Note to our readers: We've noticed that the EventBrite page for this event has been taken down. We tried reaching out to the event organizers but haven't heard back yet. So, we're unsure at this time whether or not the event is still planned to take place.
The Second Annual PoTopia Music Festival is set to take the stage from August 22nd to August 25th, promising an unforgettable weekend of music, food, and community activities. Organized by Terp N Time Genetics, this year's festival aims to surpass the success of its inaugural event with an even bigger celebration. Located at 10988 Cranberry Street in Marcellus, Michigan, the festival offers a unique blend of musical performances and social gatherings designed for attendees over the age of 21.
Building on the momentum of last year's event, the 2024 PoTopia Music Festival is gearing up to deliver an enhanced experience that captures the essence of great times and great vibes. Festival-goers can look forward to an extensive lineup of live music acts spanning various genres, promising something for every musical taste. Beyond the tunes, the festival will feature an array of food vendors offering a wide range of culinary delights to satisfy every palate.
The festival is not just about music; it's a holistic experience designed to foster community and connection among attendees. With camping available throughout the weekend, guests are invited to immerse themselves fully in the festival atmosphere, creating lasting memories with old friends and new acquaintances alike. The inclusion of diverse social activities further ensures that there's more to do than just watch performances, providing a well-rounded festival experience.
As a 21+ event, PoTopia Music Festival underscores its commitment to creating a mature and enjoyable environment for all attendees. The organizers, Terp N Time Genetics, are known for their dedication to quality and community, promising that this year's festival will not only match but exceed the high standards set by the previous year's show.
Tickets for the Second Annual PoTopia Music Festival are priced at $25 for single-day admission, offering a flexible option for those who can only attend specific days. For the full experience, a four-day pass is available for $60, allowing attendees unlimited access to all festival days and activities.
Whether you're a returning fan or a first-time attendee, the Second Annual PoTopia Music Festival invites you to join in on a weekend full of exceptional music, delicious food, and unforgettable social activities. Mark your calendars for August 22nd to August 25th, and prepare for an event that celebrates the best of music and community spirit in Michigan.
In Pontiac, Michigan, voters are presented with an opportunity to shape the future of the city's cannabis retail business licensing process during the presidential primary on February 27th. The ballot, known as Proposal One, encompasses a comprehensive range of cannabis regulation topics including license distribution methods, application requirements, social equity initiatives, criminal background checks, community outreach, and urban improvement measures.
The debate stems from the introduction of Ordinance 2406 by the Pontiac City Council in April 2023, which sanctioned adult-use cannabis retail outlets and established a licensing framework. Following opposition and a subsequent petition, the council amended this ordinance through Ordinance 2424 in October, aiming to refine the regulations.
The outcome of the vote will determine which set of regulations will be implemented. A 'yes' vote supports the adoption of the revised Ordinance 2424, incorporating the council's latest amendments, whereas a 'no' vote would reinstate the original Ordinance 2406.
Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel emphasized that the amendments addressed various critical areas including application terminology, ownership criteria, social equity policies, criminal background verification, community engagement, and the rejuvenation of derelict properties. The amendments are positioned as a response to evolving community needs and legal landscapes surrounding cannabis.
This referendum is the most recent in a series of initiatives by independent ballot question committees aiming to influence cannabis retail policy within the Metro Detroit area. These efforts follow the 2018 Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act, which granted municipalities the authority to decide on the presence of adult-use cannabis retailers within their jurisdictions.
The call for this ballot arose when Sensible Cannabis Reform for Pontiac challenged the initial ordinance, temporarily halting its implementation. A subsequent agreement removed the referendum from the November ballot, leading to the introduction of amendments and the formation of the Citizens for Equitable Cannabis Reform to oppose these changes.
The revised Ordinance 2424 aims to streamline the application process, adjusting the definition of an "applicant" and maintaining the city's capacity for up to 17 recreational cannabis retailers, among other designations. It also introduces a more expedited application timeline and a merit-based scoring system, which includes additional points for applicants with existing medical cannabis permits.
The adjustments between the two ordinances reflect a nuanced approach to cannabis regulation, acknowledging past efforts in medical marijuana licensing and adapting to the broader shift towards recreational use. The amendments seek to balance regulatory oversight with opportunities for community investment and social equity, despite the complexities introduced by competing ballot initiatives.
This proposal represents a pivotal moment for Pontiac's cannabis industry and its community, offering a choice between two regulatory paths that reflect broader debates on cannabis policy, social equity, and urban development.
In a significant operation on Wednesday, February 21st, the Michigan State Police dismantled a substantial illegal cannabis cultivation facility in the Detroit metropolitan area, confiscating over 4,000 cannabis plants along with a substantial quantity of processed cannabis. This action marks a notable enforcement effort against unlicensed cannabis operations within the state.
Initiated in 2023, the investigation targeted a large-scale cultivation operation in Highland Park. Michigan State Police's diligent efforts uncovered that the suspects involved had not secured the necessary medical or recreational cannabis licenses, leading to the execution of a search warrant at the premises.
The haul from the operation included more than 4,000 cannabis plants, 213 pounds of processed cannabis, and 362 pounds of drying flower stalks. The Michigan State Police estimate the market value of the seized substances at approximately $6.3 million, highlighting the significant scale of the illegal operation.
The investigation, conducted by the MSP Second District's Marijuana & Tobacco Investigation Section, began in late fall 2023. Despite the complexities involved, the team was able to confirm the facility's operations were in violation of Michigan's cannabis regulations, lacking the necessary licenses for both the suspects and the facility.
With the price of cannabis currently standing at $93 per ounce for products sold through licensed establishments as per the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) guidelines, the seizure represents a major disruption to illegal cannabis trade in the region.
As of this report, no arrests or charges have been made public in connection with the operation.
Michigan's stance on cannabis has evolved significantly, with the state's voters approving the legal use of recreational cannabis in 2018. The law permits adults in Michigan to possess cannabis in limited quantities and cultivate up to 12 cannabis plants for personal use. However, large-scale cultivation and sales operations require appropriate licensing, underscoring the importance of compliance with state regulations.
An ongoing investigation in Harper Woods focuses on a concerning incident where approximately eleven middle school students are believed to have consumed cannabis-infused edibles while at school.
This event took place at Discovery Creative Pathways K-8, a charter school situated on Harper Avenue, just north of Moross Road, on Thursday, February 22nd. It's reported that a student brought the edible gummies to school and shared them with ten peers, ranging in age from 12 to 15.
Jason Hammerle, the Director of Public Safety, shared insights into the situation, noting, "A student distributed cannabis edibles amongst some classmates, leading to their illness, which appeared akin to intoxication. Our detectives have conducted interviews with the student responsible for distributing the edibles and a parent, though decisions regarding charges are pending until the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office reviews the case. The school's response to the student's actions remains to be determined."
Following the incident, one student required hospital evaluation on the recommendation of their guardian, while the others were collected by their parents.
In response to the incident, Phalen Leadership Academies, the organization overseeing Discovery Creative Pathways, issued a statement through Ashley N. Minter, the National Director of Marketing and Communications:
There was an isolated incident regarding unauthorized items or behaviors exhibited by a couple of middle school students today, Thursday, Feb. 22. Administration is working to further assess and address this incident. As this is an open investigation, we are not at liberty to share any other details. If it is determined that scholars were involved in the incident, they will be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to Discovery Creative Pathways Harper Woods Student Handbook and/or board policy.
As with any case of unauthorized items or behaviors that are outside of the standard of excellence for our students, we work to ensure corrective action is taken. We always keep scholar safety at the forefront of what we do. Harper Woods is dedicated to ensuring our school is and remains an open, nurturing environment that promotes scholar growth and opportunity.
As of now, no additional information regarding the incident has been made available to the public.
Muskegon is set to host a vibrant celebration of cannabis culture with the announcement of the "Frosty Boyz 420 Party," an event dedicated to cannabis appreciation on the iconic date of April 20th (4/20). Approved by the Muskegon City Commission, this gathering promises a day filled with music, food, artistic displays, and, of course, cannabis in a community-friendly atmosphere.
The festivities are scheduled to unfold on a spacious vacant lot adjacent to the Grassy Knoll dispensary, a location easily spotted from Seaway Drive at 2125 Lemuel Street. With April 20th landing on a Saturday this year, the timing couldn't be better for attendees looking to immerse themselves in the celebrations.
At the heart of the event will be a selection of nine cannabis vendors alongside a specially designed consumption lounge. This feature was highlighted in the details presented to the commission, ensuring that attendees will have the opportunity to safely enjoy cannabis products on site. Complementing the cannabis experience, the festival will also showcase a variety of artists, performers, and arts and crafts vendors, alongside an array of food trucks to cater to all tastes. It's important to note that alcohol will not be available at the venue, maintaining a focus on cannabis.
The Frosty Boyz 420 Party is being brought to life by Options Health Group, operators of The Grassy Knoll. Central to the event's layout will be a large tent housing both the consumption lounge and a stage. This area will serve as the epicenter for musical entertainment provided by the Frosty Boyz, as well as performances by seven additional artists.
Anticipation for the event is high, with organizers expecting up to 500 attendees. Admission will be strictly limited to individuals who are 21 years of age and older, ensuring a responsible and legal celebration of cannabis culture.
The term "420" has long been embedded in cannabis lore, with various stories explaining its origin. The most widely accepted narrative traces back to 1971 when a group of high school students from California would convene at 4:20 p.m. to partake in cannabis. The term "420" evolved as a discreet code among them, eventually gaining widespread recognition, especially after being popularized by High Times magazine. This story highlights the grassroots origins of the term, now celebrated annually on April 20th as a symbol of cannabis culture worldwide.
In a landmark initiative aimed at combating the opioid crisis through innovative pain management strategies, Michigan Medicine and Henry Ford Health have announced a collaboration on what is poised to be the largest clinical trial ever conducted to evaluate the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) in reducing opioid dependence after surgery. Specifically, the study will focus on patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, with the broader goal of exploring CBD's potential as a perioperative medication across a spectrum of elective surgeries.
Funded by a generous $6 million, 5-year grant from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), part of the National Institutes of Health, this multi-site clinical trial seeks to address the critical issue of postoperative pain management—a domain traditionally dominated by opioids. Despite their effectiveness in pain relief, opioids carry a high risk of addiction and a host of side effects, including nausea, dizziness, and constipation, prompting the search for safer alternatives.
The trial will be spearheaded by a team of distinguished researchers: Chad Brummett, M.D., the Bert N LaDu Professor of Anesthesiology and co-director of the Opioid Research Institute at the University of Michigan; Kevin Boehnke, Ph.D., research assistant professor within the Michigan Medicine Department of Anesthesiology; and Joel Gagnier, Ph.D., from Western University Ontario. Together, they will oversee the recruitment of 380 adult patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty at Michigan Medicine and Henry Ford Health.
Participants in this double-blind randomized controlled trial will be assigned to one of four groups, receiving a combination of placebo or 300 mg/day of CBD for one week prior to their surgery and for four weeks afterward. This regimen will be complemented by a standard pain treatment pathway, which includes an opioid prescription post-discharge and refills as necessary, thus maintaining a controlled environment to accurately assess CBD's effects on post-surgical opioid consumption.
This trial is significant, not only for its scale but also for its comprehensive approach to understanding CBD's potential benefits. Beyond merely measuring opioid intake, the study aims to provide insights into CBD's impact on pain intensity, anxiety, inflammation, and sleep quality post-surgery. Such data is crucial, given the increasing popularity of CBD among the general public, with an estimated 14% of Americans using CBD, primarily for chronic pain and related symptoms, despite a lack of substantial clinical research validating its effectiveness.
The move to investigate CBD as a viable alternative to opioids is motivated by the urgent need to offer patients safer pain management options. Opioids, while effective, present a slippery slope to dependence and addiction, a scenario the medical community is keen to avoid. By potentially establishing CBD as an effective perioperative pain management tool, Michigan Medicine and Henry Ford Health aim to set a new standard in surgical care, reducing reliance on opioids and mitigating the risk of addiction.
This clinical trial represents a crucial step forward in the quest to redefine postoperative pain management. Lara Zador, M.D., a specialist in anesthesiology and pain medicine at Henry Ford Health, emphasized the significance of this research in assessing CBD's capacity to curtail opioid use after surgery. Given the widespread prevalence of surgeries requiring pain management, the implications of this study extend far beyond knee arthroplasty, offering hope for a future where elective surgeries are associated with less risk and better outcomes.
In sum, this pioneering clinical trial by Michigan Medicine and Henry Ford Health not only highlights the institutions' commitment to advancing medical research but also underscores the broader medical community's dedication to finding safer, more effective pain management solutions. As the study progresses, it promises to shed light on CBD's role in post-surgical care, potentially revolutionizing the way pain is managed and offering a beacon of hope for millions of patients worldwide.
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