Kalamazoo, a city known for its progressive steps towards integrating the cannabis industry into its local economy, is taking another significant stride. In a recent move, the city has allocated a portion of its cannabis tax revenue towards fostering education and job training within the cannabis sector for its residents. This initiative underscores a growing trend among municipalities to harness the economic potential of legal cannabis while promoting social equity and community education.
A three-year contract, valued at $990,000, was awarded to the Detroit Cannabis Project (DCP) earlier this month by the City Commission. This collaboration aims to establish a "Social Equity Cannabis Chamber" in Kalamazoo, an entity designed to mirror the functions of a traditional chamber of commerce but with a focus on the unique needs of the cannabis industry and its clientele.
Antonio Mitchell, Kalamazoo's Economic Development Director, elaborated on the chamber's mission, emphasizing its role in offering resources specifically crafted for cannabis businesses and their customers. In 2022, Kalamazoo received $881,300 in revenue from marijuana business fees and taxes from the state. A 2020 ordinance mandates that at least 25% of these funds are dedicated to initiatives such as training for people of color in owning and operating marijuana businesses, community outreach, and educational programs about cannabis use, aligning with the city's broader priorities.
The Detroit Cannabis Project, under the leadership of founder Rebecca Colett, brings a wealth of experience and resources to this partnership. Since its inception in 2020, DCP has aimed to enhance diversity within the cannabis industry. The project has evolved into an incubator program, offering a variety of services including cannabis health and safety classes and support for those interested in entering the cannabis market, whether through employment or entrepreneurship.
Addressing the persistent stigma surrounding cannabis, particularly in communities adversely affected by the war on drugs, Colett highlighted the importance of accessible information and education. DCP's approach allows community members, including those from religious or neighborhood organizations, to seek advice and information from medical professionals about cannabis.
Beyond educational efforts, DCP intends to facilitate networking between the cannabis sector and other businesses in Kalamazoo, fostering a synergy that can lead to mutual growth and opportunities. This initiative is part of a broader vision to integrate the cannabis industry more seamlessly into the local economy, emphasizing relationship-building as a cornerstone of success in this unique field.
Despite the lack of federal legalization, Michigan's cannabis market is thriving, with 574 licensees generating $1.8 billion in sales in 2022. Kalamazoo is leveraging this vibrant industry to promote education, awareness, and positive community engagement, according to Mitchell. The partnership with DCP is seen as a pathway to achieving these objectives, ensuring the cannabis industry contributes constructively to the city and its residents.
An inaugural event planned for this spring by DCP will mark the beginning of this ambitious program, though specifics are still being finalized. With established partnerships in other Michigan cities such as Grand Rapids and Battle Creek, DCP's experience and existing networks in West Michigan are expected to enhance the effectiveness of the Social Equity Cannabis Chamber in Kalamazoo.
In a recent announcement, Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) Executive Director Brian Hanna expressed his support for Governor Gretchen Whitmer's Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Executive Budget Recommendation. This budget, praised for its balanced and fiscally responsible approach without imposing new taxes on Michigan residents, earmarks additional support for several of the CRA's pivotal initiatives. These initiatives are aimed at bolstering the state's cannabis market and include a range of measures from regulatory reforms to enhanced enforcement efforts against illegal operations.
Key highlights of the budget supporting the CRA's initiatives are as follows:
Executive Director Hanna emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating they are crucial for fostering a thriving, expanding legal cannabis market. By removing the monthly subscription fees for the statewide monitoring system, the CRA aims to invest in the stability and long-term success of Michigan's legal cannabis market. Additionally, the focus on combating illicit activities, bolstering enforcement efforts, and improving safety measures through quicker fire inspections is expected to support the state's licensed cannabis businesses significantly.
Robin Schneider, Executive Director of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association (MiCIA), also commended Governor Whitmer's budget. Schneider highlighted that the budget addresses several critical needs of the industry, including safety enhancements, reduction in regulatory costs for businesses, and increased profitability for law-abiding operators through stricter enforcement against illegal market activities. Schneider appreciated the CRA's responsiveness to industry concerns and its proactive measures to improve the sector.
This budget represents a significant step forward in Michigan's efforts to regulate and support its legal cannabis industry, with the state showing a commitment to addressing the needs of both businesses and consumers while ensuring a safe, regulated market.
In a recent update, the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) of Michigan released its January 2024 Disciplinary Action Report, outlining the administrative formal complaints and disciplinary actions taken against licensees in the state's adult-use and medical cannabis sectors. The report reveals a series of compliance failures across a number of operations, highlighting the agency's ongoing efforts to enforce regulations within the industry.
The CRA's January report lists several businesses across Michigan facing disciplinary actions for a variety of infractions, ranging from failure to report material changes in operations to non-compliance with the state's tracking system and security requirements.
The CRA's report underscores the diverse nature of compliance issues facing the cannabis industry in Michigan, from operational mismanagement and security lapses to specific failures in adhering to the state's Adult-Use Marijuana and Medical Marijuana facilities system (METRC), packaging, advertising, and sales regulations.
These disciplinary actions serve as a reminder of the importance of strict adherence to regulatory requirements within the cannabis industry. For businesses, the consequences of non-compliance can range from fines to the suspension or revocation of licenses, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance and adherence to state laws and regulations. For consumers, these enforcement actions assure that Michigan's cannabis market remains safe, compliant, and transparent.
The CRA's commitment to enforcing regulations and ensuring compliance is crucial for maintaining the integrity of Michigan's cannabis industry, promoting fair business practices, and protecting consumers. As the industry continues to evolve, the agency's role in oversight and enforcement will remain vital for the development of a responsible and sustainable market.
The January 2024 Disciplinary Action Report by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency highlights the ongoing challenges and regulatory enforcement activities within Michigan's burgeoning cannabis industry. As the state continues to navigate the complexities of cannabis regulation, these actions are essential for fostering a compliant, safe, and thriving market for all stakeholders involved.
The Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission has concluded its examination of ethics allegations against Wayne County Circuit Judge Paul Cusick, leading to the complete dismissal of the charges. The inquiry centered on accusations that, during his tenure as an assistant attorney general, Cusick had engaged in misconduct by allowing a confidential informant to commit perjury in a marijuana-related case. The commission's decision was significantly influenced by a special master's report, which found insufficient credible evidence to support the allegations.
The ethics complaint, filed in November 2022, detailed accusations against Judge Cusick for not disclosing specific arrangements regarding an informant's cooperation with law enforcement. This cooperation was allegedly aimed at obtaining a lenient sentence for the informant's boyfriend, who was implicated in a marijuana enterprise. The complaint further alleged that Cusick permitted the informant to provide false testimony and obstructed the defense's efforts to probe the terms of her collaboration with the authorities.
Special Master Peter D. Houk, in his September recommendation for dismissal, expressed belief in Cusick's statements denying knowledge of any deal benefiting the informant's boyfriend. The commission majority echoed Houk's assessment, valuing the insights from experienced trial attorneys on the use of confidential informants in drug prosecutions.
However, the decision was not unanimous. Two commissioners, Judges Monte J. Burmeister and Pablo Cortes, dissented in part. They concurred with much of the majority's view but argued that evidence suggested Cusick was aware of the informant's actual motives, thus violating a Michigan Rule of Professional Conduct by permitting her misleading testimony.
The dissenting opinion highlighted discrepancies between the informant's stated reasons for participating in the case and the evidence, suggesting a deeper involvement in drug trafficking activities led by her boyfriend. This discrepancy raised questions about Cusick's assertions of ignorance regarding the informant's motivations.
Further complicating the situation, defense counsel for the accused dispensary owner had clandestinely recorded a meeting with the informant. This recording, according to Cusick's legal representation, confirmed the informant's honesty about her motives. The defense's failure to disclose this recording was criticized by Cusick's attorneys, who argued that the omission contributed to a misleading portrayal of the judge's actions.
In defending Judge Cusick, his lawyers emphasized the lack of written evidence to prove knowledge of any agreement between the informant and her boyfriend, challenging the disciplinary counsel's ability to substantiate their allegations of misconduct.
The case's resolution leaves open questions about the judicial process and the use of confidential informants in legal proceedings. Representatives for the Judicial Tenure Commission and Judge Cusick's legal team provided contrasting perspectives on the implications of the case and the evidence presented during the investigation.
The commission's decision to dismiss the complaint against Judge Cusick marks the end of a closely watched judicial ethics investigation, underscoring the complexities and challenges in maintaining transparency and integrity within the legal system.
Lume Cannabis Co. has announced its intention to take control of a significant cultivation facility near Lansing, previously operated by Skymint, its industry rival. This move is part of Lume's strategic expansion efforts in the state's cannabis sector.
Recently, Lume expressed its commitment through a letter of intent, signaling its plans to lease the 56,000-square-foot cultivation space located within Harvest Park at 10070 Harvest Park in Dimondale. This decision comes as Skymint prepares to exit the facility by March 1st, amidst a restructuring initiative following a period of receivership. The facility, owned by Innovative Industrial Properties, marks the end of Skymint's cultivation operations in Michigan. Skymint plans to shift its focus towards sourcing cannabis products from other growers while maintaining its retail presence through 22 stores across the state.
Doug Hellyar, President and COO of Lume, highlighted the company's ambition to solidify its presence in Michigan by occupying the facility within the next 90 days, pending further due diligence and the finalization of a long-term lease agreement with Innovative Industrial Properties. Additionally, Lume is in the process of securing a local license from the village of Dimondale.
The transition to the Harvest Park facility is a strategic move for Lume, with plans to commence its first harvest by August. The harvested plants are slated for flash-freezing and subsequent shipment to Lume's processing site in Evart. The company envisions stabilizing operations before relocating its solventless extraction processes to Dimondale, earmarking the facility as the exclusive production site for its highly sought-after Lume Gold Label live rosin product. This product, known for its use in vapes and smokable forms, has seen a surge in demand that Lume aims to meet through this expansion.
Hellyar projects that, once fully operational, the Dimondale site will become the state's, if not the nation's, largest dedicated live rosin facility. To achieve this, Lume is set to invest significantly in the facility's infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art lighting system and other critical upgrades. This strategic move also allows Lume to enhance its cultivation capacity at its extensive facility in Evart.
The acquisition of the Harvest Park facility, which formerly employed 143 workers under Skymint, may offer employment opportunities for some of these individuals, though the exact number remains undetermined. This development occurs as Skymint initiates layoffs at the facility.
Skymint's challenges culminated in receivership in March of the previous year, following a lawsuit from its primary lender, Tropics LP, a subsidiary of Sunstream Bancorp., affiliated with SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), over a substantial debt. The acquisition of Skymint's assets, including cultivation and retail leases, was finalized in October for $109.4 million by Tropics, now operating under Skymint Acquisition Co.
In a separate move, Skymint relinquished its lease on the Summit Sports and Ice Complex near Lansing earlier in April, abandoning plans to expand its marijuana production capabilities.
Amid these industry shifts, Lume continues to project significant growth, with revenue expectations surpassing $200 million for the current year. The company's operations encompass a cultivation facility in Evart and 38 dispensaries throughout Michigan, reinforcing its stature in the state's cannabis market.
Today, we dive into a review of Premier Cannabis Farms, a brand deeply rooted in the Lansing/East Lansing area, showcasing its dedication to local pride with the 517 Spartan OG #6 strain, a nod to Michigan State University.
Despite the scarcity of information online, Premier Cannabis Farms stands out for its commitment to Lansing, incorporating the area code 517 into each strain name. Their cultivation approach focuses on a small, exclusive genetic library, emphasizing small-batch production with meticulous hand watering and trimming practices. It's likely their operations are based around Lansing, given the local distribution of their products.
This strain truly stands out, encapsulating all the desirable qualities of premium bud—packaged in glass jars, featuring large, squishy nugs with an aroma that translates perfectly into its unique taste. Despite being slightly aged, the quality remained exceptional, making it one of the top OG varieties experienced in Michigan.
Interestingly, this strain also represented Premier Cannabis Farms in the 2023 High Times Cannabis Cup, indicating its quality and the brand's ambition.
Premier Cannabis Farms' 517 Spartan OG #6 is undeniably Gas ⛽, a testament to their meticulous cultivation process and their potential to make waves beyond the Lansing area. This review, originally featured on Gas & Middies, barely scratches the surface of the strain's excellence. For cannabis enthusiasts, especially those in Michigan, it's a brand worth watching, and I eagerly anticipate their future offerings.
For the complete review and more information, visit Gas & Middies. Your source for Michigan cannabis reviews & information. Finding the gas ⛽ through all of the middies 🥱
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