HiBnb, a platform dedicated to cannabis-friendly accommodations, events, and experiences, is making significant strides in Michigan's burgeoning cannabis tourism sector. In a comprehensive discussion, Elizabeth Becker, CEO, and Drew Farwell, CMO, delve into the nuances of what HiBnb offers and its vision for the future.
HiBnb's primary mission is to assure guests of a welcoming space for cannabis consumption, be it inside or outside their rented unit, without the fear of eviction or complaints. Further emphasizing its commitment to a seamless cannabis experience, HiBnb ensures access to legal cannabis sales, either through delivery by partnering dispensaries or by hosts sharing their own cannabis with guests. This dual assurance positions HiBnb as a unique blend between traditional accommodation booking platforms and event organizers, specifically tailored for the cannabis community.
HiBnb extends its reach beyond just lodging, inviting various property types, including rooms, suites, houses, and cabins, to join its community. This inclusivity allows hosts to cater to a wide range of preferences and needs within the cannabis-consuming public, offering them dignity and comfort during their travels.
Moreover, the platform's collaboration with Michigan-based cannabis provisioning centers and brands fosters a symbiotic relationship. Property hosts act as brand ambassadors, recommending products and facilitating sales through HiBnb's dispensary partnerships. This not only enhances the guest experience but also provides a valuable promotional avenue for local cannabis businesses constrained by advertising restrictions in traditional media.
Drew Farwell, HiBnb's CMO, highlights the unique marketing opportunities available through the platform. With the cannabis industry's advertising limitations, HiBnb offers a direct channel to a targeted, cannabis-interested audience. Brands and dispensaries can create immersive experiences, including branded properties, to engage with consumers in a way that's not possible through conventional advertising platforms.
Michigan's position as a legal cannabis state, surrounded by areas with stricter regulations, presents a unique opportunity for cannabis tourism growth. HiBnb's efforts to simplify access to cannabis-friendly lodging and experiences cater to this emerging market, attracting visitors from neighboring states and beyond. The platform's focus on Michigan, with properties and experiences throughout the state, from urban centers like Detroit and Ann Arbor to rural retreats, underscores the diverse appeal of Michigan's cannabis culture.
As HiBnb continues to expand its offerings and partnerships in Michigan, its role in shaping the cannabis tourism industry is unmistakable. By providing a platform that bridges the gap between cannabis consumers and businesses, HiBnb is not just facilitating enjoyable and hassle-free travel experiences but is also contributing to the growth and visibility of the local cannabis market.
With initiatives like HiBnb, Michigan is poised to become a leading destination for cannabis tourism, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrate the state's vibrant cannabis culture. As the industry evolves, platforms like HiBnb will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in its development, driving innovation and inclusivity in cannabis-friendly travel.
Mount Bohemia, a renowned ski destination in Michigan, has announced the resumption of its chairlift operations following a delayed season start. In an intriguing partnership, the resort is offering an exclusive promotion: complimentary night skiing lift tickets on Thursdays to customers who make qualifying purchases at Lume dispensaries.
This distinctive collaboration between Mount Bohemia and Lume, a prominent dispensary chain with over 20 locations across Michigan, marries the worlds of winter sports and cannabis in a unique way. Customers who spend $50 or more at any Lume location are eligible to receive a free lift ticket for Thursday night skiing at Mount Bohemia, as detailed in a recent Instagram announcement from the resort.
The promotion caters to the 420-friendly demographic, presenting a compelling offer for those already inclined to shop at Lume. Even those not typically engaged in cannabis culture can appreciate the value of this deal, highlighting the innovative marketing strategies employed by Mount Bohemia.
Mount Bohemia's approach to engagement extends beyond conventional promotions. Earlier in the season, the resort launched a contest with a $10,000 prize, challenging participants to recruit the most friends (or foes) to purchase a lifetime season pass. The competition sparked lively discussions online, prompting POWDER magazine to reach out to the resort's management for comment.
The response from Mount Bohemia's owner was emblematic of the resort's bold marketing ethos, emphasizing the resort's commitment to expanding its community of season passholders. The owner likened the effort to a strategic campaign, aiming to "liberate" more skiers with the promise of a lifetime of exceptional skiing experiences at Mount Bohemia.
Mount Bohemia's distinct approach to marketing, coupled with its unique promotions, continues to cement its reputation as a beloved Michigan ski destination. The partnership with Lume for the night skiing ticket offer is just another example of how Mount Bohemia stands out in the crowded ski resort landscape, likely contributing to its strong and loyal customer base.
Early this morning, emergency services were called to a significant fire on Imlay City Road in Lapeer, at a premises formerly occupied by Cut Rate Auto Repair. The building, now leased by MKX Potency for the storage of marijuana products, is situated to the east of the local Walmart and beside Thompson Motors.
The situation escalated to a three-alarm fire when part of the roof caved in, triggering a "mayday" signal. The incident resulted in minor shoulder injuries to one firefighter, who was hit by falling debris during the efforts to control the blaze.
Responding to the initial alarm at approximately 6 a.m. were units from Lapeer Fire & Rescue and the Elba Township Fire Department. As the situation intensified, the Metamora Township Fire Department and later the Attica Township Fire Department were called in for additional support. To combat the fire, aerial trucks from Lapeer and Elba Township were deployed, allowing firefighters to douse the flames from above.
Efforts to reach and extinguish remaining hot spots were aided by a front-end loader from the Lapeer Department of Public Works, which cleared away parts of the roof and other debris. Fortunately, the fire did not spread to adjacent buildings.
The incident led to the closure of Imlay City Road to through traffic, though Lapeer Fire & Rescue Chief Mike Vogt expects the road to reopen within hours.
With Lapeer's fire units committed to the scene, Vogt has arranged for the Davison-Richfield Fire Department to be on standby, ready to respond to any additional emergencies that may arise while local resources are engaged.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown and is under investigation. This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and the readiness of emergency services to respond to unforeseen events.
A Michigan federal judge has temporarily halted a legal battle involving two cannabis retailers, the City of Menominee, and other competing businesses, indicating a preference for the resolution of related state-level disputes over city licenses for recreational marijuana sales. This pause aims to potentially eliminate the necessity for the federal lawsuit's continuation.
U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker, in a recent order, expressed a mutual agreement among all involved parties to delay the federal lawsuit, originally initiated on August 21st by First Property Holdings LLC (operating as Rize) and The Fire Station LLC. These companies had taken legal action against Menominee, a city in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and several competing businesses. Judge Jonker's decision to grant Menominee's request for a stay came after discussions with all parties involved.
The controversy stems from Menominee's initial decision to award only two licenses in 2021 for the sale of recreational marijuana within the city, which were granted to the plaintiffs of the federal suit. This decision led to lawsuits from other retailers who were not granted licenses, challenging the city's limit in state court. Following a settlement agreement from these challenges, Menominee lifted the cap on the number of available licenses.
The federal lawsuit by the original licensees alleges that five retailers who were initially unsuccessful in obtaining licenses attempted to influence the licensing process through unofficial means while the state litigation was pending. These retailers include Rocky North LLC, Highwire Farms LLC, Nu Group, Higher Love, and O.I. Holdings.
Judge Jonker expressed reservations about the federal court's jurisdiction over a matter that involves the licensing for sales of a substance still considered illegal under federal law. By delaying proceedings, there is hope that resolution in other related legal actions might reduce or eliminate the need to address certain legal questions in this case.
The judge has mandated that all parties involved provide a status update by April 30th, with subsequent reports every 90 days, detailing the progress of related proceedings in state court.
Representation for the plaintiffs includes attorneys from The Mike Cox Law Firm PLLC, Dickinson Wright PLLC, and John R. Turner PLC. The City of Menominee is represented by Plunkett Cooney PC, with the other businesses represented by a variety of legal firms.
This case highlights the complex legal landscape surrounding the issuance of licenses for the sale of recreational marijuana, reflecting broader challenges within the industry as it navigates both state and federal legal frameworks.
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.
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