more than just an anniversary; it symbolizes the inception of our provisioning centers and the broader access to medicine in Oakland County."
Initially, Bazonzoes opened its doors in Walled Lake, MI in 2010 as part of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Program (MMMP). However, following a series of legal challenges in 2017, the establishment made the decision to temporarily close and subsequently reopen in accordance with the new Cannabis Regulatory Agency guidelines. This transition led to the addition of three retail facilities and a growth in cannabis cultivation and processing for Bazonzoes.
During the event, there will be offers of 30% off in-store, complimentary gifts with purchases, and various games. Several brands such as Cookies, Jeeter, Freight Train, and others are slated to present exclusive deals or raffles.
At specific locations, guests can expect additional entertainment: Walled Lake will feature AJ the DJ from Sabo Sound and a free photo booth, Willow Street will host Jeff the Magician with a unique telepathy and magic show, while the American Road venue is set to showcase Super Jay.
Founded in 2010, Bazonzoes holds the distinction of being among the early medical provisioning centers in Oakland County, MI. Their journey has seen them secure licensing for both medical and recreational provisioning centers in Lansing, MI and Walled Lake, MI, with their cultivation and processing facility inaugurated in 2022.
Bazonzoes aims to deliver top-tier products, care, and service to the cannabis community and its wider audience. For more information on Bazonzoes, please refer to: www.bazonzoesmi.com
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