Detroit school district leaders are voicing their concerns about a troubling trend: the increasing use of cannabis edibles and vape pens among students. In a letter addressed to state lawmakers, Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and school board members highlighted the urgent need for legislative action to combat this issue.
The letter revealed startling statistics that show a significant rise in drug-related incidents within the schools. From the 2019-20 to the 2020-21 school years, the district recorded 289 drug-related incidents. This number dramatically increased to 1,735 incidents between the 2021-22 and the 2022-23 school years, with 745 infractions reported just this school year.
Vitti and the board members are particularly concerned about the accessibility and appeal of cannabis products to students, noting that some edibles are packaged to closely mimic popular candy brands, making them nearly indistinguishable from non-cannabis products. This resemblance not only misleads students but also simplifies the distribution of these products within schools. An accompanying image in the letter shows edibles packaged similarly to well-known candies like Skittles and Starburst.
The leaders are calling for several specific safety measures:
Additionally, Attorney and DPSCD parent Marcia Spivey shared her concerns, emphasizing the need for better coordination between city leaders and school officials, particularly regarding the impact of local cannabis legislation on families and students.
The district's plea underscores a growing concern in educational environments about the implications of cannabis legalization and the necessity for targeted legislative responses to protect students and ensure the safety of school environments.
For many years, the federal regulation of marijuana has directly contradicted the preferences of a significant portion of American voters, including a majority in Michigan since 2008. Now, a groundbreaking shift is on the horizon. According to reports from the AP, which cite five anonymous sources, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is set to propose a major change in the classification of marijuana, potentially reshaping its legal status in the United States.
Wrestling icon Ric Flair is making a striking entrance into Michigan's cannabis market through a partnership with local brand Goldkine. The collaboration introduces Flair's "Ric Flair Drip" brand to the state, aiming to merge his flamboyant persona with Goldkine's reputation for quality cannabis offerings.
The initial product rollout features a diverse selection, including premium cannabis flower and infused pre-rolls, tailored to meet various consumer preferences. These products will be available from May 3rd at dispensaries across Michigan such as Puff, Consume, Exclusive, and Joyology. Plans to expand the lineup later in the year include the introduction of edibles.
Ric Flair shared his excitement about the venture, emphasizing the brand's ethos: "Wooooo! Ric Flair Drip Cannabis is about bringing flair to every moment. It's not just about the product, it's about the experience, the style, and living life to the fullest. Michigan, get ready to drip with the Nature Boy!"
Goldkine's co-founder, Jimmy Smith, expressed enthusiasm for this partnership, highlighting it as a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation in the cannabis industry. "This collaboration reflects our dedication to providing the highest quality cannabis products and creating unique experiences for our customers. We believe this partnership will set a new standard in the industry," said Smith.
Carma HoldCo, a significant entity in the Michigan cannabis sector and home to premium brands like TYSON 2.0 and Evol by Future, is also playing a crucial role in this launch. By introducing Ric Flair Drip to Michigan through their partnership with Goldkine, Carma aims to enrich the state's cannabis market.
Adam Wilks, Chairman and CEO of Carma HoldCo, commented on the expansion: "We are proud to be a part of this exciting venture, bringing the Ric Flair Drip cannabis brand to Michigan. This expansion represents Carma's commitment to providing our customers with diverse and high-quality options. We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on Michigan's cannabis landscape."
Approximately one-third of high school seniors in the United States have used cannabis in the past year, according to recent findings from the Monitor the Future study conducted by the University of Michigan. This annual survey provides insight into the substance use trends among American teens, drawing on data collected from 22,318 students at 235 public and private schools nationwide from February to June 2023.
In addition to traditional cannabis use, the study revealed that about 11% of 12th graders have experimented with delta-8-THC, a psychoactive compound derived from hemp and known for producing a milder, euphoric high compared to delta-9-THC found in cannabis. Despite its legal ambiguity and availability in child-friendly forms such as gummies and chocolates, delta-8-THC is legally accessible in 22 states plus Washington, D.C., often with minimal regulatory oversight.
The widespread legal status of delta-8-THC can be attributed to the 2018 Farm Bill, which excluded hemp from the federal list of controlled substances, inadvertently making derivatives like delta-8-THC widely available, even to minors in some states. This availability has raised concerns among health experts about the potential risks associated with its use, especially among teens.
Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, emphasized the significant number of adolescents using delta-8-THC and expressed concerns about the lack of research on its effects. "The accessibility of such substances to teens is alarmingly high. We need to educate young people about the risks and ensure that those who need help can access treatment for cannabis use disorders and other mental health issues," Volkow stated.
The study also highlighted the changing perceptions and increased potency of cannabis products. Ryan Sultan, assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University, noted the need for a nuanced understanding of cannabis's effects. He pointed out that while cannabis is not the dangerous "reefer madness" substance once feared, it is also not a harmless cure-all. Sultan's research indicates that adolescents using cannabis are significantly more likely to suffer from major depression, suicidal thoughts, and other negative outcomes compared to their non-using peers.
Furthermore, the use of cannabis among young adults aged 19 to 30 has reached new heights, with a notable rise in cannabis vaping, which poses distinct health risks and increases the ease of use in discreet environments like schools.
This comprehensive data underscores the importance of continued research into cannabis and its derivatives, informed public health policies, and targeted educational efforts to address the complexities of cannabis use among America's youth.
Welcome to our guest post section, where we invite members of our community to share their personal stories and perspectives on various topics. Today, we feature a piece from a local resident who explores their firsthand experiences with Michigan's legal cannabis landscape. This narrative not only recounts personal experiences and shifts in perception but also delves into the broader implications of cannabis legalization in our community, particularly focusing on the recent debates in Bad Axe. We hope this piece offers valuable insights and fosters understanding of the ongoing discussions surrounding cannabis in Michigan.
In early 2020, Michigan embarked on a new chapter as recreational cannabis sales became legal, marking a significant shift in the state's approach to cannabis. My own journey into this new legal landscape began somewhat unexpectedly, accompanying a friend to a dispensary in Bay City. This excursion was driven primarily by curiosity, a sentiment perhaps shared by many of my generation—Generation X—for whom cannabis had always been something of a forbidden fruit.
In the burgeoning landscape of Michigan's legal cannabis market, a shift is noticeable from the days of caregiver-operated stores that championed the motto, "Good weed ain't cheap, and cheap weed ain't good." During the pre-legalization era, with around 90 retail stores in Lansing alone, the absence of regulatory barriers enabled a fiercely competitive environment. This often led retailers to slash prices, though not to the rock-bottom levels observed today.
Conversely, a segment of operators concentrated on enhancing product quality. These businesses invested in superior additives for cultivation, ensured plants were properly cured, and focused on critical quality indicators such as taste, terpene profiles, and overall effects. As is generally true, quality came at a higher cost. Unlike today's large-scale legal operators, caregivers worked on a smaller scale, somewhat cushioned by the lack of regulatory fees, yet they could not match the production output we see in the current market.
The state also experienced variable access to the market, driven by differing municipal enforcement levels against gray-market dispensaries. This variability allowed cities like Flint, Lansing, Detroit, and Traverse City to emerge as cannabis hubs without saturating the market, thus maintaining price stability that paralleled the traditional illicit market.
However, the landscape has drastically changed. The push for lower costs has initiated a "race to the bottom" in terms of both quality and price. Many producers now resort to using ozone or radiation to treat their cannabis, aiming to maximize profitability. Remarkably, during recent holiday sales, several retailers reported just breaking even.
This inequality in market access persists in the legal framework, as municipalities decide on the presence of cannabis businesses in their communities. Despite a greater number of retailers and a more even distribution across Michigan, the dynamics of market access have significantly evolved.
The rise of well-capitalized corporate entities has further transformed the market. These companies, driven by a quest for market share, are well-prepared for dramatic price fluctuations, spurred by an increase in cultivation capacity following legalization. Michigan's relatively laissez-faire approach to cannabis has enabled numerous operators to enter the cultivation arena, leading to an oversupply and intense competition for retail market share.
For consumers, this means lower prices—often below the cost of production—which, while increasing accessibility, raises questions about the long-term impacts on the market and community. Many small operators struggle to compete with these artificially low prices.
In the alcohol industry, Michigan has set minimum shelf prices, a measure that has supported the craft sector by stabilizing pricing against larger competitors. Growing voices within the cannabis industry suggest that a similar approach might be beneficial for cannabis, potentially curbing predatory pricing practices of large operators and fostering higher quality standards.
As discussions about introducing minimum pricing on cannabis gain traction, it could represent a significant step towards a more sustainable industry, benefiting both small and large operators and ensuring a diverse, quality product range for consumers. Even in the absence of such regulations, it is worthwhile for consumers to consider the broader implications of their purchasing choices within the cannabis market.
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