The Three Oaks Village Council has signaled its support for a significant change in its local marijuana ordinance, moving towards allowing an unlimited number of retail establishments. This decision came to light during the council's regular meeting on January 10th, when council members were presented with a choice: to maintain the current marijuana ordinance, which caps the number of retail licenses at two and includes a single microbusiness license, or to adopt a revised ordinance that would remove the limit on retail licenses.
Village President Richard Smith highlighted a pressing issue with the existing ordinance, pointing out that the council might need to reevaluate the process for awarding the second retail license. The discussion also brought up concerns about the limited zoning space available in the village for marijuana retail dispensaries along U.S. 12, even with the potential for unlimited licenses.
In response to these discussions, Smith requested that Village Manager Dan Faulkner and Village Attorney Charles Hilmer begin drafting a revised ordinance that would remove the cap on retail establishments. This new ordinance is expected to be ready for review at the February Village Council meeting.
Public feedback during the meeting included concerns from a local property owner about the financial implications of the current 500-foot buffer requirement between parks and marijuana retail locations. The property owner, who owns two properties on Nels Drive, expressed frustration over the ordinance blocking potential offers due to this restriction.
Additionally, the council decided to postpone action on a proposed Marihuana Zoning Ordinance Amendment. This draft document has been sent back to the planning commission to ensure that all proper procedures are followed.
Mark Crowley, a 28-year-old resident of the Chicago area, is facing severe legal consequences for allegedly transporting over 1,000 THC vape cartridges across state lines, an action that not only violates drug laws but also marks a repeat offense for Crowley. This recent arrest in La Porte County, Indiana, echoes a similar incident from 2019 when Crowley was apprehended for carrying marijuana and related products in his vehicle during a traffic stop in Pennsylvania.
In the latest incident, Crowley was charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with dealing in a Schedule I, II, or III substance as a Level 2 felony, potentially facing a prison sentence of 10 to 30 years. The charges stem from a routine traffic stop on Interstate 94 for improper lane usage and speeding. Crowley's nervous demeanor and evasive answers about his trip from Michigan raised the officer's suspicions, leading to the discovery of two large boxes filled with 600 THC vape cartridges each in his trunk. This significant quantity suggests intent to distribute, as it far exceeds personal consumption levels.
Crowley's prior encounter with law enforcement occurred in 2019, when Pennsylvania State Police arrested him on the Pennsylvania Turnpike for speeding. During the stop, officers detected the smell of marijuana emanating from his vehicle. This led to the discovery of various forms of marijuana and related paraphernalia, including vapes, sealed cans of marijuana, liquid marijuana, and marijuana-infused chocolate bars. Crowley faced multiple charges, including felony manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, alongside misdemeanor charges for possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence.
The repetition of such offenses underscores the risks associated with interstate transportation of marijuana products, particularly from states like Michigan, where they can be purchased legally and at lower prices, to states where such activities remain illegal. Crowley's actions reflect a broader challenge faced by law enforcement in managing the implications of disparate state marijuana laws, especially as more states move towards legalization in various forms.
These incidents serve as cautionary tales about the severe legal repercussions of transporting marijuana products across state lines, a felony offense that carries significant penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. They highlight the ongoing legal and societal challenges posed by the patchwork of marijuana legislation in the United States.
C3 Industries, an Ann Arbor-based cannabis company, has recently inaugurated its latest dispensary, High Profile Ironwood, marking the 22nd retail outlet in its nationwide portfolio and the 11th within Michigan. The grand opening of this new location is scheduled from Friday, February 9th, continuing through the Super Bowl weekend, aiming to provide a festive launch to its operations.
Situated at 100 West Cloverland Drive in Ironwood, this newly opened dispensary is strategically located in an area celebrated for its scenic natural landscapes, encompassing forests, lakes, and a plethora of outdoor activities. C3 Industries expresses enthusiasm for its new venture in Ironwood, highlighting the locale's environmental allure as a significant draw for customers. The company is keen on offering daily discounts to a wide array of customers including seniors, veterans, medical cardholders, as well as college students and staff, ensuring a broad community benefit from its services.
Ankur Rungta, CEO and co-founder of C3 Industries, articulated the company's excitement about expanding their footprint in Michigan and across the nation. "This store addition reflects our commitment to serving communities all over the great state of Michigan," Rungta stated. He further emphasized the goal of broadening access to premium cannabis products and enhancing customer experience, alongside contributing to the cannabis industry's growth and positive evolution in the future.
The High Profile Ironwood dispensary operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering an extensive range of cannabis products. These include flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, vape cartridges, tinctures, topicals, and accessories, featuring C3's proprietary cannabis brand, Cloud Cover, and their everyday product lines like Galactic, which encompasses flower, concentrates, vape cartridges, and gummies.
In addition to product offerings, High Profile Ironwood introduces an engaging loyalty program, the High Roller Loyalty membership, which rewards customers for their purchases with points that can be redeemed on future visits. New members receive an immediate bonus of 50 free points upon signing up and enjoy various benefits such as early access to special events, referral bonuses, double points on Tuesdays, and exclusive members-only discounts.
Further enhancing customer convenience, High Profile Ironwood supports online ordering with options for inside drive-thru and curbside pickup. New customers are welcomed with a 20% discount on their first purchase and a complimentary product on their subsequent visit, encouraging community engagement and recurrent patronage.
Madison Heights City Council, in a closely contested decision, has opted to expand its cannabis licensing framework, accommodating two additional companies, Arctic Fox LLC and 305 N Euclid LLC, which had previously faced rejection. This move comes as a strategic measure to avert the financial and resource strains of ongoing legal confrontations.
In an unexpected turn during the council session on January 22nd, Councilman David Soltis shifted his stance from opposition to approval, tipping the scales to a 4-3 majority in favor of resolving the lawsuits initiated by the two companies. This pivotal decision also led to a revision in the city's ordinance, raising the cap on marijuana establishment licenses from three to five. It's noteworthy that this adjustment comes with a provision that should any of the licensed establishments cease operations, the city is not obligated to reissue the vacated licenses.
The council's vote mirrored its previous deliberations on November 16th, 2023, with Mayor Roslyn Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Bliss, and Councilman Sean Fleming maintaining their supportive votes, while Councilwoman Emily Rohrbach, Councilman Quinn Wright, and Councilman Bill Mier stood by their opposition. The legal challenges brought forth by Arctic Fox and 305 N Euclid were rooted in allegations of unfairness in the city's licensing process.
Soltis, reflecting on his decision, acknowledged the complexity of balancing principle with the practical implications of legal expenses on the city and its residents. The settlement with Arctic Fox and 305 N Euclid not only resolves the litigation but also introduces them as community stakeholders, with both companies agreeing to substantial financial contributions to the city and ongoing community support.
The specifics of when these establishments will commence operations remain uncertain. However, their proposed locations and developmental plans suggest significant investments in property renovation and community integration. Arctic Fox aims to establish its footprint at the former Mac's Party Store location, with plans for extensive renovations, while 305 N Euclid is set to develop Dispo Cannabis at a site on Dequindre Road.
The settlement terms outline a financial framework where each company will make a one-time payment of $175,000 to the city, exceeding the initially discussed $150,000, alongside annual contributions to a community fund and a share of net profits. This arrangement also entails commitments to public safety and operational transparency, including the installation of camera systems accessible to local police.
This resolution has sparked a mix of reactions among council members, with some expressing concerns over community values and the impact of increasing cannabis establishments on the city's fabric. Yet, proponents like Mayor Grafstein and Mayor Pro Tem Bliss highlight the financial rationale and the broader benefits of integrating these businesses into the community's economic and safety strategies.
The decision reflects a nuanced approach to cannabis regulation, balancing legal, economic, and community considerations. It underscores the evolving dynamics of cannabis policy at the local level, mirroring broader trends in Michigan's legal cannabis sector, which has witnessed significant growth and regulatory challenges.
In Michigan, where recreational cannabis is legally consumed, music venues have traditionally navigated a complex landscape, largely due to the intertwined regulations surrounding liquor licenses. However, a pioneering approach by the organizers of the state's Cannabash music festival may soon change the game. They aim to launch what is anticipated to be the United States' first music venue to legally sell and allow the consumption of both alcohol and cannabis.
Field of Greens, an outdoor concert space in Baldwin, is set to open its gates this spring, according to Grams & Jams Productions. This innovative move is a direct response to the longstanding practice of concertgoers indulging in either alcohol or cannabis during events—a reality that the organizers are keen to embrace and formalize within the regulatory framework.
"The concept isn't new—people have been enjoying music with their preferred choice of legal intoxicants for decades," Connie Maxim-Sparrow, co-founder of Grams & Jams Productions, shared with Metro Times. She highlighted the ubiquity of cannabis use at concerts, using Pine Knob's live music events as an example of where attendees regularly smoke weed.
The journey towards this groundbreaking venture was partly inspired by the success of the Cannabash festival, which since its inception in 2022 at Muskegon's Softball World grounds, has rapidly grown in popularity. With a lineup that included notable performers such as Ludacris and Sada Baby, the 2023 festival attracted 12,000 attendees, underscoring the public's enthusiasm for such events.
The decision to develop Field of Greens was driven by logistical challenges and municipal restrictions encountered at previous venues. Partnering with Baldwin Provisions, a local cannabis dispensary situated on a 30-acre site, offered a solution. The chosen location, once a gun and driving range, provides the necessary infrastructure for large events, including power, lighting, and fencing. Moreover, its proximity to Idlewild, a historic African American vacation spot, adds cultural and historical significance.
To navigate the legal complexities of selling and consuming alcohol and cannabis in the same venue, Grams & Jams Productions plans to split the venue with a fence, designating separate areas for each substance. This arrangement will be complemented by a temporary 24-hour liquor license obtained through the organization's nonprofit division, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
Maxim-Sparrow views this innovative model as a step towards more pragmatic regulations in the future, envisioning Field of Greens as a trailblazer for the music industry's integration with cannabis events. With plans for the venue to accommodate up to 15,000 people, there are ambitions to expand and formalize the space, drawing inspiration from successful venues like the Meijer Gardens Amphitheater in Grand Rapids.
The inaugural season at Field of Greens promises a diverse lineup of events catering to various musical tastes and demographics. From the rock and blues-focused Bikes, Buds, and Brews, aligning with Baldwin's Blessing of the Bikes, to the mainstream allure of Grams & Jams Country Night, and the return of Cannabash with its hip-hop and rock repertoire, the schedule is designed to celebrate music and cannabis culture alike.
Bringing over 55,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to Baldwin, Michigan to celebrate the start of bike season. Enjoy cornhole and midget wrestling, finish the night off with some rythmn and blues on the Field of Greens Mainstage.
Expect 4,000 of your closest cannabis enthusiasts for an evening of country music and good times.
Celebrate the culture and community of cannabis as this festival's 3rde annual installment. Anticipate music from the nation's top artists focusing on rock, county, and hip hop as only Cannabash does.
Expect 4,000 of your closest cannabis enthrusiasts for an evening of blue grass and good times.
Join us as we celebrate the harvest of 2024, close the season out with a bang!
As Grams & Jams Productions moves forward with selling tickets and seeking sponsorships, the message is clear: cannabis culture deserves recognition and its rightful place in the public sphere.
In Michigan's bustling marijuana industry, the quest for higher THC potency has not only influenced consumer preferences but also raised concerns about the integrity of potency testing. Industry insiders and regulators have voiced worries about the potential manipulation of THC test results, which are pivotal in determining the price and profitability of marijuana products across the state.
The significance of THC potency in setting prices has led to suspicions of unethical practices among some testing labs and marijuana producers. Allegations suggest a "pay-to-play" scheme, where higher potency figures are reported in exchange for financial benefits, disadvantaging labs committed to accurate testing.
Ben Rosman, co-founder and CEO of PSI Labs in Ann Arbor, one of Michigan's first licensed marijuana safety testing facilities, observed firsthand how prioritizing accuracy in test results could negatively impact business. PSI Labs, known for its commitment to reliable data, ultimately closed its doors after eight and a half years, underscoring the challenging dynamics between accuracy and market demands.
The phenomenon of "lab shopping," where producers seek out labs that report higher THC levels to remain competitive, highlights a systemic issue within the industry. Despite the common knowledge among budtenders and retailers that THC potency is not the sole indicator of marijuana's effects, consumer behavior indicates a strong preference for higher potency products. This trend has led to an increase in strains boasting THC levels above 28%, while those with lower potency struggle to find a place in the market.
David Egerton, laboratory manager at Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs in Jackson, Michigan, has encountered direct requests from customers seeking inflated potency results, emphasizing the pressure labs face to retain clients by bending the rules.
The closure of PSI Labs and the challenges it faced in maintaining a commitment to accurate testing reflect a broader issue within the cannabis industry: the cycle of potency inflation. This cycle perpetuates the demand for higher THC levels, encouraging producers to seek out labs that will report such results, ultimately compromising the integrity of the testing process.
A study examining THC potency accuracy in Colorado's marijuana market revealed that a significant portion of tested samples had potency levels more than 15% lower than stated on packaging, suggesting that potency inflation may be a widespread problem in the U.S. cannabis industry.
In Michigan, the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) has taken steps to address concerns about THC potency testing, particularly focusing on the practices of Viridis Laboratories. The CRA's investigations and ongoing legal battles with Viridis highlight the complexities of standardizing testing methods and ensuring accurate results.
The CRA plans to open a state-run lab by the end of 2024, aiming to audit private lab results and contribute to the development of standardized testing procedures. However, achieving lasting change in the industry may require more than regulatory oversight and the establishment of reference labs. Stakeholders like Rosman believe that legal actions, similar to lawsuits filed in California over potency inflation, might be necessary to prompt significant reforms.
As Michigan's marijuana market continues to evolve, the challenges surrounding THC potency testing underscore the need for a balanced approach that ensures consumer safety and confidence while fostering a competitive and ethical industry.
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