In a startling incident on Detroit's I-96 near the I-94 interchange, a woman under the influence of cannabis made a perilous exit from a moving rideshare vehicle due to a panic attack, Michigan State Police report. The event unfolded late Sunday afternoon, around 4:45 p.m., on March 24th, prompting calls from concerned motorists to the Detroit Regional Communication Center about a pedestrian involved in a traffic incident on the interstate.
Initially, the situation escalated when reports suggested a possible kidnapping, triggered by the 31-year-old Detroit resident's sudden leap from the vehicle. Witnesses described seeing the woman exit the car from the left lane of I-96. Shortly thereafter, the driver of the rideshare vehicle contacted authorities, explaining that the woman had become distressed over the route to downtown Detroit, opting to jump from the car in her alarm.
The woman was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where she was found to be alert and stable. Upon further investigation, it was revealed by state police that her anxiety spiked upon seeing a sign for Port Huron, leading her to mistakenly believe she was being taken in the wrong direction, further heightened by her impairment from cannabis use.
State Police Lieutenant Mike Shaw commented on the incident, noting the woman's fortunate escape from serious injury. He emphasized the dangers of such actions and the critical situation she placed herself in.
Following a thorough review, authorities have decided to conclude the kidnapping investigation as unfounded, and the woman has since been reunited with her family. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unforeseen risks associated with substance use in certain situations.
Van Buren County, Michigan, has emerged as a key player in the U.S. hemp industry, ranking as the eighth-largest producer of hemp flower in the nation, according to the latest Census of Agriculture report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This notable achievement underscores the county's significant contribution to Michigan's overall position as the seventh-largest hemp-producing state in the United States, marking an important milestone in the state's agricultural sector.
The report highlights California as the leading state in hemp flower acreage and production for 2022, with Alameda County topping the charts by harvesting over 5.5 million pounds of hemp flower. The Central Valley region of California, particularly Fresno and Tulare counties, accounted for nearly 20% of the country's domestically grown floral hemp, which is primarily cultivated for its cannabinoid-rich flower.
Nationally, more than 11 million pounds of hemp flower were produced in 2022 across approximately 1,800 American farms, covering an area of about 10,500 acres. The hemp flower, known for its use in extracting CBD and other cannabinoids, including intoxicating hemp-derived THC, saw California contributing a staggering 56% to the total U.S. production.
The USDA's decision to include hemp cultivation data in its 2022 Census of Agriculture, following the crop's legalization by the 2018 Farm Bill, has provided valuable insights into the industry. This inclusion marks the first instance of granular county-level data being made available, offering a clearer picture of the distribution and scale of low-THC cannabis cultivation across the country. This move has been widely applauded by hemp cultivators and industry stakeholders, reflecting the growing importance and acceptance of hemp within the agricultural landscape.
Michigan's position as a leading hemp producer, with Van Buren County playing a crucial role, is a testament to the state's commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable hemp industry. The data underscores the potential for further growth and innovation within this sector, as well as the importance of supporting local farmers and cultivators who are at the forefront of this burgeoning market.
The Gibraltar Trade Center in Mount Clemens, a landmark known for its bustling market and event space until its closure in 2017, is undergoing a significant transformation. Pleasantrees, a prominent Michigan cannabis brand, has revitalized a portion of this iconic venue, introducing a new 8,500-square-foot cannabis dispensary designed to redefine the retail experience for cannabis consumers.
Since 2022, Pleasantrees has been operating in the Trade Center at a partial capacity but is now set to unveil its full capabilities with a grand re-opening event scheduled for March 29th and 30th. This celebration, dubbed the Canna-Carnival Experience, promises attendees a unique opportunity to enjoy on-site cannabis consumption within a creatively reimagined space that pays homage to the center's storied past. The event will feature carnival games, contests, brand pop-ups, giveaways, and more, enhancing the community feel with a modern twist. A highlight of the celebration includes the first 100 guests on each day receiving a special 'Pleasantrees doorbuster VIP Box.'
Pleasantrees has not only focused on the consumer experience within its dispensary but also on community engagement, announcing that a portion of all proceeds from the grand opening weekend will benefit local charities, including Turning Point, Carehouse, and Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers. This move underscores the brand's commitment to the local community and its dedication to supporting non-profit organizations.
The renovation of the Gibraltar Trade Center is a blend of nostalgia and innovation. Bryan Wickersham, President of Pleasantrees, emphasized the brand's effort to evoke fond memories of the center's heyday while introducing a cutting-edge retail experience. Features of the new dispensary include a large-scale LED wall, a show grow from Pleasantrees' cultivation operations, and refrigerators stocked with cannabis-infused beverages, showcasing the brand's dedication to quality, hospitality, and community.
Moreover, the iconic Gibraltar Man sign has been given a fresh look, repainted by Detroit Sign Painters in a new blue suit, symbolizing the site's new chapter. This project saw the involvement of Kelly Thomson McLeod, the original sign painter's daughter, linking the past and present of this local landmark.
Pleasantrees' strategy extends beyond the dispensary, with plans to host community events, concerts, auto shows, farmers markets, and more, in the spirit of the Gibraltar Trade Center's legacy as a hub for commerce and entertainment.
In a rapidly evolving cannabis industry that contributed $3 billion in sales in Michigan last year, Pleasantrees is leveraging hospitality and a consumer-centric approach to stand out in a crowded market. With a knowledgeable and approachable team of budtenders, Pleasantrees aims to make every visit a pleasant experience, establishing a new standard in cannabis retail.
In Menominee, Michigan, the city's legal disputes with several cannabis dispensaries are showing no signs of resolution, complicating efforts to find a mutual agreement. Mayor Casey Hoffman's optimism for a near-term settlement has been dampened following a recent court hearing, highlighting ongoing challenges in negotiations that have spanned several years.
The city has been embroiled in legal battles over the number of dispensaries allowed within its boundaries. These disputes took a new turn at a recent court session presided over by 41st Circuit Court Judge Mary Barglind, where attorneys representing both the city and the dispensaries, including Rize, the Fire Station, Lume, Higher Love, and individual Adam Michaud, discussed various legal motions via Zoom.
The heart of the contention lies in the renewal of local cannabis business licenses introduced by the city, which now include a clause that prohibits dispensaries from suing the city. This was after Judge Barglind mandated mediation earlier in the year, leading to Rize and the Fire Station proposing a partial settlement. However, disagreements persist, particularly around the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA), specifically concerning the city's limits on cannabis business licenses.
Menominee's City Council rejected an initial settlement offer in February, countering with a proposal that sought a comprehensive dismissal of the lawsuit. This proposal included amendments to zoning laws and allowed the disputing dispensaries to relocate. Despite these efforts, attorney Mike Cox, representing Rize, expressed frustration over the city's rejection of multiple settlement ideas, suggesting the ball is now in the city's court to initiate the next step.
The city's legal representative, Matt Cross, pointed to Lume and Higher Love as obstacles in reaching a settlement, citing their resistance to dismissing MRTMA claims. This impasse has led to a situation where plaintiffs are considering taking their claims to trial, a move Cross and Mayor Hoffman view skeptically, especially given the "no lawsuits" clause in the renewed licenses.
Mayor Hoffman stands by the city's position, indicating a potential path to revoking the dispensaries' licenses if deemed in violation of their agreements. However, he also expresses a desire to keep these businesses in Menominee for their economic contributions.
During the recent court hearing, the complexity of the legal dispute was on full display. The plaintiffs sought to narrow their complaint by dropping several counts, leaving only those claims tied to the alleged violation of MRTMA by the city's prior settlement with other dispensaries. Discussions also delved into accusations of tortious interference and the legitimacy of a ballot referendum committee, further complicating the legal landscape.
With a pretrial conference scheduled for April 11th, the legal saga between Menominee and its cannabis dispensaries continues, with each party looking for a path forward that addresses their concerns while navigating the intricacies of state cannabis regulations.
Residents of Royalton Township in Southwest Michigan will soon have the chance to decide on a significant local issue: the potential introduction of up to three cannabis dispensaries within their community's boundaries. This comes as proponents of the initiative successfully submitted approximately 150 signatures earlier this week, aiming to place the question on the ballot for the May Primary Election.
Royalton Township Clerk Rachel Bernard confirmed that out of these submissions, 133 signatures were validated against the required 132, thus qualifying the measure for inclusion on the upcoming ballot. Bernard noted that the primary reason for the disqualification of the remaining signatures was that they belonged to individuals not registered to vote in Royalton Township.
Should the residents vote in favor, the ordinance will cap the number of cannabis-related businesses at three each for growers, processors, microbusinesses, and retail outlets. However, it explicitly prohibits the operation of secure transporters, safety compliance facilities, places for cannabis consumption, venues for temporary cannabis events, or any other types of cannabis establishments not specifically allowed by the ordinance.
Demographic information from the United States Census in 2022 indicates that Royalton Township has a population of 5,141, with approximately 2,084 residents aged 50 and over. This demographic detail adds a layer of context to the upcoming decision, reflecting the diverse age groups that may weigh in on the future of cannabis businesses in their locale.
In a significant development illustrating the challenges within the cannabis industry, Al Harrington, a former NBA star and the CEO of Viola, has declared an indefinite halt to operations at the brand's only dispensary in Detroit. This pause in operations comes roughly four years after the medical cannabis retail outlet first opened at 4473 W. Jefferson Ave., a strategic location chosen by Harrington for his national cannabis initiative.
The catalysts for this decision are multifaceted, reflecting the broader struggles faced by the cannabis sector. Harrington highlighted that dwindling profit margins—caused by a sharp decline in cannabis product prices—and reduced medical cannabis sales have significantly impacted the business's operational sustainability.
This challenge is intensified for businesses like Viola that are yet to secure licenses for recreational cannabis sales, which amplifies their operational difficulties.
A critical issue for Viola has been its ongoing dispute with Obsidian Specialty Insurance Co., its insurance provider. Harrington revealed that Viola's insurance claims, including those for damages caused by an ice storm in February which resulted in extensive loss of cannabis plants, have been consistently denied.
Harrington expressed his frustration with the insurance provider, stating, "When the people that are supposed to be there to support us — that we actually pay to do a job for us and to provide a service — they don't do it, it's tough."
The denial of insurance claims by Obsidian Specialty Insurance Co. follows a series of mishaps for Viola, including damage from a snowstorm leak and a theft in October, leading to three insurance claims totaling $8.9 million being refused.
In the interview, Harrington discussed the various challenges Viola has faced, not just in Michigan but across other states as well, including electrical outages and infestations. These operational difficulties have prompted Viola to consider a strategic shift towards an "asset-light model." This approach involves collaborating with other growers to cultivate Viola's strains according to its specifications, aiming to lessen the operational load on the company.
The closure of the Detroit dispensary signifies a notable obstacle for Viola's aspirations in Michigan. Despite efforts to obtain recreational cannabis licenses, the company has faced rejection, narrowly missing out due to tight margins and encountering technical problems with their application submissions.
This failure to shift towards recreational sales has hindered growth and revenue, rendering the dispensary unable to reach its full potential.
Despite these setbacks, Harrington remains hopeful about Viola's prospects in Detroit and the wider cannabis market. He is keen on pursuing new ventures under the asset-light model, potentially collaborating with other cultivators to maintain Viola's presence in Michigan. Harrington's dedication to Detroit and to cannabis advocacy is steadfast, with aspirations of resolving the insurance conflict to continue investing in Viola's success within the cannabis sector.
Al Harrington's experience with Viola, from its inception to its current challenges, underscores the complexities and fluctuations of the cannabis industry, providing a compelling case study in the ongoing evolution of cannabis business regulations and culture.
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