In a decisive 5-2 vote, Royal Oak city commissioners have greenlit the inclusion of a cannabis sales and consumption area at the upcoming Taco Fest in July, marking a significant nod towards the growing acceptance of cannabis in community events. The Taco Fest, which attracted 60,000 attendees in its inaugural year of 2022, will unfold from July 4th through July 7th, echoing the downtown vibrancy of the Winter Blast festival. Jon Witz, the event's organizer and the mind behind the popular Arts, Beats and Eats festival, continues to bring engaging experiences to the city.
This move comes on the heels of last year's successful introduction of a cannabis consumption and sales area at the Arts, Beats and Eats festival, which received favorable feedback from both attendees and city officials, including Mayor Michael Fournier. Despite not personally advocating for cannabis, Mayor Fournier respected the overwhelming voter support for recreational cannabis use, evidenced by the passage of the state referendum in 2019.
Expanding on last year's pilot, the City Commission has once again endorsed the concept for Arts, Beats and Eats, entrusting its execution to House of Dank, and has now extended the same opportunity to Taco Fest, with JARS Cannabis at the helm. JARS Cannabis, boasting about 35 locations across Michigan, Colorado, and Arizona, will manage the designated area in the municipal park lot at Third and Williams streets, ensuring privacy and regulated access.
Royal Oak Police Chief Michael Moore detailed the operational plans, emphasizing a controlled environment with fencing and dedicated entry and exit points. The setup mirrors JARS Cannabis's Mile High 420 Festival in Denver, which showcases the company's capability to host such events without incident, further solidifying the decision for its inclusion in Taco Fest.
Initial concerns regarding the introduction of cannabis consumption at city festivals centered on odor control and preventing minors' exposure. However, these were effectively addressed at last year's Arts, Beats and Eats with stringent security measures and sophisticated air filtration systems. The decision to move forward with a cannabis area for Taco Fest reflects a commitment to hosting inclusive, diverse, and safe events for the Royal Oak community.
The city's proactive approach to managing and integrating cannabis into public events underscores a broader acceptance and normalization of cannabis use in social settings. As Royal Oak continues to explore these new frontiers, the focus remains on ensuring safety, compliance, and community satisfaction.
Safe Harbor Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHFS), known for its leading role in providing banking, payment, and financial services to the regulated cannabis industry, has recently facilitated a $4.6 million credit facility for a Michigan-based cannabis operator. This financial arrangement is secured against a portfolio of four dispensaries and is aimed at supporting the operator's growth initiatives within the state, particularly in enhancing its cultivation and retail sectors.
This move adds to Safe Harbor's impressive loan book, which now boasts over $60 million in outstanding loans and commitments. This marks a significant growth from its previous figures, underlining the company's rapid expansion and the diversity of its loan portfolio. This portfolio includes 25 cannabis real estate assets spread across 10 states, encompassing every segment of the cannabis industry's value chain.
Dan Roda, Safe Harbor Financial's Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, emphasized the company's pivotal role in addressing the distinct and developing financial needs of cannabis operators nationwide. By offering competitive rates and financial structures, Safe Harbor has not only enhanced its customer acquisition strategies but also introduced new revenue streams beyond its traditional deposit-related fees. This strategic expansion of its credit offerings underlines Safe Harbor's commitment to diversify its revenue base and strengthen its market position through increased loan origination activities.
Roda's statement reflects the company's successful trajectory from managing a loan book of just under $20 million to surpassing $60 million within a year. This growth underscores Safe Harbor's strategic efforts to scale its operations and further solidify its foothold in the financial services sector catering to the cannabis industry.
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Hazel Park police are currently seeking assistance from the public to identify approximately six individuals implicated in the break-in of a cannabis retail outlet. In a daring early morning burglary, thieves utilized a stolen SUV to breach the Jars Cannabis store located at 20731 Dequindre, adjacent to Eight Mile Road.
According to Hazel Park Police Chief Brian Buchholz, the incident was reported at around 4:27 a.m. on Friday, when a nearby business owner, alerted by a loud crash, promptly notified the authorities. The culprits employed a gold-colored Chevrolet Suburban, reported stolen, to forcefully enter the premises, thus creating a significant opening at the back of the store.
The police have managed to secure surveillance footage which captures the essence of the burglary. As of Monday, the exact extent of the stolen goods and their value remains undetermined, pending a comprehensive inventory audit by the business.
Initial investigations suggest that no cash was taken during the break-in. The suspects, described by Chief Buchholz, included six individuals dressed in dark attire, one of whom acted as a lookout while the rest were observed removing items using large trash bags.
Following the burglary, the group fled the scene in a dark blue Chrysler 300, leaving the stolen Suburban behind. The vehicle was later confirmed to have been stolen from Eastpointe, Macomb County. Identifying the suspects poses a significant challenge, with the police suspecting the involvement of individuals experienced in similar crimes. Efforts are underway to collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions in hopes of identifying the perpetrators.
The Hazel Park Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the burglary or potential suspects to come forward and contact them at 248-542-6161.
Jars Cannabis, the victim of the burglary, operates 17 outlets across Michigan, in addition to 18 others in Arizona and Colorado. The Hazel Park location is one of the city's 10 cannabis businesses, the highest number in Oakland County. Despite this incident, local officials maintain that cannabis businesses do not significantly impact crime rates compared to other establishments like bars or restaurants.
In a recent announcement by Michigan's Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), a group of Lansing-area cannabis businesses have been awarded grants exceeding $16,000 each, as a part of the state's efforts to foster a more equitable and sustainable cannabis industry through its Social Equity Grant Program. The program aims to support businesses in areas disproportionately affected by past cannabis policies, following the legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2018.
State Sen. Sarah Anthony highlighted the initiative's goals, emphasizing the importance of leveraging this opportunity to bolster local talent and stimulate economic growth in both urban and rural communities adversely impacted by the cannabis industry's development. "Since the legalization of cannabis in 2018, it has become evident that we must strive towards guiding this burgeoning industry towards a future marked by sustainability and equity," Anthony remarked.
The grants, each totaling $16,129, were distributed to 62 social equity licensees from a pool of $1 million allocated for this purpose. Among the recipients in the Lansing area were Biobizz, Capital City, Carbidex, Jartnick Consulting, and Smart Meds. Additionally, 120 West, located in Laingsburg, was also a beneficiary of the program's funds.
The Social Equity Grant Program was established in response to the 2018 voter-approved initiative that legalized adult-use cannabis. This initiative mandated the state to devise a strategy to enhance and encourage participation in the cannabis industry by individuals from communities historically marginalized and adversely affected by cannabis prohibition and enforcement.
Brian Hanna, the Executive Director of the CRA, expressed enthusiasm over the potential impacts of these grants: "I'm thrilled to see our licensees utilize these funds to make a positive difference in their employees' lives, their communities, and their businesses. Our social equity licensees truly deserve this opportunity."
Marking a significant first, this allocation of funds specifically targets the support of social equity licensees, setting a precedent for future endeavors. To qualify for the SEGP, grantees must possess a valid CRA-issued adult-use license, be majority-owned by individuals who are participants in the Social Equity Program, and have been certified as participants in the CRA's Social Equity All-Star Program.
The grants are intended for a range of uses, including but not limited to, financing educational courses relevant to the business for employees, ensuring compliance with licensing and regulatory statutes, or making contributions to organizations, nonprofits, and charities that have a positive impact on the community where the business operates.
As the summer season draws to a close, Upper Michigan is gearing up for one of its most anticipated events - the Summer's End Smokeout. This vibrant festival, part of the Elevated Events series hosted by Elevated Exotics, promises an unforgettable experience from August 8th through August 11th, 2024. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Boulder Alley Disc Golf Course in Republic, Michigan, the event is a celebration of cannabis culture, music, arts, and community spirit.
The Summer's End Smokeout stands out as Upper Michigan's premier cannabis consumption-friendly event, melding a diverse array of live music performances, art displays, and culinary delights. This four-day extravaganza is not just a festival but a community gathering that brings together local and internationally recognized talent across various genres and disciplines.
This adult-only event (21+) is set to be the highlight of the summer in the Upper Peninsula, offering an immersive experience that combines the love for cannabis with the joy of music and arts. Whether you're a local resident or traveling from afar, the Summer's End Smokeout is the perfect occasion to celebrate the end of summer with good vibes, great company, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
As you plan your journey to the heart of Upper Michigan's most anticipated summer event, securing your ticket to the Summer's End Smokeout is the first step to ensuring your spot among fellow cannabis, music, and arts enthusiasts. This year, the festival offers various ticketing options designed to cater to your preferences and ensure a comfortable and immersive experience.
General Admission: A 4-day general admission ticket is priced at $100, providing full access to the festival from August 8th to August 11th, 2024. This ticket grants you the opportunity to explore all the musical performances, art installations, workshops, and cannabis-centered activities the Summer's End Smokeout has to offer. Embrace the freedom to roam the Boulder Alley Disc Golf Course grounds, indulge in culinary delights, and connect with the vibrant community that makes this event unique.
Camping Passes: To fully embrace the festival spirit, consider staying on-site with their camping options. A daily camping pass is available for $35, allowing you to set up your tent and enjoy the natural beauty of Republic, Michigan, under the stars. For those who prefer a bit more comfort and have their own RV, daily RV camping passes are offered at $40. These camping options not only enhance your festival experience but also provide a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy all four days of festivities without the need to travel back and forth.
The Summer's End Smokeout is more than just a festival; it's a movement towards embracing and celebrating the cannabis culture in a creative, vibrant, and inclusive environment. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of the UP's best party!
In Pennfield Township, Michigan, a response to an animal welfare complaint unveiled an extensive illicit cannabis cultivation operation. The incident, occurring in Calhoun County, began when deputies were summoned to a residence on the 300 block of Cooper Street. Upon arrival, they discovered the carcasses of four goats at the rear of the premises, prompting further investigation.
Authorities subsequently secured a search warrant for the property to probe for additional animal welfare concerns. The search, conducted on the following day, led to the discovery of a significant cannabis grow operation housed within one of the property's buildings. Law enforcement officials reported the confiscation of over 140 cannabis plants and various cultivation equipment from the site.
As of now, there has been no announcement regarding arrests linked to the operation. The investigation into both the animal welfare complaint and the illegal cannabis grow continues, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced in regulating cannabis cultivation and ensuring animal welfare.
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