In anticipation of the upcoming solar eclipse, Mint Cannabis has announced a special offer for its customers across Michigan. The cannabis retailer is providing complimentary solar eclipse glasses to patrons aged 21 and over at all of its six locations throughout the state. This offer is valid immediately and will continue through Monday, April 8. However, customers are advised to act quickly as the glasses will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and are available only while supplies last.
For residents in or near mid-Michigan, Mint Cannabis operates a store in Mt. Pleasant, located at 1707 S. Mission St., where the solar eclipse glasses can be obtained. In addition to the Mt. Pleasant location, Mint Cannabis has five other stores in Michigan situated in Monroe, Oxford, Portage, Kalamazoo, and Coldwater, all participating in this unique promotion.
This initiative by Mint Cannabis not only celebrates a significant astronomical event but also provides a safe way for their customers to enjoy the solar eclipse, underscoring the company's commitment to community engagement and safety.
Ann Arbor, known for its vibrant Hash Bash celebrations, is set to welcome a new cannabis dispensary, Meds Cafe, in a location that's at the heart of the annual event. The city's Planning Commission approved a zoning permit on Tuesday, April 2nd, for Meds Cafe to establish its business in the former premises of Green Planet dispensary, located at 700 Tappan Street. This spot is notably adjacent to Monroe Street, a gathering hub for thousands of cannabis aficionados who partake in the Monroe Street Fair, aligning with Hash Bash festivities at the nearby University of Michigan Diag each first Saturday of April.
Jamie Lowell, the Hash Bash organizer and Chief Operating Officer for the Meds Cafe dispensary chain, had initially aspired for the Ann Arbor location to open its doors in time for this year's Hash Bash on Saturday, April 6th. However, the detailed bureaucratic process and pending state-level approvals have extended the timeline. Despite this delay, with the city's permit now secured, Lowell anticipates the dispensary will commence operations within the forthcoming three weeks.
Meds Cafe is expanding its footprint in Michigan, with existing outlets in Alpena, Cheboygan, Lowell, Manistee, Rogers City, and an upcoming one in Gaylord, marking its growth in serving the cannabis community across the state.
The High Times Cannabis Cup, a hallmark event in the cannabis community, is making its triumphant return to Michigan in 2024 for its fifth year, solidifying the state's status as a vibrant hub for cannabis culture and industry. This competition has become a beacon for showcasing Michigan's premier cannabis products, with an extensive 20-category lineup for this year's event, highlighting the diverse and quality-driven offerings from the state's cannabis industry.
Open to all with a passion for cannabis, the competition democratizes the judging process, inviting enthusiasts from all walks of life to participate in determining the standout products of the year. Interested participants should mark their calendars, as product submissions are accepted from May 27th through June 7th in the Detroit area, with Judge Kits available for purchase starting June 22nd.
Judges are tasked with a meticulous evaluation process, employing a comprehensive set of criteria tailored to each category. For flower, pre-rolls, vape pens, and concentrates, assessments will cover aesthetics, aroma, taste, burnability, effects, and terpene profile. Edibles will be judged with an additional focus on packaging and labeling, while sublinguals, capsules, tinctures, and topicals will be evaluated for their ease of use among other criteria. Judges have until August 24th to finalize their evaluations.
The winners, showcasing the pinnacle of Michigan's cannabis offerings, will be unveiled on September 15th. The competition spans a range of categories including recreational and medical flowers, pre-rolls (both regular and infused), solvent and non-solvent concentrates, vape pens, edibles, and more, reflecting the breadth of products available in the state's adult-use and medical markets.
Entry into the competition is structured with a fee system designed to accommodate multiple submissions, including a $250 non-refundable fee for a single entry, and a scaled fee for additional entries, with special provisions for sponsorship and medical categories to address the specific needs and allowances of medical cannabis patients in Michigan.
The event not only highlights the excellence within Michigan's cannabis industry but also fosters a sense of community and innovation among growers, producers, and consumers alike, setting the stage for a vibrant and forward-moving cannabis culture in Michigan.
Detroit is set to celebrate art, music, and cannabis culture with "The pARTy," a non-profit music and arts festival scheduled for April 18-20th at the Tangent Gallery. This event, organized by the metro Detroit art collective, The Gallery Society, aims to offer a fusion of interactive music and art exhibitions, educational workshops, and other immersive creative experiences to its attendees.
The festival's core mission is to support Michigan artists financially through its partnership with the non-profit organization Art In Session. The proceeds from the event will be allocated to various initiatives aimed at nurturing the local art community. These initiatives include the establishment of a non-profit art gallery and community workshop space in metro Detroit, along with the provision of educational grants for local artists.
The lineup for the festival boasts nearly 50 artists, muralists, and musical acts, featuring notable names such as The Alejo, Eccentric Danny, Martina Sanroman, Burg Ink, and Nathan Karinen, the founder of Art Night. The event will not only showcase an array of artistic talents but also foster community engagement and creative expression among participants.
In preparation for the festival, Art In Session is organizing a three-day private workshop series from April 16-18th, dedicated to the creative and professional development of the artists participating in The pARTy and selected VIP guests. This summit underscores the festival's commitment to enhancing the skills and wellbeing of artists within the community.
Moreover, the festival agenda includes a series of workshops accessible to all attendees, designed to impart valuable art and wellbeing skills. These workshops cover a diverse range of topics, from mental health for creatives and ecstatic dance to painting tutorials and yoga flows, ensuring a holistic and enriching festival experience.
The pARTy is proudly sponsored by prominent Michigan cannabis companies such as New Standard, Element, and butter, highlighting the state's vibrant cannabis culture in conjunction with art and music. The festival offers a unique opportunity to celebrate 4/20 in a manner that underscores the synergistic relationship between cannabis, art, music, and community engagement.
The culmination of The pARTy on April 20th will feature a fashion show spotlighting local designers and accompanied by music from DJ Raedy Lex. This finale promises to be a vibrant celebration of local fashion, music, and artistic talent, starting at 9:45 p.m.
A prelude to the main event, a "pre-pARTy" was held on March 8th, acting as a fundraiser for the festival. It featured an Art Night Detroit takeover with live artists, dance music, and open discussions on the festival's impact on the local artistic community.
Ypsilanti is currently facing a unique situation, with a notably high density of cannabis dispensaries in comparison to other cities in the state. This observation was highlighted by the city's planner, Joshua Burns, who pointed out the disproportionate number of dispensaries in the city. In response to growing concerns that Ypsilanti might be transforming into a so-called "weed city," city officials are contemplating zoning amendments aimed at limiting the expansion of cannabis retail outlets.
With 13 dispensaries presently operating within its boundaries, Ypsilanti's cannabis market is significantly saturated when compared to cities like Ann Arbor, which, based on proportional analysis, would equate to having merely three dispensaries. To address this imbalance, proposed zoning changes are being considered to reduce the number of potential locations for new cannabis retailers without imposing a strict limit on the total number of businesses. Andy Aamodt, a planning consultant collaborating with the city's planning commission, discussed these proposed regulations during a city council meeting. These changes would notably include adjustments to existing exemptions for marijuana microbusinesses, aligning them with the city's distancing guidelines designed to regulate the spacing between businesses.
The zoning ordinance adjustments aim to preserve the current businesses while decreasing the number of new entrants to approximately four, a significant reduction from the potential eight to over a dozen spots available under the current guidelines. Ypsilanti's approach to managing its cannabis market has evolved over time, including the removal of a previous cap on the number of marijuana businesses to avoid potential litigation concerning the allocation of limited permits. However, the recent unanimous council vote signals a strong desire to revisit and potentially reimpose limitations on the expansion of cannabis retail operations.
The potential reinstatement of a cap on dispensaries has sparked a dialogue among city officials, business owners, and community members. Notably, Depot Town Cannabis owner Javier Valdez voiced concerns about the market's oversaturation and its detrimental impact on local businesses. The sentiment for reinstating a cap was echoed by former City Council member and current county Commissioner Annie Somerville, who emphasized the initial intent behind the city's cannabis policy was to foster social equity, not to enable large cannabis entities to overshadow smaller, community-focused businesses.
As city leaders deliberate on the best path forward, the conversation reflects a broader challenge facing municipalities as they navigate the complexities of integrating cannabis businesses into their communities while striving for balanced growth, social equity, and economic sustainability.
With the NFL draft approaching and many gearing up for a trip to Detroit, there's a budding interest among visitors in exploring the city's cannabis offerings. Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in Michigan, Detroit has seen the emergence of numerous dispensaries throughout its neighborhoods. Although the downtown area, the heart of NFL draft activities, lacks these establishments, the Detroit Free Press has compiled essential information for those keen on discovering what the city has to offer beyond the draft.
Michigan's electorate voted in favor of recreational cannabis in 2018, allowing individuals aged 21 and above to partake legally. The city of Detroit welcomed its first recreational cannabis sales in January 2023, marking a significant milestone in its cannabis industry journey.
Detroit boasts 31 recreational cannabis dispensaries scattered across various neighborhoods. While downtown Detroit is devoid of these establishments, a significant concentration can be found along 8 Mile Road and within the Corktown neighborhood, providing accessible options for those willing to explore. The city's official website, DetroitMI.gov, features a detailed map under the Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Department's "Office of Marijuana Ventures & Entrepreneurship," guiding visitors to the nearest dispensaries.
Upon visiting a dispensary, patrons must present a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license, to confirm they are at least 21 years old. Transactions are cash-only due to federal restrictions on cannabis, though many dispensaries conveniently provide ATMs on-site. Michigan law permits the purchase of up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower and no more than 15 grams of concentrate per transaction, with the average price for an ounce of recreational flower around $92, based on February data from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency.
Michigan legislation prohibits public cannabis consumption, limiting use to private settings like a personal residence. This presents a challenge for visitors staying in hotels or short-term rentals, where policies on cannabis use should be verified in advance. Furthermore, the NFL maintains a strict no-cannabis policy at its Draft Experience events.
Transporting cannabis across state lines remains a federal offense, despite Michigan's dispensaries welcoming out-of-state customers. Purchasers are advised to consume their products within state boundaries to avoid legal complications.
Cannabis tourism is gaining traction in Michigan, offering an array of experiences for enthusiasts and casual consumers alike. For those visiting Detroit for the NFL draft and interested in the cannabis scene, thorough planning and adherence to local laws ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.
For more detailed insights on navigating the cannabis landscape in Michigan, the Michigan Marijuana Buyers Guide is an invaluable resource. Covering everything from dispensary etiquette to legal consumption practices, it's designed to assist visitors in fully appreciating the cannabis culture in the Great Lake State.
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