Three teenagers from Battle Creek involved in the burglary of a cannabis dispensary in Camden on January 31st have been sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act to probation and fines.
Dontay Dequan Banks, 19, Milton Tyier Hudson, 18, and Jeramiah Javon Smith, 18, appeared in the 1st Judicial Circuit Court on June 10 for sentencing after pleading guilty to breaking and entering a building with intent to commit larceny. Their plea deal resulted in the dismissal of more serious charges, including conspiracy to commit breaking and entering, receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle, third-degree fleeing/eluding police, and resisting arrest.
A fourth individual involved, Treshaun Omeirr Boykins, 23, is scheduled for a continued criminal pretrial conference on July 1st, with a jury trial set for September on all five charges. Authorities suspect Boykins was the getaway driver.
According to a police report, Michigan State Police responded to a commercial building alarm at The Pinnacle Emporium, located at 421 S. Main St., in the early hours of January 31st. Upon arrival, officers found four men and a juvenile in a 2018 white Kia parked at the scene.
The suspects fled, leading police on a high-speed chase south into Ohio, then west into Indiana, with speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. The pursuit re-entered Michigan in southern Branch County, where the vehicle was eventually stopped using a PIT maneuver near Calhoun County.
After the vehicle was immobilized, the suspects fled on foot but were quickly apprehended. The juvenile was released to his parents, while the four men were initially held at the Branch County Jail before being transferred to the Hillsdale County Jail.
Judge Megan Stiverson, during the arraignment, highlighted that none of the men had prior criminal records and mentioned the new Community Corrections Program in Hillsdale County.
Mt. Pleasant has become a thriving center for cannabis retail, with 11 dispensaries opened in 2023 and four more planned. This growth has made cannabis sales a booming industry in central Michigan.
We spoke with local cannabis industry professionals and city officials to understand why central Michigan, particularly Mt. Pleasant, is an attractive spot for cannabis businesses and how this influx of dispensaries impacts the town.
The presence of these dispensaries has brought substantial economic benefits to Mt. Pleasant. According to Aaron Desentz, Mt. Pleasant city manager, the cannabis industry has spurred job creation, filled vacant buildings, initiated new constructions, and contributed to the city's budget through shared revenue.
"From job creation and wrap-around employment opportunities, to the revitalization of vacant buildings and new construction, and the addition to the city's budget from shared revenue, the growth has positive impacts in the community," Desentz explained.
Dispensaries have transformed old buildings into state-of-the-art facilities, improving the town's aesthetics and infrastructure. Matt Roman, director of government relations for Stash Ventures, emphasized their commitment to upgrading existing spaces. "We take traditional lower-use existing buildings and turn them into state-of-the-art facilities," Roman stated. He noted that their dispensaries, including Timber Cannabis Co. at 212 W. Pickard Street, aim to impress with their secure and welcoming environments.
Stash Ventures operates 17 dispensaries in Michigan, with headquarters in Mt. Pleasant. Roman highlighted their approach of not seeking incentives or tax abatements, focusing instead on community enhancement.
Lume, another prominent player in Mt. Pleasant, constructed two new buildings in 2021. Both locations, at 907 E. Broomfield and 1207 North Mission, received community beautification awards from the Mt. Pleasant Planning Commission.
In 2023, Mt. Pleasant added nearly $300,000 to its budget from the state's cannabis tax revenue. Michigan communities that opted for adult-use cannabis sales received over $87 million in revenue for 2023, with each eligible municipality and county receiving over $59,000 per licensed retail store and microbusiness.
The cannabis industry in Michigan has seen explosive growth. Desentz noted that marijuana sales revenue skyrocketed from $10 million in 2020 to $87 million in 2023. He anticipates Mt. Pleasant's share of revenue to increase as more dispensaries open.
In May 2022, the Mt. Pleasant City Commission removed license caps for marijuana businesses, allowing for more rapid growth. "After watching the first few retailers open for a year, the City Commission felt comfortable with the sustainability of the market," Desentz said. This decision also resolved legal disputes over license caps.
Cannabis retailers have also bolstered the local employment base. Stash Ventures employs nearly 70 people, most of whom are full-time local hires. Lume has 25 employees across its two stores. Both companies are committed to community involvement and philanthropy.
Lume engages in various local events and supports initiatives like the annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity fundraisers. "We are members of the community. We live and work here and are always looking for ways to get involved and give back," said Laurie Ralston, Lume area manager.
Stash Ventures, through its philanthropic arm Higher Hopes, has donated over $180,000 to local nonprofit organizations since 2020. The company involves its employees in selecting causes to support, ensuring their efforts have a meaningful local impact.
Despite the rapid increase in cannabis retailers, concerns about market saturation remain. However, Roman is not worried about added competition, expecting some consolidation and price adjustments. Stash Ventures recently expanded by purchasing 11 stores from Cloud Cannabis, bringing their total to 17.
Lume, the largest single-state operator with 38 locations, remains committed to its long-term presence. With modern facilities and knowledgeable staff, Ralston believes in their sustained success.
The growth of cannabis dispensaries in Mt. Pleasant has brought economic benefits, revitalized urban spaces, and created jobs. As the industry continues to expand, the town remains optimistic about the future, focusing on sustainable growth and community involvement.
A man from Coldwater Lake is being held on a $1 million bond for allegedly using his pick-up truck to run down an elderly couple in Branch County's Kinderhook Township on Monday night while reportedly high on cannabis.
McCain Matthew Snyder, 22, faces two counts of assault with intent to murder after allegedly running over the grandparents of a girl he was reportedly stalking. Each charge carries a potential life sentence. Branch County Prosecuting Attorney Zach Stempien also charged Snyder with failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily impairment, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
According to police, Snyder drove his Ford Ranger truck onto the grass as he was leaving Simco Drive, striking 81-year-old David Sluyter and his 77-year-old wife, Jill, near their home. The couple was reportedly on their way to Snyder's mother's house to confront her about accusations Snyder had made against them.
Earlier that evening, Snyder had visited the Sluyters' home in the Shawnee Shoals subdivision, accusing them of sexually abusing the girl he was allegedly stalking. Before leaving, he reportedly warned the couple, "I'll be back."
Jill Sluyter suffered internal and head injuries, including a fractured pelvis and back. David Sluyter sustained serious leg fractures, and there is a possibility he may require amputation of his left leg below the knee. He was flown by medical helicopter to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The Michigan State Police reported that after the crash, Snyder drove to a friend's home on Central Road, where troopers located him and took him into custody. Snyder's father informed troopers that his son had recently begun smoking large amounts of cannabis, writing on the walls, and obsessing over Biblical passages.
Snyder's father also stated that his son "swore up and down" that the Sluyters were child molesters. However, the girl denied any assaults had taken place and said she did not have a relationship with Snyder.
Approximately two hours before the hit-and-run, around 5:30 p.m., troopers encountered Snyder parked at the State Police Post on State Street in Coldwater. At that time, he claimed he was trying to ensure he wasn't being hunted down. Troopers noted that Snyder did not appear to be a threat at that moment.
A probable cause conference for Snyder is scheduled for June 25, with a preliminary exam set for July 2nd, 2024.
A shooting at a cannabis grow operation in Saginaw resulted in one man being hospitalized and another taken into custody.
The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on Monday at a facility located in the 2000 block of South Niagara Street, where the cannabis cultivation operation is situated.
According to the Saginaw Police Department, a 51-year-old man contacted 911 to report that he had shot a 42-year-old man. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim with a gunshot wound to the chest.
The injured man was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. As of Tuesday, his condition was reported as stable, though the specific details of his injuries remain unknown.
Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the shooting. His identity has not been released pending his court arraignment.
As of Tuesday, Saginaw police have not provided information regarding the possible motive behind the shooting.
Five years ago, Melanie White-Lavender and her husband, Matt Lavender, began cultivating cannabis in their barn in southwest Michigan. What started as a modest caregiver operation aimed at helping a few patients has blossomed into a significant business driven by a mission to provide high-quality, clean cannabis to those who need it most.
The couple's journey into cannabis cultivation was deeply personal. White-Lavender's father, diagnosed with cancer, found relief in cannabis, allowing him to abandon pharmaceuticals and remain comfortable in his final years. Similarly, a close family friend, who survived a near-fatal motorcycle accident, used cannabis edibles to manage his pain and eventually made a full recovery.
"We've always believed more in the medicinal side of cannabis and treating it like the medicine that it is for so many people," White-Lavender said. "It's always been about helping people."
These experiences inspired the Lavenders to leave their day jobs in 2019 and launch Evolution Cannabis, a name reflecting their growing and evolving operation.
Today, Evolution Cannabis operates on a much larger scale while maintaining its original mission. The company expects to harvest over 10,000 pounds of cannabis this year from its 30,000-square-foot cultivation campus near Battle Creek. An on-site lab produces more than 36 million cannabis-infused gummies annually, distributed to nearly 200 dispensaries across Michigan. Additionally, with two House of Evolution dispensaries open and two more set to launch this year, the Lavenders have established a comprehensive supply chain.
"We just want to send people away with a great cannabis experience," White-Lavender said. "It's all about good vibes with us. We don't just churn and burn through our products. We don't cut corners. You need to treat these plants right, and a lot of that is just about having the right people, and keeping eyes, and ears, and all the attention on them."
Despite their rapid growth, Evolution Cannabis has maintained a strong commitment to quality and safety. This includes stringent measures like requiring all staff and visitors to don protective gear and pass through an industrial air blower chamber to prevent contamination.
Automation plays a significant role in their cultivation process, allowing the staff to monitor and adjust light, airflow, temperature, humidity, and nutrient flow using a single iPad. This meticulous control ensures potent and flavorful harvests.
The company's products include vegan and gluten-free edibles made from scratch with natural ingredients, reflecting their dedication to quality and health.
"Many of our clientele are cancer patients and people with real medical needs, so we always take our time to do things the right way," White-Lavender said. "That's super important for us."
Evolution Cannabis stands out in the industry by refusing to remediate their cannabis—a process used to remove contaminants but which can negatively affect flavor, potency, and texture. By relying on their rigorous cultivation and processing standards, they aim to produce cleaner and more flavorful cannabis without the need for remediation, even if it means taking on greater business risks.
"Everybody cares about low prices, and it's getting to the point where some of this bottom-barrel stuff out there could really hurt people," White-Lavender said. "I'd love to be swimming in money right now, but this isn't about that. This is about giving people the best—and cleanest—product."
As Michigan's cannabis market continues to grow, White-Lavender hopes more consumers will recognize the value of brands that prioritize quality and safety. She envisions a "Clean Cannabis Campaign" to encourage other Michigan brands to adopt similar standards.
"Let's face it. It's hard to stay relevant in this market," she said. "We don't have giant pockets. We don't have the same crazy marketing budget as everybody else. We're keeping things tight because we're focused on the products, and we care about customers' pocketbooks as well. We want to offer a high-end product at an affordable price, and that's not always easy, but we're not quitters. There's a reason we've been able to come this far, and we're not going anywhere."
For nearly two and a half years, Michigan's cannabis industry has been closely monitoring a significant legal dispute between state regulators and Michigan's largest cannabis testing facility, Viridis Laboratories. This conflict, stemming from one of the most extensive recalls in the state's young cannabis industry, has led to extensive legal proceedings and could significantly impact future regulatory practices.
The administrative hearings between Viridis Laboratories and the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) concluded last Wednesday after multiple days of testimony. Although the hearings have ended, the legal process is far from over. Both parties will submit written closing briefs and responses over the next six months, and subsequent appeals are anticipated even after a final decision is made.
Central to this litigation are questions about Viridis' compliance with testing methods designed to accurately detect contaminants and measure the potency of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Testimony from these proceedings reveals a complex narrative involving historical complaints, the company's founders' connections to the Michigan State Police, and allegations that Viridis was unfairly targeted by CRA employees after raising concerns with Governor Gretchen Whitmer's office.
Viridis Laboratories CEO and founder Greg Michaud questioned the state's motives, suggesting that the recall and subsequent legal actions were efforts to justify initial allegations against the company. "You've got to step back and ask yourself: Why is the state using so many of their resources targeting one agency on what basically, it is saying, is an unapproved potency method?" Michaud stated.
The CRA declined to answer specific questions, pointing instead to extensive hearing transcripts. The agency is currently advocating for legislative changes to allow it to collect, possess, and test cannabis through a state-run lab to establish standards for licensed testing facilities.
Attorney Michael Komorn, a veteran cannabis defense lawyer, emphasized the industry's focus on the case. "If true, it creates a potential health risk for the consumer, which is contrary to what the regulated system purports to provide," Komorn said regarding the allegations exchanged between Viridis and the state. He underscored the importance of this case in the regulated market since 2016.
In May 2022, the CRA issued updated complaints against Viridis, alleging issues with potency, microbial and foreign matter contamination, and quality management. The CRA's interest in Viridis was reportedly driven by concerns over inflated THC potency, but flaws in Viridis' contaminant testing ultimately led to the recall.
During a hearing, the state presented data indicating that several of Viridis' tests for the mold aspergillus were overturned by retests from other labs. Despite Viridis' lower failure rates for aspergillus compared to industry averages, CRA's Claire Patterson expressed concerns over the abnormal data.
Viridis has contested the state's findings, suggesting that the retest results were manipulated and that the sample fragments tested may not have contained the same contaminants. Over recent months, Viridis has attempted to prove in court that it was unfairly targeted by the CRA to diminish its market share.
Michaud testified that after expressing concerns about CRA's administrative rules and alleged unethical practices within the agency to Governor Whitmer's Chief Operating Officer, Tricia Foster, Viridis faced increased scrutiny. Foster reportedly dismissed Michaud's concerns, which Michaud believes marked the beginning of targeted actions against Viridis.
Former CRA employee Leeann Barrett testified that CRA scientist Allyson Chirio expressed persistent doubts about Viridis' testing methods, particularly its potency results. Chirio's comments, according to Barrett, were part of ongoing discussions about the validity of Viridis' scientific methods.
Viridis, run by former Michigan State Police employees, including Michaud, Chief Science Officer Michele Glinn, and Chief Operating Officer Todd Welch, has maintained its methodologies are robust and independently accredited. The company has continued to use its potency testing method, certified by third parties, despite ongoing disputes with the CRA.
Viridis' connections with the Michigan State Police extend to performing marijuana testing for the agency's Marijuana and Tobacco Investigations Section since 2020. Michaud highlighted the potential impact of CRA's allegations on these longstanding relationships and contracts.
Moreover, Averhealth, where Glinn serves as a toxicologist, faced scrutiny from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which discontinued its use for drug testing in child custody cases. Averhealth had planned legal action against the state, alleging a breach of contract, though it later withdrew the notice.
As this protracted legal battle continues, its outcomes will be closely watched by the entire Michigan cannabis industry, shaping future regulatory practices and standards.
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