During its December 18th meeting, the New Buffalo Township Board approved a preliminary special land use permit for Mint New Buffalo LLC. This permit allows the company to operate an adult-use marijuana retail establishment at 18300 U.S. 12. This decision comes despite opposition from the Township Planning Commission, which had recently voted against the request.
Michelle Heit, New Buffalo Township Supervisor, clarified that the Planning Commission's role is advisory and that the Township Board holds the final decision-making power. She emphasized that the application adheres to the local ordinance, which states, "A facility or establishment may not be on a parcel that abuts R-1, R-2, Ag, R, or MR zoning districts within the township." According to Heit, the Mint application met these standards, as the parcel in question does not directly abut a zoning district, being separated by a state highway.
New Buffalo Mayor John Humphrey, during the public comment section, raised concerns on behalf of city residents. He questioned the process, citing the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, which requires a second meeting if the Planning Commission's decision is appealed – a meeting that had not occurred. He also highlighted the zoning ordinance's discretion for the Planning Commission to issue special use permits and a clause prohibiting provisioning centers within 150 feet of residential dwellings, unless waived.
Several advocates spoke in favor of Mint's application. Barrett Young, representing Mint, reiterated the ordinance's language, stating it specifically pertains to the township. Omar Fakhouri, speaking for Mint, argued that the 150-foot buffer requirement had been met, referencing building-to-building measurement rather than parcel-to-parcel.
Opposition also surfaced. Cynthia Marquard, a resident whose property backs up to the proposed dispensary site, expressed her reluctance to have a dispensary nearby, citing the inappropriateness raised in the first meeting.
The Board also granted preliminary approval for other adult-use marijuana retail establishments, including J Elias Management/Puff, Accelerate Green/High Society, Weber Family Ventures, Simple AG New Buffalo/Supergood, and Michigan Pure Green.
In a related matter, the Board accepted the resignation of Clerk Judy Zabicki, effective January 1, 2024. Michelle Heit acknowledged Zabicki's contributions over her nearly 11-year tenure. Michelle Hannon was appointed as interim clerk, and Julie Flick as deputy clerk.
Mayor Humphrey, in a separate City Council meeting, argued that New Buffalo residents were denied due process in the approval of Mint's permit, stressing that the Township Board should be held accountable. He urged the City Council to consult attorneys before taking further action.
Editorial Note: Although this topic does not directly concern cannabis, it is closely related in terms of policy reform and decriminalization efforts. Given the relevance of these issues to our audience, we believe this news is significant and pertinent to our community.
In a significant policy shift, Ypsilanti city leaders are poised to vote on the decriminalization of psychedelic plants and fungi, including "magic mushrooms," in the upcoming year. This proposal, discussed by the City Council on December 19th, was initially brought to the table by Decriminalize Nature Michigan, an advocacy group championing the decriminalization of entheogenic plants, fungi, and related compounds.
Entheogens, a term derived from Greek meaning "becoming divine within," include substances such as ayahuasca, ibogaine, mescaline, peyote, and psilocybin mushrooms. These substances, recognized for their hallucinogenic properties, are currently illegal under both state and federal laws.
Larry Norris, a co-founder of Decriminalize Nature and a University of Michigan alumnus, argues for a new approach that respects individual sovereignty and the right to interact with nature without fear of legal repercussions. Norris, along with other activists, points to the 27 cities across the United States that have already adopted similar decriminalization policies since mid-2019. This list includes Detroit, Ferndale, Hazel Park, and Ann Arbor in Michigan.
In 2020, Ann Arbor City Council passed a resolution making these psychedelic plants a low priority for law enforcement, a stance subsequently mirrored by the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office. Cornelius Williams, an Ypsilanti resident and outreach director for Decriminalize Nature Michigan, argues that Ypsilanti should align with these policies for greater cohesion.
Advocates of decriminalization not only emphasize the spiritual significance of these substances but also point to their potential medical benefits. Studies suggest that these entheogens can be effective in treating mental health issues like PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders. Personal testimonies, like that of Matt Strang, who spoke to the city council about using psychedelics to manage his depression during substance recovery, underscore these claims.
Ypsilanti's City Council, presented with a resolution for decriminalization, discussed the need for an ordinance change. Mayor Nicole Brown and Council Member Desirae Simmons expressed support for this initiative. Simmons also hopes for a city statement backing state-wide legislation proposed by State Sen. Jeff Irwin for decriminalization.
Norris, in his presentation, distinguished these plants and fungi from typical recreational drugs, highlighting their traditional use in ceremonial contexts. He acknowledged their risks but compared them to legal substances like alcohol, tobacco, and pharmaceuticals, suggesting they pose less danger.
As the city of Ypsilanti deliberates this policy shift, it stands at the forefront of a broader movement seeking to redefine the legal status and societal perception of psychedelic substances.
The Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) of Michigan has recently announced the launch of its new Social Equity Grant Program. This initiative is a significant step forward in the agency's ongoing efforts to support and develop its Social Equity Program, which has been shaped through extensive dialogue with industry stakeholders and program participants.
Brian Hanna, the Executive Director of the CRA, expressed his enthusiasm about the program, acknowledging the dedication and investment of social equity licensees in their cannabis businesses. He anticipates the grants will provide a substantial boost to these businesses, benefiting not only the licensees but also their employees and local communities.
Senator Sarah Anthony of Lansing, who played a pivotal role in securing social equity funding in the state budget, highlighted the importance of this financial support. She emphasized the need to assist those impacted by cannabis prohibition and noted that these funds are crucial for helping social equity participants expand their businesses and contribute positively to their communities.
The Social Equity Grant Program offers financial assistance in several key areas:
To qualify for this grant, applicants must hold a valid adult-use license issued by the CRA, have a majority ownership by eligible Social Equity Program participants, and be certified in the CRA's Social Equity All-Star Program.
The application period for the 2024 Social Equity Grant Program is open from December 1st, 2023, to January 26, 2024. Applications must be submitted via email by 5:00 pm on January 26th, 2024, with detailed instructions available on the CRA website.
Each eligible entity can receive only one grant, regardless of the number of licenses held. The total grant pool of one million dollars will be distributed equally among approved applicants. For example, if there are 100 grantees, each will receive $10,000.
Social Equity Program licensees not yet involved in the CRA's Social Equity All-Star Program can contact [email protected] for details on participation. This step is a prerequisite for eligibility in the Social Equity Grant Program.
In June 2022, Holly Village Council authorized two marijuana retail licenses following a rigorous selection process, with The Brand Labs and Lume Cannabis Co. emerging as the successful applicants. This decision was grounded in the strict adherence to the 11 criteria outlined in Ordinance 468, which guides the village council's licensing decisions. During the council meeting, a roll call vote was conducted, wherein each council member announced their top two choices, leading to The Brand Labs and Lume Cannabis Co. being the top contenders, receiving six and four votes respectively.
Had there been a tie, the tied applicants would have been invited to present their cases in further detail at a subsequent council meeting. The locations for these new businesses were also confirmed, with The Brand Labs set to occupy a former auto dealership building near the Dollar General Store, and Lume Cannabis Co. opening its doors on Grange Hall Road.
However, the licensing process faced legal scrutiny when Green Stones, Inc., an unsuccessful applicant, filed a complaint in the Oakland County Circuit Court. The complaint alleged that Holly Village Clerk Deborah Bigger and the council engaged in a non-transparent and subjective selection process, contrary to the requirements of the ordinance. Green Stones sought a Writ of Mandamus, compelling the council to reevaluate its application in line with the ordinance.
The complaint listed several counts, including a petition for Writ of Mandamus, superintending control, violations of due process and equal protection of the law, and a request for injunctive relief. After a series of legal deliberations, the court sided with the defendants on the first two counts and noted ongoing negotiations regarding the remaining issues. The court found the application process to be aligned with the government's legitimate purpose of licensing a marijuana retail facility and did not find evidence of arbitrary council actions or disparate treatment.
The request for injunctive relief was also dismissed, as Green Stones failed to establish viable legal claims against the defendants. Finally, on December 8th, the court ordered the dismissal of the case. The legal proceedings incurred a total cost of $6,641 to Holly Village, as reported by Village Manager Jerry Walker.
Snoop Dogg, the renowned rapper and entrepreneur, has recently ventured into the burgeoning cannabis beverage market with the launch of his new line of THC and CBD-infused drinks. The collection, named 'Do It Fluid', offers a variety of flavors including Blood Orange, Blue Razz, Cherry Limeade, and Peaches N' Honies. These beverages come in two types: one solely containing CBD, priced at $4.99 per can, and another combining CBD with hemp-derived Delta-9 THC, available at $5.99 per can. Consumers can purchase these drinks online through the Death Row Cannabis and Hill Beverage websites.
The inception of Hill Beverage Co. marks a significant collaboration between Snoop Dogg and CEO Jake Hill, a prominent figure in the cannabis industry known for founding Grow Automations, a company enhancing the efficiency of cannabis cultivation. This partnership led to the development of these innovative drinks, utilizing Grow Automations' technology. Snoop Dogg, in a statement, emphasized the natural and high-quality attributes of these beverages, presenting them as an ideal choice for consumers at any time of the day.
Despite his long-standing association with traditional cannabis consumption, Snoop Dogg continues to innovate within the industry. He initially launched his marijuana brand, Leafs By Snoop, in 2015. However, following his acquisition of Death Row Records in 2022, he transitioned to the new Death Row Cannabis brand, which has been gaining traction in California and Michigan, with further expansion plans in the pipeline. Additionally, Snoop Dogg's D*gg lbs cannabis products have made their way into markets in Ontario, Canada, and Israel.
The Do It Fluid line includes the Dogg Lbs. label for Cherry Limeade and Peaches N' Honies, while Tha Shiznit Blue Razz and G'Dup Blood Orange flavors are branded under Death Row Records. Tiffany Chin, CEO of Death Row Records Cannabis, highlighted Snoop Dogg's ambition to pioneer functional cannabis and hemp beverages, acknowledging the growing consumer preference for alternative modes of cannabis consumption beyond smoking or vaping.
The CBD-only version of these beverages is presented in 12-ounce cans containing 25 milligrams of CBD. The combined THC and CBD drinks are available in 8-ounce cans, featuring 5 milligrams of CBD and 3mg of Delta-9 THC. Notably, the THC used in these drinks is derived from hemp, offering a psychoactive experience while maintaining legal compliance. The Peaches N' Honies flavor stands out as the lowest-calorie option, with the Blood Orange flavor having the highest calorie count.
These drinks are crafted with carbonated water, cane sugar, fruit juice concentrate, monk fruit, natural flavor, and other ingredients, including terpenes – the compounds responsible for the aroma and flavor in cannabis and hemp. A unique aspect of the Do It Fluid line is its proprietary terpene cannabinoid blend, designed to deliver the effects of THC and CBD within minutes, significantly faster than the typical onset time of competing products.
Jake Hill assures that the Do It Fluid line offers a refreshing and enjoyable taste, ideal for various social and relaxation settings. The Dogg Lbs. drinks are praised for their refreshing taste, suitable for leisure activities, while the Death Row Records beverages are described as full-bodied with a sweet, refreshing kick. As for the effects, Hill notes that the drinks can enhance sociability, reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and aid in restful sleep, depending on the consumer's setting and mood.
Marquette's cannabis industry is set to experience significant growth, following the Marquette City Planning Commission's recent approval of a Class C Marijuana Grower license. This milestone was achieved by North Coast Cultivators, a prominent player in the Upper Peninsula's marijuana market, operating from 1917 Enterprise St. North Coast Cultivators, known for supplying cannabis to local dispensaries such as the Fire Station, Melo Cannabis, and Whacky Jackz, is poised to expand its cultivation capabilities substantially.
This expansion, moving from a Class B to a Class C license, allows North Coast Cultivators to grow a larger number of plants. This increase in production capacity is seen as a crucial development for the company in maintaining its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry.
Meghan Poglese, co-owner of North Coast Cultivators, expressed optimism about the new license, highlighting its potential to introduce a wider variety of cannabis strains and meet consumer demand more effectively. "This is a significant step forward in diversifying our strain offerings and ensuring our products excite our customers," Poglese stated.
While the final steps of securing the license with the State of Michigan are still underway, North Coast Cultivators anticipates initiating the cultivation of new plants within the next 30 days, marking a new chapter in the company's growth and the region's cannabis industry.
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