The Bad Axe City Council, in its recent meeting on February 5th, engaged in a significant discussion regarding the inaugural draft of a proposed marijuana ordinance, focusing on the regulation of cannabis businesses within the city. Police Chief Shawn Webber provided a detailed overview of the available licenses under the draft ordinance, highlighting the inclusion of two principal business types: retailers and micro-businesses. He emphasized the potential tax revenue benefits, particularly from these entities, estimating an annual income of approximately $56,000 per license issued.
Retail stores, as outlined, would source their products from distributors, in contrast to micro-businesses, designed to cultivate and produce all goods on-site. The draft proposes a cap of two licenses for each business type, a figure that City Manager Rebecca Bachman noted could be revisited and adjusted to possibly include more varieties of businesses or increase the allowed number.
The dialogue also touched upon concerns related to cultivation facilities, especially in light of public complaints about odors emanating from a facility in Vassar. To mitigate similar issues, it was suggested that micro-businesses, capable of on-site production, be restricted to industrial zones, while retail establishments could be located within business districts. Currently, the ordinance draft does not cover cultivation facilities, reflecting the city's historical focus on retail-based inquiries.
Chief Webber also shared insights from discussions with Bay County law enforcement, cautioning against oversaturating the market with cannabis businesses, a scenario believed to have led to business closures in Bay County due to intense competition.
On the topic of safety, Webber reassured the council that, based on data from surrounding areas, the primary safety concerns associated with cannabis businesses were retail fraud and break-ins, without a significant uptick in overall crime rates. He also highlighted that cannabis businesses are subject to stringent state regulations, ensuring that local enforcement can concentrate on other community matters.
Following the discussion, Bachman indicated that a final draft of the ordinance is underway, with plans to present it for a vote at the council's next meeting. Subsequent steps would involve forwarding the ordinance to the planning commission and organizing public hearings.
Additionally, the council approved an increase in election inspector pay to $16 per hour and an incentive program for water treatment and water operators to obtain additional licenses. However, a request for back pay for an employee was not supported.
The next council meeting is scheduled for February 20th, following a closure on February 19th in observance of Presidents Day.
In a significant operation led by narcotics investigators from the Region of Irish Hills Narcotics Office (RHINO), a considerable cache of firearms and illegal substances was confiscated during a search in Lenawee County, Michigan. This action, part of an ongoing narcotics investigation, underscores the concerted efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related crimes in the region.
On Tuesday, February 6th, RHINO detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in Lenawee County. The Michigan State Police reported that the operation resulted in the seizure of an alarming array of illegal items. Investigators discovered over 12 ounces of cocaine, quantities of LSD intended for distribution, numerous bags of hallucinogenic mushrooms, approximately 29 pounds of processed marijuana, and 16 firearms. The assortment and volume of the narcotics and weapons underscore the significant scale of this drug operation.
In addition to the items immediately seized, authorities collected other suspected narcotics, which will undergo analysis at the Michigan State Police Forensic Laboratory to confirm their composition and potentially add further charges against those involved.
A suspect was apprehended at the scene of the search. However, details regarding their identity and the charges they face have not been disclosed as the suspect awaits arraignment. This arrest marks a crucial step in the investigation, though the operation remains active with ongoing inquiries.
The RHINO office, committed to disrupting drug trafficking and related criminal activities, urges the public to come forward with any information that could aid their efforts. They emphasize the importance of community involvement in their fight against narcotics and assure confidentiality for those who wish to provide tips anonymously.
Support for the operation came from several units within the Michigan State Police, including the MSP Aviation Unit, troopers from the MSP-Monroe Post, the MSP K-9 Unit, and the Jackson Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET). This collaborative approach highlights the broad commitment across various law enforcement agencies to address and mitigate the challenges posed by drug trafficking and its associated crimes.
As the investigation progresses, the RHINO office and its partners remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the communities within Lenawee County and beyond, signaling a continued crackdown on narcotics distribution networks.
Update from the event organizer: It is with great sadness that we are having to cancel our Mount Bohemia ZApres Day. Due to the lack of snow and record low snowpack, we had to make this decision. Over next 10 days, the temperature is supposed to be above freezing and there is no snow in sight. The snow is quickly disappearing. We will be refunding all of the tickets that were purchased for the event.
ZAprès Events, founded by long-time cannabis industry insider Jamie Cooper, is launching a series of four events that blend skiing and cannabis culture. The first two events will take place in Michigan, followed by two more in Colorado.
Jamie Cooper, Founder and Owner of ZAprès Events, expressed excitement about combining snow sports with the emerging cannabis culture. "Our goal is to bring the cannabis industry and community together, fostering connections and friendships in an enjoyable and relaxed environment," said Cooper.
The festivities will commence on February 5th at Highlands at Harbor Springs in Michigan, followed by another event on February 8th at Mount Bohemia. The Colorado events are scheduled for April 3rd at Keystone Ski Resort and April 4th at Cooper Mountain Ski Resort. Participants must be 21 or older to attend.
ZAprès Events will be hosted separately from the ski areas to ensure a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Each day from 5 – 8 pm, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with other cannabis brands and enthusiasts. This unique social community experience aims to create lasting memories and bonds.
To attend ZAprès Events, participants must purchase their lift tickets for the respective ski resorts. After a day of skiing or snowboarding, attendees can join the nearby ZAprès Parties for $50, which includes food, beverages, and a goodie bag with commemorative and promotional items. These events offer a platform for industry professionals and newcomers to network, learn, and share experiences.
Calvin Johnson, the Detroit Lions' legendary wide receiver and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, has recently made headlines for his candid revelations about using cannabis during his NFL career. Known for his remarkable achievements on the field, including holding the record for the most receiving yards in a season and earning six Pro Bowl selections, Johnson's admission sheds light on the physical toll of professional football and the methods players resort to for pain management.
In a revealing interview, Johnson, now 38, disclosed that he turned to cannabis before games in the final stages of his career to cope with the pain. He described moments of doubt about his ability to play due to the physical demands of the sport, stating, "There were some games in my career, man, where I was just like, man, how am I going to make it today. So I just let me get my mind right. It was like in my last year when I was barely hanging on."
Johnson's use of cannabis was confined to his last year before retiring in 2015, a decision that underscores the challenges athletes face in managing pain and maintaining performance levels. Despite the controversy surrounding his method of pain management, Johnson's post-retirement endeavors continue to align with his interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabis.
In 2019, Johnson, along with his wife Brittney, ventured into the cannabis industry by opening a medical cannabis dispensary in Michigan, with additional operations in Boston. This business endeavor is a partnership that includes former NFL first-round pick Godser Cherilus and Rob Sims. Beyond his entrepreneurial activities, Johnson has collaborated with Harvard University to research the effects of cannabis on pain healing, highlighting his commitment to exploring alternative pain management solutions. His work with Harvard was notably mentioned in his Hall of Fame speech, emphasizing the potential benefits of cannabis in treating pain.
Johnson's career achievements extend beyond his groundbreaking receiving yards record. He shares records with Michael Irvin for the most 100-yard games in a season and with Adam Thielen for consecutive 100-yard games. Moreover, Johnson holds the distinction for the most consecutive games with 10 or more receptions.
This revelation from a player of Johnson's stature brings attention to the ongoing debate regarding the use of cannabis in professional sports, particularly concerning pain management and player welfare. As research and societal attitudes towards cannabis continue to evolve, Johnson's experiences and advocacy may play a pivotal role in shaping future policies and perceptions around cannabis use in athletics.
Agrify Corporation (NASDAQ: AGFY), a frontrunner in providing advanced cultivation and extraction solutions for the cannabis sector, recently achieved a significant milestone with the installation of its PX-30 Hydrocarbon Extraction System at the Michigan facility of Lume Cannabis. This installation underscores Agrify's ongoing commitment to spearheading technological advancements in the cannabis and hemp industries, ensuring their clientele have access to the latest in extraction technology.
The PX-30 system, a standout in Agrify's PX-Extraction series, is recognized for its innovative design that boosts both efficiency and precision in the extraction process. This development is particularly noteworthy for Agrify as it continues to solidify its reputation for delivering cutting-edge solutions across the United States.
Lume Cannabis, which previously utilized Agrify's XMU Hydrocarbon Extraction System, opted for the PX-30 to accommodate its expanding operation and to better meet the growing demand for premium cannabis and hemp extracts. "After experiencing the benefits of the Precision XMU system first-hand, the PX-30 was a clear choice for us as we looked to enhance our resin extraction capabilities," shared Stan Gourentchik, Lab Manager at Lume Cannabis. He also commended the Precision Extraction team for their exceptional support throughout the installation and startup process.
The PX-30 system distinguishes itself with several key features:
High Extraction Efficiency: Capable of processing over 240 lbs. of material in an 8-hour shift, the PX-30 maximizes the production of high-quality extracts.
Operational Design: With the operator in mind, the PX-30 facilitates ultra-low temperature operations and quick recovery times, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
Safety and Compliance: Safety is a paramount concern for Agrify, and the PX-30 is designed to meet the highest standards, including 3A sanitary and cGMP regulations.
Brian Towns, EVP & General Manager at Agrify, expressed his excitement about the project, noting, "This installation not only demonstrates our commitment to innovation but also to our clients' success in the ever-evolving cannabis industry."
As Agrify continues to pioneer new technologies, its focus remains on supporting the growth and efficiency of cannabis and hemp operators through state-of-the-art equipment and solutions. This installation at Lume Cannabis's Michigan facility is a testament to Agrify's dedication to enhancing the cannabis extraction process, positioning the company as a leader in the ancillary cannabis extraction market.
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Four individuals were arraigned in Hillsdale County, Michigan, following their involvement in a burglary at a marijuana dispensary and subsequent cross-state police chase. The incident, unfolding on January 31st, led to the apprehension of the suspects on February 2nd.
The accused, Dontay Dequan Banks, 19; Treshaun Omeirr Boykins, 23; Milton Tyier Hudson, 18; and Jeremiah Javon Smith, 18, face multiple felony charges. These include breaking and entering with the intent to commit larceny, conspiracy to commit breaking and entering, receiving and concealing stolen property, third-degree fleeing from police, and resisting arrest. Their arraignment took place via video teleconference from the Hillsdale County Jail, where they were informed of their charges and assigned court-appointed attorneys.
The incident began when the Michigan State Police were alerted to a break-in at The Pinnacle Emporium, a marijuana dispensary in Camden, Michigan. Upon arrival, officers encountered the suspects along with a juvenile in a 2018 white Kia parked outside the premises. Attempting to evade capture, the suspects led police on a high-speed pursuit that extended from Michigan into Ohio and Indiana, with speeds surpassing 100 miles per hour. The chase eventually circled back into Michigan, where a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver was used to halt the vehicle in southern Branch County, just shy of Calhoun County.
Following the vehicle's immobilization, the suspects attempted to flee on foot but were quickly captured by law enforcement. The juvenile involved was released to his parents, while the four men were detained at the Branch County Jail before being transferred to Hillsdale County Jail.
Investigations revealed the vehicle used in the crime was stolen. In court, Judge Megan Stiverson highlighted the Hillsdale County Court's new Community Corrections Program, labeling the defendants as "low-risk" for future court appearances due to their lack of prior criminal history. Consequently, Stiverson granted each man a personal recognizance bond and mandated adherence to the program's supervision requirements.
The four are slated to return to court for probable cause conferences on February 14th, facing a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
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