The Lapeer Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, November 27th at 6:30 p.m. to discuss a variance request from Calvin Butrus and Fadi Syoufjy. This request concerns a deviation from the city's existing zoning ordinance, specifically in terms of the minimum number of parking spaces required.
Located at 1428 Imlay City Road, the site in question is the former Lapeer Ultimate Linings property, which falls under the I-1 Industrial zone. This zoning is a prerequisite set by both the City of Lapeer and the State of Michigan for marijuana cultivation operations. The building on the property spans approximately 6,150 square feet.
Under the current ordinance, marijuana cultivation facilities are required to maintain a minimum of 15 parking spaces. However, the applicants, Butrus and Syoufjy, are seeking a reduction in this requirement, proposing to provide just six parking spaces, thereby requesting a waiver for nine of the stipulated spaces.
The ZBA encourages those with an interest in this matter to participate in the upcoming public hearing. The meeting will take place in the Commission chambers located on the second floor of Lapeer City Hall.
For those unable to attend, written comments are being accepted until 5 p.m. on November 27th. Correspondence should be directed to the Lapeer City Hall, specifically addressed to the Zoning Board of Appeals at 576 Liberty Park, Lapeer, MI 48446.
A sophisticated group of six individuals equipped with advanced surveillance tools and burglary equipment attempted an ill-fated robbery at an illegal marijuana farm, resulting in a violent confrontation, according to recent federal court records.
This dramatic incident, unfolding in the heart of America's largest marijuana market, took place on July 16th at a secluded property in Coleman, Michigan, a small city located 19 miles northwest of Midland. The botched robbery attempt left behind a scene reminiscent of a crime thriller: a bullet-riddled barn, an exchange of gunfire, and the perpetrators donned in camouflage, carrying high-tech gear such as two-way radios, handheld surveillance cameras, cell phone jammers, and pry bars.
The individuals charged in this case are Addiel Torres, 49; Yoany Alvarez-Antuna, 40; Yuan Biart-Gonzalez, 39; Andy Gomez-Niebla, 38; Robert Padron Alvarez, 45; and Jorge Garcia-Santiago. Their respective hometowns and Garcia-Santiago's age were not disclosed at the time of reporting.
In the absence of defense lawyers listed in the federal court records, each of these men faces the possibility of up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted on charges of attempted interference with commerce by robbery. They also face additional charges in state court connected to this attempted heist.
Members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) task force spearheaded the investigation into this case. On the day of the incident, ATF investigators responded to a reported shooting at a rural residence and adjacent pole barn located in the 3000 block of W. Shaffer Road in Coleman. According to ATF Task Force Officer Mitchell Eddy's affidavit, Addiel Torres was shot by the property owner during the attempted robbery and was later found recuperating in a local hospital.
The homeowner, alerted by a security camera, confronted Torres outside. In the ensuing scuffle, where Torres reportedly wielded a firearm and tackled the homeowner, the homeowner inadvertently shot Torres in self-defense.
A subsequent search of the property unveiled an illegal marijuana cultivation operation. Investigators found approximately 40 marijuana plants outside the barn, which bore signs of gunfire. Inside, they discovered an expansive grow operation with 227 marijuana plants, 137 pounds of processed marijuana flower, and 10 pounds of other marijuana plant material. According to the ATF, none of the individuals at the farm possessed valid credentials to cultivate marijuana.
A Michigan State Police K-9 unit later located Alvarez-Antuna and Biart-Gonzalez, clad in camouflage and gloves, half a mile from the farm, alongside a two-way radio. Gomez-Niebla and Padron Alvarez were found three miles west of the farm, following a tip about backpacks discovered less than three miles from where they were apprehended. These backpacks contained an array of burglary tools including pry bars, a ski mask, a cell phone jammer, various hand tools, work gloves, a snake camera, water bottles, and an inhaler, providing further evidence of the premeditated nature of their operation.
House of Dank is launching the Joint Efforts Canned Food Drive, a philanthropic campaign focused on aiding local communities in need. This initiative is scheduled to take place from November 24th to December 20th, 2023, across various locations.
In an effort to combat hunger, especially during the holiday season, House of Dank invites the community to participate by donating non-perishable food items at their retail outlets. Demonstrating a profound commitment to this cause, the company has vowed to match every contribution made during the drive, effectively doubling the impact of the donations.
This charitable endeavor is part of House of Dank's longstanding tradition of community support, which began in 2015 with a turkey drive at their original 8 Mile location. The company has a history of substantial contributions, including over $15,000 to local food banks and providing more than 30,000 meals to families during the holiday seasons over the past two years. The Joint Efforts Canned Food Drive is an extension of this tradition, aiming to make a substantial difference in addressing hunger.
Marvin Jamo, the Owner of House of Dank, emphasizes the importance of community solidarity in creating positive change. He views the Joint Efforts Canned Food Drive as a reflection of the company's dedication to meaningful community involvement.
The drive will distribute collected items to local beneficiaries in each city where House of Dank has a presence, ensuring that the aid reaches the communities that support them. House of Dank encourages individuals, businesses, and community groups to join this cause by contributing essential non-perishable items like canned goods, pasta, rice, and cereal.
House of Dank's enthusiasm for community participation in the Joint Efforts Canned Food Drive reflects its belief in collective action for social good. For detailed information on drop-off locations and recommended donation items, interested parties are directed to visit shophod.com.
In a heartwarming gesture of community support, House of Dank, a renowned cannabis retailer, successfully conducted its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive this past Tuesday, November 21st, at six of its Michigan locations. The initiative was aimed at distributing free turkeys to families and individuals in need, with doors opening early at each participating House of Dank location and turkeys available while supplies lasted.
Reflecting on the success of the previous year, the 2022 Turkey Drive had notably provided Thanksgiving turkeys to hundreds of Detroit residents, ensuring they had a festive meal for the holiday. This year's event followed in those charitable footsteps, with approximately 50 turkeys being available at each retail location on a first-come, first-served basis, emphasizing that no purchase was necessary to receive a turkey.
Marvin Jamo, the owner of House of Dank, expressed his enthusiasm about the event, highlighting it as a significant tradition for giving back to the communities where the company has its roots and to the newer communities they have expanded into over the years.
The drive welcomed residents from Detroit, Metro Detroit, River Rouge, Lapeer, Saginaw, Bay City, Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Monroe, Ohio, and surrounding cities to benefit from the free turkeys, showcasing House of Dank's commitment to reaching a broad segment of the community.
Moreover, this event set the stage for House of Dank's December pledge, where the company will match all canned food and non-perishable food item donations made between November 24th and December 20th at each H.O.D. location. This initiative is part of their ongoing efforts to support local beneficiaries and assist individuals facing food insecurities, especially during the holiday season.
Flower Expo Michigan is set to make its debut on August 7-8th, 2024, in Lansing, Michigan, at the newly named "Flower Expo Industrial Park." This marks a significant expansion for the Premier B2B Cannabis Trade Show, reflecting the rapid growth of Michigan's cannabis market. This event follows the second Flower Expo Massachusetts, scheduled for June 5-6th in Greenfield, Massachusetts.
The inaugural Massachusetts event last year was a notable success, attracting over 70% of local dispensaries and more than 150 leading brands, including PAX, Cookies, Curaleaf, and Green Thumb Industries. The high attendance and engagement underscored the strong interest within the industry.
Flower Expo is renowned for its focus on connecting buyers and brands. Its unique format, which permits on-site cannabis consumption and live product sampling, offers a dynamic platform for attendees to explore new products, negotiate deals, and network with industry leaders.
Greenfield, Massachusetts, located in New England's Emerald Triangle, proved an ideal launch site for the expo. Flower Expo aims to replicate this success in Michigan, with the Allegan County Fairgrounds near Grand Rapids initially selected as the venue. However, the event will now take place in Lansing to better accommodate the growing interest and participation.
Michigan's cannabis industry has flourished since the legalization of medical marijuana in 2008 and recreational marijuana in 2018. As of 2024, Michigan ranks as one of the largest and fastest-growing cannabis markets in the U.S., contributing significantly to the state's economy. With approximately 10 million residents and tourists from neighboring states where cannabis remains illegal, Michigan provides a substantial and diverse consumer base.
The new venue, Lansing's Flower Expo Industrial Park, offers a grander experience with features like an Outdoor Smoking Lounge, a Food Truck Plaza, a Speaker Series stage, Outdoor Activations, and 32,000 square feet of indoor exhibition space. Attendees can engage with top brands such as Bloom, NOBO, Cloud Cover, Glorious Cannabis, Lion Labs, Pro Gro, and Made by a Farmer.
The expo will host purchasing decision-makers from over 400 dispensaries, including Ascend Wellness, Cloud Cannabis, Cookies, Quality Roots, Lume Cannabis, High Profile, Joyology, GAGE, and Exclusive. Jason Bello, Founder & CEO of Flower Expo, emphasizes the significant opportunities the event presents for exhibitors, aiming to make it a pivotal marketing and sales event with measurable returns on investment.
Emily Chisick, Director of Retail Relations, highlights the expo's commitment to providing a VIP experience for retailers, targeting significant registration from retail stores in Michigan and Massachusetts. The consumption-friendly environment is a key aspect, enhancing the trade show experience by blending business with a relaxed, engaging atmosphere.
As Michigan's cannabis industry continues to expand, driven by a progressive regulatory framework and substantial market size, Flower Expo Michigan stands as a crucial platform for industry professionals. The events in Greenfield and Lansing are poised to be landmark gatherings, shaping the future of the cannabis community.
The Bad Axe City Council, in a significant move, recently approved the introduction of recreational marijuana facilities within the city limits. This decision marks Bad Axe as the first municipality in Huron County to endorse such establishments for recreational use, diverging from neighboring areas like Caseville and Oliver Township, which currently only sanction medical marijuana facilities.
Before the council's decision, Police Chief Shawn Webber, along with former Chief David Rothe, presented their findings from research initiated in March 2022. Webber emphasized the need for detailed ordinances to regulate what would be permissible within the city. He highlighted the potential economic benefits, noting that different license types, especially "retailer" and "micro business," could significantly contribute to municipal revenues. According to his research, each license could generate approximately $51,841 annually, a figure that has been increasing since 2019.
Webber also addressed public safety concerns. He referenced discussions with other municipalities like Bay County, indicating that there had been no notable rise in crime rates in areas with similar facilities. Most issues reported were related to retail fraud, and there was no increase in incidents of driving under the influence.
Webber expressed his support for the initiative, citing his research: "I personally am OK with it and I don't think it's going to increase our crime rates or cause us more work by any means."
The council also deliberated on the potential allocation of revenue generated from the marijuana ordinance. According to Webber, the funds would primarily support the police fund, which could indirectly benefit other city sectors through budget adjustments.
The motion passed with a 4-1 vote, with Councilmember Clark McKimmy opposing and Richard Peterson initially voting against it before opting to abstain, pending further information. Peterson's abstention raised questions about its legal validity.
McKimmy explained his opposition, stating he believed the decision should have been left to the city's voters.
With the council's approval, the city will now begin drafting an ordinance to regulate the operation of these facilities. This includes licensing processes and maintaining compliance with city regulations. City Manager Rebecca Bachman noted that, in collaboration with the planning commission, it could take six months or more to finalize the ordinance. A preliminary draft, informed by Webber's research and contributions from the city attorney, is already in progress and will soon be reviewed by the planning commission.
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