Northern Specialty Health, a prominent cannabis retailer in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.), has recently celebrated a significant milestone, marking over a decade of operation. Notably, it stands as the oldest independent cannabis shop in the U.P., having been the sole dispensary in the region for many years.
The business saw a change in ownership in 2013 when it was acquired by Penny and Ryan Milkey. Motivated by their personal experiences as patients and caregivers, the Milkeys embarked on this venture to provide essential medicinal options to the local community.
Penny Milkey shared insights into the positive impact their business has had on the community. She recounted testimonials from customers who have experienced improved sleep, better appetite, and overall enhanced well-being since using their products. Notably, some customers have reported reduced reliance on other medications or decreased alcohol consumption.
However, the landscape of the cannabis market has evolved, especially following the legalization of marijuana. This change has led to an influx of dispensaries throughout the county and the U.P., altering the competitive dynamics. According to Penny, while Northern Specialty Health previously attracted customers from beyond state lines, the proliferation of shops at the borders has shifted this trend. Nevertheless, she highlighted the unwavering support from local customers and the continued patronage from out-of-state visitors and tourists.
Despite these market changes, Penny emphasized their commitment to the business and the community. She expressed a strong affinity for both the cannabis plant and the community they serve, underscoring that their operations are driven by a genuine desire to help people.
As Northern Specialty Health continues its journey, the Milkeys remain dedicated to their mission of providing valuable medicinal alternatives and fostering a supportive community around their business.
In Buchanan, a novel concept in the marijuana industry is taking root as two entrepreneurial brothers, Michael and RJ Walpole, are on the brink of launching the city's inaugural marijuana microgrowery, aptly named Lifted Microgrowery. This venture, four years in the making, merges the duo's diverse interests and expertise to introduce a distinctive dispensary experience to the local community.
Lifted Microgrowery distinguishes itself with a unique license - the micro business license. This permits the establishment to operate as a small-scale cultivation facility coupled with a retail space. A key aspect of this license is the requirement for all cannabis sold to be grown on-site, precluding the import or export of flower products. This model, while limiting the operation to 300 plants, ensures heightened control over quality, fostering a more intimate approach to cannabis cultivation.
Michael Walpole elucidates this unique approach, explaining that each cannabis strain exhibits distinct growth patterns and characteristics. The microgrowery setting allows for personalized care for each plant, a luxury not typically feasible in larger cultivation operations, where the sheer volume of plants often necessitates a more generalized approach, potentially compromising quality.
Beyond the cultivation aspect, the Walpole brothers are committed to creating an exceptional customer experience in their store. In an industry often focused on transaction efficiency, Lifted Microgrowery aims to deviate from the norm. Michael emphasizes their desire to offer a relaxed, unhurried environment where customers can thoroughly explore their options, engage with products, and make informed decisions without feeling pressured. This commitment to quality extends beyond their cultivation practices to the very experience of shopping at their establishment.
Lifted Microgrowery is set to redefine the dispensary experience in Buchanan, marrying meticulous cultivation with a customer-centric retail approach, all under the ethos of quality over quantity.
In Michigan, a new line of cannabis-infused social beverages by Sweet Justice is making waves for their unique approach to flavor and community impact. These lightly carbonated drinks are specifically designed to minimize the cannabis taste and aroma, offering a more enjoyable sipping experience. The range includes five distinct flavors: cola, cherry cola, ginger ale, elderberry, and fruit punch, each containing a THC content varying from 1 to 10mg per can.
What sets Sweet Justice apart is not just their product, but their commitment to social responsibility. A significant portion of the revenue from each sale is contributed to the Great Lakes Expungement Network. This alliance comprises local organizations, professionals, businesses, and criminal defense attorneys, all united in their mission to assist Michigan residents with criminal records. They provide essential support for fee-free expungements, helping individuals to remove certain offenses from their records, thereby offering them a chance for a fresh start.
These beverages are particularly marketed towards consumers who are socially conscious and are seeking a flavorful, non-alcoholic alternative. Sweet Justice's combination of taste, social impact, and the growing interest in THC-infused drinks positions them uniquely in the Michigan market.
710 Labs, a revered brand known for their concentrates, launched earlier this year in Michigan with a selection of hash, flower, and pods. Their commitment to quality and organic cultivation is a cornerstone of their reputation.
While 710 Labs is renowned for their high-quality concentrates, this particular flower strain didn't quite live up to the hype. The aesthetics of the buds were on point, and the packaging was attractive, but the flavor profile and the peculiar aftertaste were disappointing. It lacked the robust flavors expected from a top-tier product, leading to it described as "all sizzle, no steak."
The retail price of $60 for an eighth was deemed steep, even with a 20% discount bringing it down to $48. Based on this experience, they question the value for money but remain open to trying other strains from 710 Labs in the future.
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President Joe Biden's recent wave of pardons, which included thousands of individuals with federal convictions for personal marijuana use, marks a significant step in changing the landscape for many Michigan residents with similar convictions. Announced last Friday, these pardons are seen as a groundbreaking move in the ongoing shift in how marijuana-related offenses are viewed at the federal level.
Barton Morris, a prominent attorney and member of the Cannabis Council in Troy, Michigan, lauded the president's decision. He emphasized the uniqueness of Biden's consecutive annual pardons in this area, a first in U.S. presidential history. Morris pointed out the profound impact of such convictions on individuals, stating, "Nobody should be in prison or serving time or even suffering any penalties whatsoever for marijuana-related convictions."
The implications for Michiganders with marijuana convictions are particularly significant. Morris noted the profound negative impact of felony convictions on individuals' lives, including hindering employment opportunities and obtaining licenses in various industries. Despite the legalization of personal marijuana use in Michigan, Morris highlighted that numerous state residents are still serving sentences for actions that are no longer considered criminal.
Morris expressed hope that the federal pardons will inspire Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other state officials to follow suit. He sees this as an opportunity for state leaders to demonstrate courage and justice in their policy decisions, reflecting the changing attitudes towards marijuana use.
Michigan is among the 24 states that have legalized recreational marijuana use. The recent presidential pardons, according to Morris, could not only influence state-level decisions but also potentially pave the way for more states to join the list of those where recreational marijuana use is legal.
Caro, Michigan, is on the brink of a significant expansion in its marijuana industry, as it gears up for a crucial vote on a new ordinance in the upcoming February 2024 election. The proposal, initiated by a ballot committee through a petition, aims to substantially increase the number of licenses for marijuana cultivation and processing within the city.
Tuscola County Clerk Jodi Fetting recently announced the addition of this proposal to the ballot, signaling a potential shift in Caro's approach to marijuana legalization under the Michigan Adult Use Marijuana Act. Specifically, the proposal focuses on Class C cultivation licenses, which currently allow holders to cultivate up to 1,500 plants for medical use and 2,000 plants for recreational use. At present, Caro has issued two such licenses, but the proposed ordinance seeks to raise this cap dramatically to 30 grower licenses. Furthermore, the ordinance would permit stacking up to five Class C licenses.
Another key aspect of the proposal is the increase in the number of adult-use processor licenses, from the existing two to eight. Additionally, the proposal introduces a new type of license: the excess marijuana grower license. To qualify for this license, an entity must already possess five Class C licenses and at least two grower Class C licenses. This license type allows incremental growth of 2,000 plants under each license, aligning with medical marijuana regulations. If approved, Caro would offer two excess adult-use marijuana licenses.
The language of the proposal clearly states its intent to expand the number of Class C grower and processor licenses and to introduce excess grower licenses, thereby providing a framework for the city to regulate these establishments.
Scott Czasak, Caro City Manager, maintained a neutral stance, emphasizing that as the proposal is a citizen-initiated petition, he could only present the facts without personal commentary. Czasak highlighted that the approval of the proposal would open up more license opportunities, subject to the application and approval process.
This development in Caro reflects a broader trend of municipalities in Michigan and across the United States grappling with the implications and opportunities of marijuana legalization, particularly in the areas of cultivation and processing.
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