Grand Traverse County in northern Michigan is experiencing a financial boost, thanks to the cannabis industry. The Michigan Treasury Department reports that the county has received over $886,000 from cannabis-related taxes, with allocations also made to Fife Lake and Green Lake Townships within the county.
Local government officials are currently in discussions about the most effective ways to utilize this newfound revenue, sharing various proposals and ideas. In particular, Green Lake Township has earmarked the $118,000 it has received for community projects, guided by the results of a recent community needs assessment.
The township intends to allocate these funds towards enhancing local parks and bolstering public safety measures, including the procurement of new equipment for community police officers. This decision stems from the revenue generated by the township's two recreational cannabis outlets.
Steve Ezell, the proprietor of Interlochen Alternative Health, one of the recreational cannabis stores in the area, recalls the initial challenges faced in convincing the community of the significant financial benefits that the cannabis industry could bring. Thanks to the successful operation of such enterprises, the township now enjoys substantial economic contributions that are being reinvested in local development and safety initiatives.
In Ortonville, Michigan, a cannabis ordinance passed by a slim margin in August 2022 has yet to deliver significant financial returns to the community. The initiative, driven by Ortonville Residents for Action, received a green light with a vote tally of 221 to 216, permitting recreational cannabis enterprises within the village limits. Despite this approval, tangible benefits in terms of revenue have been scant.
Village Manager Ryan Madis reported that six applications were lodged for the two available licenses to operate cannabis businesses in Ortonville, with the village accruing only the application fees as revenue thus far. Each application carried a fee of $5,000, summing up to $30,000 collected from the 2022 submissions. Additionally, in 2023, the village garnered another $10,000 from applications for two licenses that had been conditionally approved the previous year.
The licenses were granted to an entity working alongside Canna Zoned, a real estate firm that assists in navigating the real estate and licensing process for cannabis businesses. However, the identity of the license owner has not been disclosed. Despite this progress, the timeline for the inauguration of retail establishments remains uncertain. Madis expressed concerns over the delayed realization of anticipated benefits, highlighting the village's ongoing wait to witness the promised economic uplift.
The potential financial advantage for Ortonville could exceed $300,000, considering the state Marijuana Regulation Fund's disbursement payments, which amounted to $118,172 for two licenses in 2023. Additionally, the license owner pledged $200,000 to the village as part of the state-mandated community benefits clause within the application process. Such community benefits are integral to the licensing applications, with proposals ranging from volunteer services by employees to infrastructural enhancements like the construction of a splash park.
Ortonville finds itself sidelined from a significant pool of revenue, with the state collecting $87 million in excise taxes in 2023, disbursed among various municipalities. The prospects for Ortonville receiving a portion of this financial windfall seem distant, exacerbated by delays in the submission and approval of site plans for the proposed cannabis businesses. Initial plans for the establishments, to be located on adjacent plots at 456 and 490 S. Ortonville Road, were rejected, with revised proposals still under review by the village.
Canna Zoned's attorney, Joey Kejbou, detailed efforts to align the new site plans with existing zoning regulations, emphasizing comprehensive renovations and enhancements that would negate the need for variances. However, township and county approvals remain pending for these sites, further delaying their operational commencement.
Kejbou also shed light on the owner's extensive involvement in Michigan's cannabis industry, noting their ownership and conditional approval of several facilities across the state. Despite the absence of a definitive timeline for the project's completion, Kejbou assured the village of the owner's commitment to contributing positively to Ortonville's economy.
The cannabis community in Michigan is gearing up for the third annual 710 Bash, a unique event that combines the love for cannabis with the rhythm of local music. Scheduled from July 12th through July 14th, this event is set to unfold at 7727 E Baseline Rd, White Cloud, MI, offering a full weekend of good vibes, unity, and love centered around the "One Love" plant of the world—cannabis.
The 710 Bash is not just an event; it's a community gathering that brings together cannabis enthusiasts and local artists in a celebration of peace, love, and cannabis. Attendees can look forward to a variety of Michigan vendors, live performances by cannabis-loving artists, and ample opportunities to network, relax, and enjoy the company of fellow cannabis aficionados.
Each day offers something different, with the event staying open until 1 am on Friday and Saturday to accommodate the party atmosphere. For those looking to start their mornings in true cannabis culture style, both Saturday and Sunday will feature "Wake and Bake" sessions for campers, hosted by Mr. Wonders Underground Kickback and #OnSundaysWeSesh.
For the full experience, attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the limited camping areas provided. Guests are required to bring their own tents, with a size limit of a 4-person tent per campsite. This setting not only offers a place to rest but also serves as a communal space where people can connect over shared interests and experiences.
The 710 Bash is proud to be supported by sponsors who are well-respected within the cannabis community, including King Palm, #OnSundaysWeSesh, and Mr. Wonders Underground Kickback. These partnerships help ensure that the bash remains a memorable event that highlights the best of cannabis culture and local talent.
In an industry where the bridge between technology and tradition forms the backbone of innovation, gaining an insider's perspective on advanced cannabis cultivation and processing methods is invaluable. This article is crafted from a comprehensive video tour produced by "The Gas Station," a prominent voice in the cannabis community known for spotlighting the forefront of cannabis culture and innovation. Through their lens, we're invited into Peachy's cutting-edge facility, a place where the magic of cannabis cultivation is not just observed but deeply felt.
The Gas Station (Instagram @gasstation.official), renowned for their captivating content and insightful coverage of the cannabis industry, brings this exclusive look into Peachy's operations. Their video offers viewers a unique opportunity to visually explore the intricate processes and dedication behind Peachy's exceptional products. From the delicate balance of nutrients to the meticulous care of each plant, the video captures the essence of what makes Peachy stand out in the cannabis space.
As we dive into the written exploration of Peachy's facility, keep in mind that the detailed descriptions and insights are drawn from The Gas Station's visual documentation. Their video not only complements this article but enriches the narrative, allowing readers and viewers alike to fully immerse themselves in the world of high-end cannabis cultivation and processing.
Nestled within the cannabis industry's evolving landscape, Peachy's facility stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of advanced technology and nature's touch. As one ventures through its corridors, the dedication to quality and innovation becomes evident, transforming a simple tour into a deep dive into the heart of modern cannabis cultivation and processing.
Starting with the fertigation area, affectionately termed the "Rhythm machine," Peachy showcases its commitment to a balanced approach by combining synthetic and organic nutrients. The integration of heavy 16s line alongside various other inputs from different nutrient companies, coupled with brewed teas applied at strategic growth phases, underscores their pursuit of enhancing flavor and improving hash and flower quality. This meticulous attention to nutrient composition reflects a chef-like precision, aiming to perfect the recipe for exceptional cannabis products.
At the core of Peachy's operation are its eight flower rooms, divided equally between High Pressure Sodium (HPS) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting systems, alongside a significant mother and bedroom. This layout not only facilitates a diverse cultivation strategy but also demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and plant health optimization. The rooms, designed with airflow and environmental control in mind, utilize beneficial insects instead of pesticides, ensuring a natural and safe cultivation process.
The R&D room plays a crucial role in Peachy's innovation, focusing on pheno-hunting and genetic experimentation. The excitement surrounding new strains like Garlic Fries and collaborations with breeders like Mush Mouth from Oregon highlights Peachy's dedication to genetic diversity and quality. This approach allows Peachy to introduce unique flavors and effects to the market, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences.
Peachy's emphasis on full-term growth, hand-feeding in the vegetative and mother rooms, and the meticulous process of selecting the best clones from batches, reveal a hands-on approach that prioritizes quality over quantity. The use of aeroponic cloning techniques since 2015 indicates a tried and true commitment to efficient and effective propagation methods.
The dry room, where plants are hung whole for 14 days, and the process of pressing hash rosin, captured in the mesmerizing flow of golden resin, exemplify Peachy's dedication to preserving terpenes and ensuring the highest quality end products. This attention to detail throughout the cultivation and processing stages underscores Peachy's position as a leader in the production of top-tier cannabis products.
As the tour concludes, the overwhelming sense of dedication and passion from the Peachy team is palpable. Their commitment to excellence, from the meticulous care of their plants to the innovative processing methods, sets a high standard for the industry. Peachy's facility is not just a place of business but a beacon of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in cannabis cultivation and processing.
This St. Patrick's Day, elevate your festivities beyond the traditional green beer with a festive twist from NOXX Cannabis and Cookies Grand Rapids. This year, they're presenting a celebration dubbed NOXX & COOKIES DAZE, bringing the dazzle of a grand opening to a day already rich in green tradition.
Since opening their doors in Grand Rapids in 2022, both dispensaries have catered to cannabis enthusiasts with a wide array of products and services. This event promises exceptional cannabis deals from leading brands in Michigan, including Jeeter, LightSky Farms, Peachy, Roses, Rove, Tripp Scientific, True North, Five Star Extracts, Wyld, among others. Brand representatives will be present at the dispensaries to provide expert advice, answer questions, offer recommendations, and distribute complimentary non-cannabis promotional items.
The festivities commence at 9 AM on Saturday across all three dispensary locations. NOXX operates two recreational dispensaries at 2440 28th St SE and 1234 Plainfield Ave in Grand Rapids, offering a convenient choice for locals. Cookies Grand Rapids is located at 330 Ann St NW and is renowned for hosting the city's most extensive range of Cookies Cannabis products.
These dispensaries have established themselves as premier destinations for both avid cannabis users and those new to the scene in Grand Rapids. They offer a vast selection of cannabis products, including packaged flower, pre-roll singles and multipacks, discreet all-in-one vapes, edible chocolates and gummies, and concentrates. With a variety of indica, sativa, and hybrid strains available, there's a product to suit every preference. Knowledgeable budtenders are also available to help customers find products that cater to their specific needs.
Participants of the Irish on Ionia celebration should look out for representatives from Noxx Cannabis, Cookies Grand Rapids, and Jeeter, who will be distributing bounceback cards. These cards are redeemable for a complimentary 0.5g infused Jeeter pre-roll with any Jeeter product purchase, exclusively at NOXX and Cookies Grand Rapids locations.
Celebrate this St. Patrick's Day with a visit to Noxx Cannabis or Cookies Grand Rapids, and add a unique, green twist to your celebrations, regardless of your Irish heritage.
New Buffalo Township has announced a temporary halt on the consideration of additional cannabis dispensary licenses following a surge in applications, having received a total of 35. This decision comes at a time when the township currently hosts only two operational dispensaries. The potential approval of all 35 applications would surpass the number of dispensaries in Detroit, highlighting the significant interest in the cannabis industry within the area.
Township officials have expressed concerns over the rapid increase in license requests, despite the promise of substantial tax revenue benefits. The decision to pause was influenced heavily by feedback from the local community, with the majority of residents voicing concerns over the implications of such an expansion.
Michelle Heit, the Supervisor of New Buffalo Township, reflected on the community's input, noting, "I'd say everyone that spoke tonight, other than maybe one person, was a local person. And the impact on them is what really helped make our decision." This statement underscores the township's commitment to considering the residents' perspectives in its regulatory decisions.
Applicants interested in submitting their license applications for consideration have been given a deadline until Monday. This includes submissions that may only be partially complete, indicating the township's willingness to review all potential entrants before finalizing its decision on the current moratorium.
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