Eaton County's first recreational cannabis store, Harbor Farmz Provisioning Center, has experienced a successful start, welcoming thousands of customers since its June 10th opening. Located at 122 Lansing Road, the store has drawn patrons from Charlotte, Olivet, and Bellevue, according to Assistant General Manager Alyssa Murray.
"We've had a very positive response from lots of people," Murray stated, highlighting the broad community interest.
While neighboring areas like Lansing and Ingham County had already embraced recreational cannabis sales and benefited from the accompanying tax revenue, Eaton County had not yet entered the market. This new venture brings anticipated financial benefits to local communities through state revenue.
During the 2023 fiscal year, Michigan collected $87 million in cannabis tax revenue, a significant increase from the $59.5 million collected in 2022. The revenue is distributed among 269 cities, villages, and townships allowing cannabis sales, with each eligible municipality and county receiving $59,000 per licensed retail store and microbusiness.
For example, Lansing, which has 21 cannabis dispensaries, received $1.4 million in tax revenue. Charlotte is also set to gain financially, charging a $5,000 application fee and a $5,000 annual renewal fee for each license. The city allows retail, safety facility, transport, and processing licenses, but excludes grow facility, microbusiness, consumption, or temporary licenses. All cannabis facilities in Charlotte are confined to three zoning areas: Lansing Road near Interstate 69, Clinton Trail near Meijer, and around Lipsey Drive and Packard Highway.
Harbor Farmz is the first of several expected cannabis businesses in Eaton County, with Hollywood Jacks and High Society Cannabis also in the process of setting up shop in Charlotte. According to City Clerk Mary LaRocque, these businesses are at various stages of the application process.
Charlotte's City Council approved the recreational cannabis ordinance on August 21st, 2023, by a 6-1 vote. The ordinance, which took effect in October, does not cap the number of dispensaries. Councilman Mike Duweck, who initially had reservations about recreational cannabis, supported the ordinance after recognizing potential benefits like property redevelopment, tax revenue, and job creation.
The Harbor Farmz site was previously a veterinary hospital, while Hollywood Jacks plans to repurpose a former Mexican restaurant. Duweck emphasized that the early entrants into the market are likely to succeed. Conversely, Councilman Anthony Rodriguez, the sole opposing vote, had concerns about crime statistics and dispensary locations but has since acknowledged the benefits and community support for the store.
Kathy McCoy, a Charlotte resident, expressed support for the new dispensaries, appreciating the repurposing of unused properties. "What's the harm?" she remarked.
Harbor Farmz, established in 2017, opened its first location in Three Rivers in 2022, where it was also the pioneering dispensary. For the Charlotte store, the company prioritized hiring local residents. Murray, a long-time Charlotte resident, emphasized the importance of a positive first impression. "It's an experience they're buying into," she said.
Customer Floyd Harkness, who uses cannabis for chronic pain, praised the knowledgeable service he received at Harbor Farmz. "They are knowledgeable. I was impressed with their knowledge the other day when I came, so that's what brought me back," he commented.
House of Dank recently announced the acquisition of a unique art piece created by local artist Jess Fendo. The artwork, a giant football cleat transformed into a visual homage to Belle Isle and the Detroit River, was purchased for $10,000 during a silent auction. This purchase was part of Detroit's 2024 NFL Draft 'DCLEATED' program, which merges football and art to support various community causes. The funds from this auction were generously donated to the Belle Isle Conservancy, demonstrating House of Dank's dedication to community and cultural enrichment.
The 'DCLEATED' program, supported by City Walls x Visit Detroit, combines the vibrant worlds of football and art to showcase Detroit's creativity and community spirit. Local artists, including Jess Fendo, transformed football cleats into twenty large-scale art installations, each paired with a nonprofit organization. These artworks were displayed around downtown Detroit during the NFL Draft, highlighting the city's commitment to community-driven initiatives and creative expression.
Fendo's piece, featuring elements of the historic Belle Isle Aquarium and an Old English "D" symbolizing Detroit, will be showcased at House of Dank's corporate office in Madison Heights. Plans are also underway to display the cleat at various upcoming events, further integrating art into community activities.
Marvin Jamo, owner of House of Dank, expressed pride in the purchase: "House of Dank is deeply rooted in Detroit. We started on 8 Mile over a decade ago as caregivers, and we continue to support the city, community, and culture that have supported us. This purchase not only benefits a cause we believe in but also provides us with a fantastic piece of art to share."
The Belle Isle Conservancy collaborates closely with Michigan's Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the City of Detroit, and other partners to bring resources and improvements to Belle Isle. Since February 2014, the DNR has managed Belle Isle as a state park under a long-term lease, with the Conservancy advocating for the park, coordinating volunteers, operating the Belle Isle Aquarium, and fundraising for various projects.
In appreciation of House of Dank's contribution, the Belle Isle Conservancy offered a private tour of the Belle Isle Aquarium to their representatives. This gesture underscores the importance of donations in maintaining the aquarium as a free public attraction. Additionally, House of Dank is planning an event to raise further awareness and support.
Meagan Elliott, President and CEO of the Belle Isle Conservancy, remarked, "Thanks to the 'DCLEATED' program, Jess Fendo's vision, and House of Dank's generosity, the NFL Draft's energy continues to benefit Belle Isle. Donations like this keep the aquarium free for everyone to enjoy."
House of Dank plans to host Jess Fendo at their upcoming participation in Arts, Beats & Eats, a major Michigan festival in Royal Oak over Labor Day weekend. This collaboration may include a live painting installation or a custom line of exclusive accessories, with Fendo's cleat also on display at Dankland for public enjoyment.
Jess Fendo expressed her gratitude for being part of the 'DCLEATED' project, stating, "This initiative reflects our shared commitment to uplifting our neighborhoods. Creating something for the NFL Draft and supporting a nonprofit I am passionate about was unforgettable. I look forward to working with House of Dank in the coming months."
Through this latest collaboration, House of Dank continues to support local artists and community institutions. The partnership with the Belle Isle Conservancy and Jess Fendo highlights House of Dank's ongoing commitment to art, community, and philanthropy in Detroit.
Verano Holdings Corp., a prominent multi-state cannabis company, is expanding its innovative Cabbage Club membership program to Michigan, Connecticut, and Maryland. Cabbage Club, a pioneering cannabis membership club in the U.S., offers a variety of exclusive benefits to its members, including monthly store credits, merchandise, early access to product releases, line-skipping privileges, special event access, and concierge services.
The expansion to Michigan marks a significant development in Verano's efforts to provide unique, value-added experiences for cannabis consumers. Initially launched in Illinois and New Jersey, the Cabbage Club will now be available at Zen Leaf dispensaries, including one in Michigan. This expansion covers five states, with plans for further growth across Verano's 142 dispensaries in 13 states.
Cabbage Club members can enjoy numerous perks, such as:
Cabbage Club offers two main membership tiers:
Additionally, there is the Silver Dollar Club, an exclusive tier available by invitation, which offers secret perks beyond those provided by the Dime and Quarter memberships.
Starting July 1st, individuals can join Cabbage Club as Founding Members at a discounted rate by visiting earlyaccess.cabbageclub.co. This limited-time offer allows new members to enjoy the extensive benefits of the club at a reduced cost.
Verano's Chief Marketing Officer, David Spreckman, emphasized the success and future potential of Cabbage Club, stating, "After exceeding expectations in Illinois and New Jersey, introducing Cabbage Club to new consumers in leading cannabis markets underscores our mission to provide a unique shopping and community experience. We look forward to expanding the Cabbage Club community across our Zen Leaf and MÜV dispensaries."
Last weekend, glass enthusiasts from across Michigan convened in Detroit for the Michigan Glass Project, a festival celebrating the state's rich glassmaking culture, which has a strong connection to the cannabis community. Although I couldn't attend this year, the event sparked nostalgia for the head shops of the past.
Before the legalization of medical and recreational cannabis, finding quality bongs and pipes was a challenge. Options were limited to a few sketchy gas stations offering a small selection of foreign-made, mass-produced bowls and plastic bongs. For higher-quality pieces, one had to venture to head shops like In Flight Sports, Su Casa Boutique, or Krazy Katz, all of which have since closed.
You might wonder why these longstanding head shops have closed despite the growing acceptance and use of cannabis. The answer lies in the influx of wealthy investors into the cannabis accessory market, mirroring the broader trends in the cannabis industry. Legalization has rapidly changed laws and attitudes, attracting large-scale operators to a market once dominated by small, local businesses.
In the not-so-distant past, selling bongs could lead to jail time. Cannabis pioneer Tommy Chong was infamously imprisoned for selling bongs and other cannabis accessories online just two decades ago. Back then, the accessory market was fraught with risks that deterred deep-pocketed businesses. Local head shops, often run by cannabis enthusiasts, were among the few places where accessories could be purchased, with products labeled as "novelties" or "for tobacco use only" to avoid legal trouble.
As the legal cannabis market expanded, the risks diminished, and the technology and delivery methods for both cannabis and tobacco evolved significantly. The rise of vaping transformed the landscape, with consumers shifting from cigarettes to vapes, leading to a surge in vape shops that soon began stocking cannabis accessories. Chains like Wild Bill's have proliferated across the state, bolstered by the increasing popularity of vaping and cannabis. Simultaneously, cannabis dispensaries have emerged, also selling accessories and glass.
This shift has made it difficult to find locally made glass unless you connect with artists directly through social media. Corporate chains and large cannabis dispensaries have largely replaced mom-and-pop shops. Before legalization, a vibrant community existed around cannabis, with local glass artists showcased in head shops, fostering a sense of pride in owning high-quality, locally-made glass. These shops also played a crucial role in educating consumers about good glass quality and functionality. Today, much of this knowledge and passion has been lost.
This trend is not unique to Lansing. In Grand Rapids, only two mom-and-pop head shops that existed before legalization remain. The growth of the cannabis industry has pushed local operators out of the accessory market. It's a significant loss, and consumers are encouraged to support local shops when purchasing glass. In the Lansing area, options are limited but include Level Up Smoke Shop in Frandor and La Casa Del Rew in Old Town. These shops often offer products at comparable prices to mass-produced glass, supporting individuals who have long been valuable resources to the cannabis community.
Brian Hanna, the executive director of Michigan's Cannabis Regulatory Agency, was recently elected to the Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) 2024-2025 Executive Board.
CANNRA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization comprising government agencies that regulate cannabis and cannabinoid activities across more than 45 states and U.S. territories, as well as Canada and the Netherlands. Board members must be active government regulators from a CANNRA-member jurisdiction and are elected to serve a one-year term by designated Voting Members from each member state or jurisdiction.
"Michigan has been involved with CANNRA since its inception, and I am honored to have been elected to the executive board," said Hanna. "Michigan has both contributed to and benefited from the vast exchange of information with other states through CANNRA. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members to support government agencies across the country engaged in the cannabis industry."
The newly elected board includes:
"Our board represents regulators overseeing a diverse array of cannabis policies," stated Dr. Gillian Schauer, Executive Director of CANNRA. "They are well-equipped to help CANNRA effectively serve our diverse membership in the U.S. and internationally."
The election took place at a CANNRA Business Meeting on June 3rd, followed by CANNRA's External Stakeholder Meeting on June 4-5 in Minneapolis, MN. The event hosted 100 regulators from over 35 jurisdictions and nearly 200 other stakeholders from various national and international organizations.
Billboards advertising cannabis dispensaries have become a common sight along Michigan's highways and city streets. This influx of cannabis advertisements has prompted at least one Detroit elected official to propose significant changes.
Detroit City Councilwoman Angela Whitfield Calloway has instructed the city's Law Department to draft an ordinance that would either ban or restrict further cannabis advertising on billboards within the city limits.
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