Ford Field, a renowned venue deeply rooted in Michigan's sports culture, recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with Primitiv, a cannabis brand co-founded by former NFL players Rob Sims and Calvin Johnson Jr., a Football Hall of Fame inductee. This partnership marks the introduction of Primitiv Performance, a product line that includes a CBD-infused drink mix enriched with electrolytes and vitamins, alongside a broad spectrum topical cream containing CBD, CBG, CBC, and CBN. This collaboration represents a significant fusion of the sports and wellness industries in Michigan, reflecting a shared commitment to holistic athlete recovery and performance.
Calvin Johnson Jr.'s transition from leveraging nature for recovery during his NFL career to co-founding Primitiv embodies a personal journey to this pioneering partnership. "The collaboration with Ford Field, a place that resonates with countless memories for me, renders this venture exceptionally meaningful," Johnson remarked. The joint vision he shares with Sims has culminated in Primitiv Performance, offering a comprehensive approach to athlete wellness that aligns with their personal experiences and ambitions.
Primitiv Performance is leading the charge in incorporating CBD into high-performance athletics, providing athletes with oral hydration solutions and transdermal creams designed for therapeutic relief. These products prioritize the benefits of minor cannabinoids, offering natural, non-intoxicating options for recovery and performance enhancement.
Reflecting on the initiative, Rob Sims expressed, "Introducing Primitiv Performance to Ford Field represents the fulfillment of a dream, merging my professional legacy with a profound interest in natural health and wellness."
The collaboration, which made its debut at the annual college football bowl game in December 2023, is set to become a staple at the 2024 event and in subsequent years. This partnership is not only a milestone for Primitiv Performance but also a significant development for Michigan's cannabis landscape, illustrating the dynamic interplay between sports, wellness, and CBD.
As the cannabis industry reaches a critical turning point, moving from a focus on high THC content to a sophisticated marketplace that prioritizes specific therapeutic benefits, consumer demand is shifting towards products that capitalize on the unique properties of cannabinoids. This trend is reshaping consumption patterns and opening up novel market segments dedicated to providing targeted effects and premium wellness experiences.
The Pure Options Cannabis Dispensary in Frandor is gearing up to host its much-anticipated 420 Block Party on Saturday, April 20th, transforming its parking lot into a hub of celebration for cannabis enthusiasts and the community alike. Scheduled from 10 am to 7 pm EDT at 125 North Clippert Street, Lansing, MI 48912, the event promises an immersive experience with a blend of live music, artistic displays, and a wide range of cannabis consumption options.
With on-site consumption approved, the event will feature a remarkable lineup of partners, including High Grade, Eureka, Goldkine, Wana, Bud & Mary's, Higgs, Element, VapinApe, BLOOM, Armada Cannabis Co., Peachy Hash & Co., and Ghost. These esteemed brands will offer attendees a varied selection of cannabis products, ensuring that preferences across the board are catered to.
Music will play a pivotal role in setting the ambiance of the block party, with live performances by renowned artist Sean Kingston, the vibrant sounds of Desmond Jones, and an eclectic mix from local DJs. The event is set to offer a dynamic range of attractions beyond the music and cannabis. Attendees can look forward to a flower bar, dab bar, live glass-blowing demonstrations, a selection of food trucks, personalized airbrushed t-shirts, engaging games, giveaways, and more.
In a bid to offer a smooth and enjoyable experience for all, ample parking has been arranged conveniently across the street at Sears. The organizers have also streamlined the entry process; by RSVPing, guests not only secure their spot but also become eligible to receive a complimentary gift, making the entry quicker and more exclusive. It's important to note that to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees, bags will be subject to search, and the event is restricted to individuals 21 years of age and older. Admission to the 420 Block Party is free, emphasizing the community-centric spirit of the event.
As a part of the RSVP process, attendees consent to receive emails about future events and promotions, with details regarding the complimentary gift to be communicated prior to the event, redeemable exclusively on April 20.
This event encapsulates a community coming together to celebrate cannabis culture in a festive, inclusive, and responsible environment. Whether you're a connoisseur of cannabis or simply curious about the culture, the Pure Options 420 Block Party promises to be an enriching experience filled with entertainment, education, and enjoyment.
Madison Heights is experiencing financial benefits from the presence of cannabis companies, leading to significant community enhancements, including a $200,000 project to update the city's gateway signage. This initiative, funded by Quality Roots, a leading cannabis retailer set to open its doors in Madison Heights, aligns with the city's broader efforts to rebrand and rejuvenate its image.
City Manager Melissa Marsh announced that the production of the new signs, incorporating the city's updated logo, is underway, with installation expected to begin between May and June. This development is part of a collaborative effort with Quality Roots, which has shown support for the city's goals since the inception of its application process. Mayor Roslyn Grafstein highlighted the costly nature of the rebranding effort and appreciated Quality Roots' willingness to cover the expenses.
The introduction of new gateway signs, starting at the intersection of 14 Mile and John R roads, is just one aspect of the positive impact cannabis businesses have had on Madison Heights. In 2021, two other cannabis stores, Liberty and Puff, commenced operations in the city, contributing significantly to local funding through state allocations and donations to city-led nonprofit initiatives. These contributions support a variety of community projects and events, enhancing public safety, recreational activities, and food security among residents.
Moreover, the presence of cannabis businesses has led to a substantial increase in tax revenue, enabling the city to reduce its millage rate last year. By occupying previously vacant or underused properties, these companies have not only boosted the properties' taxable value but also spurred economic development, job creation, and local spending, benefiting both cannabis-related and unrelated businesses.
Mayor Grafstein emphasized the strategic decision to welcome legal cannabis operations as a means to revitalize the city, addressing vacant and blighted properties, enhancing tax revenue, and creating employment opportunities. The success of this approach is evident in the growing employment rates and increased patronage of local businesses, contributing to the overall economic health of Madison Heights.
Quality Roots CEO Aric Klar shared that the Madison Heights location marks the company's third establishment in Oakland County and its eighth statewide, indicating a broader commitment to contributing positively to the communities it serves.
In Michigan, the landscape of cannabis sales has undergone a profound transformation following the legalization of the substance for adult use. The approval by voters in November 2018 to legalize cannabis marked a significant shift in the state's approach, bringing about a new era that promised both opportunities and challenges. As dispensaries began to emerge across Michigan, a once thriving underground market found itself grappling with an uncertain future.
Marcus, a 31-year-old Detroit resident, exemplifies the impact of this shift on individual dealers who had previously found a lucrative, albeit illicit, livelihood in the cannabis trade. For years, Marcus had successfully navigated the underground market, catering to a discreet clientele with his high-quality hydroponic flower and cannabis concentrates. The job was not only profitable, bringing in more than $1,000 a week, but it also allowed him to avoid the corporate grind that had disillusioned so many of his peers. However, the legalization and subsequent proliferation of legal dispensaries drastically altered his business landscape.
Initially, Marcus managed to maintain a competitive edge by leveraging lower prices. While dispensaries were charging upwards of $500 for an ounce of flower in early 2020, Marcus could afford to offer the same quantity for $250 to $300. This price advantage, however, was short-lived. As the legal market matured and prices began to fall, Marcus found himself unable to compete. By April 2021, the cost of cannabis at dispensaries had dropped below the price at which Marcus could sustain his operation. Reluctantly, he exited the business, transitioning to a job at a vape shop, where he earns less but appreciates the reduced risk and stress associated with legal employment.
The story of Michigan's legal cannabis market is not just about the financial implications for dealers like Marcus but also about the broader impact on consumer behavior and the illicit market as a whole. With the advent of legal dispensaries, consumers now have access to a diverse array of products, competitive pricing, and the assurance of safety and quality. These factors have significantly diminished the appeal of the underground market, leading many former customers of dealers like Marcus to opt for the legal alternative.
Despite these challenges, some underground operators remain resilient. Nick, another Detroit-based dealer, has managed to sustain his operation by capitalizing on his deep-rooted experience and reputation for quality. With over two decades of growing experience, Nick produces marijuana that is renowned among his clientele for its potency and quality. By adjusting his prices and emphasizing the trust and consistency he offers, Nick continues to serve a loyal customer base that values the personal connection and expertise he brings to the table.
However, the allure of the legal market is not lost on those who have traditionally operated in the shadows. Randy, for instance, saw the legalization of medical marijuana in 2008 and later recreational cannabis as an opportunity to transition to a legal business. The challenges of navigating the legal landscape, however, proved daunting. The financial barriers to entry, including the high cost of licensing and the lack of banking support due to federal restrictions, have made the path to legitimacy prohibitively expensive for many. As a result, individuals like Randy are forced to weigh their aspirations against the harsh realities of the legal cannabis market.
Michigan's journey toward cannabis legalization encapsulates the complex interplay between regulation, market dynamics, and individual livelihoods. As the state continues to refine its approach to cannabis, the stories of Marcus, Nick, Randy, and countless others serve as a testament to the evolving challenges and opportunities that accompany the transition from an illicit to a legal market.
In a recent development in a Michigan federal court, Robert Samuel Shumake Jr., also known as Bobby Shumake Japhia following a legal name change, has been directed to secure new legal representation or inform the court of his intention to self-represent. This directive comes in light of Shumake's failure to compensate his previous attorney, sparking allegations from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of orchestrating a fraudulent $2 million crowdfunding operation related to cannabis and hemp real estate ventures.
U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Leitman granted the withdrawal request from Jonathan Uretsky of PULLP, Shumake's former lawyer, citing nonpayment as a valid reason for the termination of legal services. Uretsky's request to withdraw highlighted a breakdown in the attorney-client relationship, compounded by unsuccessful attempts to establish a payment plan for the outstanding fees amounting to approximately $36,000 as of April 2022.
During a court hearing, Shumake mentioned his financial struggles and a recent personal bankruptcy filing in California, which he believed would temporarily halt proceedings against him. However, the SEC has contested this, urging the continuation of its lawsuit by arguing that its enforcement action falls under "police power," exempt from bankruptcy's automatic stay provisions.
Judge Leitman has given Shumake a window of 30 days to arrange for new legal representation or declare self-representation, after which he will have 21 days to address the SEC's allegations. These allegations stem from a September 2021 action initiated by the SEC against Shumake and principals of two companies accused of misappropriating funds from investors through deceitful crowdfunding offerings related to cannabis and hemp real estate projects between September 2018 and June 2020.
The SEC's investigations have revealed that Shumake was a pivotal figure in these offerings, concealing his involvement to obscure his prior criminal record related to mortgage fraud. Allegedly, he collaborated with Nicole Birch and Willard Jackson, misleading investors about the companies' management expertise in real estate and diverting substantial funds for personal use.
This case marks Shumake as the final defendant in a series of legal actions that have already seen settlements and judgments against other involved parties, including a significant disgorgement and civil penalties against Birch, a permanent securities law violation ban against Jackson, and a settlement with the crowdfunding platform Fundanna and its CEO.
Furthermore, Shumake's legal troubles extend beyond this case, with a guilty plea in 2017 for violating Michigan's Credit Services Protection Act in a separate mortgage audit services venture.
As the legal proceedings continue, the SEC, represented by John E. Birkenheier, Jerrold H. Kohn, and Dante A. Roldàn, declined further comments. The case, officially recorded as U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission v. Robert Samuel Shumake Jr. et al., remains pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, reflecting ongoing challenges in regulating the intersecting worlds of crowdfunding, cannabis, and real estate investments.
The Eastpointe City Council is actively considering a significant shift in its stance on cannabis by contemplating the introduction of recreational cannabis businesses within its jurisdiction. The council has directed City Attorney Richard Albright to prepare a comprehensive ordinance to this effect, with a council vote anticipated next month.
This development followed Councilwoman Margaret Podsiadlik's initiative to bring this topic to the forefront during the March 19th council meeting. Podsiadlik argues that the introduction of recreational cannabis establishments could serve as a catalyst for economic revitalization in Eastpointe. She noted the visible vacancies around the city as a sign that new ventures, such as recreational cannabis stores, could infuse much-needed vibrancy and attract more business to the area.
Despite previously granting licenses to three medical cannabis outlets—Holistic Health Wayne, Moses Roses, and Common Citizen—Eastpointe has yet to see these facilities commence operations. The councilwoman believes that the shift towards recreational cannabis could provide a more lucrative opportunity for these licensed entities, hence their hesitance to open under the current medical-only framework.
Richard Albright presented compelling data to the council, highlighting a stark contrast in the state's cannabis market dynamics: a 76.2% decline in medical cannabis sales juxtaposed with a 32.8% surge in adult-use cannabis sales over the past year. In 2023 alone, Michigan recorded $267.7 million in adult-use cannabis sales, dwarfing the $3.2 million in medical sales. This data underscores the shifting consumer preference towards recreational cannabis, reinforcing the potential economic benefits of adopting such a model in Eastpointe.
The city, having opted out of recreational cannabis businesses following Michigan voters' approval in 2018 while permitting medical cannabis establishments, now faces a pivotal decision. The council must consider whether to expand the current limit of three licenses and whether to extend preferential treatment to the existing medical cannabis licensees for recreational licenses.
Council member Curley expressed support for granting recreational licenses to the current medical license holders, advocating for a direct transition without opening a new bidding process. Conversely, Councilman Rob Baker, a long-standing opponent of cannabis businesses in Eastpointe, cautioned against bypassing an open application process. He warned of the legal repercussions and the dissatisfaction it could breed among potential new applicants.
A final decision on the proposed recreational cannabis licensing scheme is slated for discussion at the April 2nd City Council meeting, signaling a potentially transformative moment for Eastpointe's economic and regulatory landscape in relation to cannabis.
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