Before we delve into the article, we want to address our Michigan readers directly. While the incident reported below occurred in Massachusetts, we believe it carries significant relevance for everyone involved in the cannabis industry, including those in Michigan. The tragic event serves as a crucial reminder of the potential health risks associated with working in this rapidly expanding sector, particularly for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma. It's a poignant warning that highlights the importance of workplace safety and health precautions across the cannabis industry, regardless of state boundaries. With Michigan's burgeoning cannabis market, this story is not just news from another state; it's a vital lesson in ensuring the safety and well-being of our workforce here at home.
The U.S. cannabis industry recently faced a significant tragedy, marking the first reported occupational asthma death. A 27-year-old worker in Massachusetts succumbed to a fatal asthma attack in January 2022, a concerning development highlighted in a federal report released on Thursday. This incident underscores the increasing health risks in the burgeoning U.S. cannabis sector, particularly regarding respiratory conditions like asthma, exacerbated by the rapid growth following state-level legalizations.
The federal report, emphasizing missed prevention opportunities, noted the critical need for enhanced workplace exposure management, medical surveillance, and adherence to established asthma guidelines in the cannabis industry. The importance of promptly addressing new or worsening asthma symptoms among workers in cannabis facilities was stressed as a key measure to avoid similar tragedies.
This case was detailed in a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, encapsulating the findings from a federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspection. The investigation encompassed a thorough worksite exposure assessment, interviews with coworkers and next of kin, medical record analysis, and collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
While the report doesn't reveal the identity of the worker or the facility, OSHA filings from last year indicated that an employee at Trulieve's Holyoke location, identified as Lorna McMurrey, 27, suffered a fatal asthma attack while packaging cannabis pre-rolls.
Studies cited in the report identify multiple respiratory hazards in cannabis cultivation and production, such as microbial agents, plant allergens, and chemicals including pesticides. The cannabis plant itself can pose specific allergenic risks.
The incident comes amid a surge in recreational marijuana legalization across the U.S., with almost half the states now permitting adult recreational use. This growth has sparked calls for enhanced safety measures in the marijuana industry, ensuring the protection of workers and the public.
Scott Gagnon, a Maine-based cannabis industry watchdog, views this incident as a crucial warning for lawmakers to implement stricter regulations around the cannabis industry. Conversely, Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML, asserts that the cannabis industry aims for utmost safety, stressing that such incidents are less likely in regulated environments where businesses adhere to standard workplace safety regulations.
With Ohio's recent decision to legalize recreational marijuana through Issue 2, there's a significant opportunity to glean lessons from neighboring states like Michigan, which have already traversed this path.
In Hazel Park, a small city near Detroit, Mayor Mike Webb shared insights from his city's journey through marijuana legalization. Despite supporting recreational cannabis use, Mayor Webb highlighted the challenges encountered, particularly from individuals who manipulated the system for personal gain. The city's initial attempt to limit the number of dispensaries sparked a series of legal disputes from the 36 applicants vying for just four spots. These legal confrontations, as Michigan Attorney Barton Morris pointed out, often lead to prolonged litigation and significant financial strain for both the applicants and the city. Mayor Webb's advice to Ohio is clear: draft robust, legally sound ordinances to avoid similar pitfalls.
Ferndale, Michigan, provides another perspective. City Manager Joseph Gacioch emphasized the importance of appointing a dedicated cannabis expert within the municipal staff. This role is crucial for navigating the complexities of zoning, planning, and regulatory compliance in the cannabis industry. Wally Manju, who owns Nature's Remedy in Ferndale, echoed the importance of responsible ownership, cautioning against transient players in the market who might not be committed to long-term sustainability.
Michigan's approach to employment and drug testing in the context of legalized marijuana offers varied insights. While many governmental bodies have discontinued pre-employment marijuana screenings, private companies retain the discretion to test employees and applicants, with the potential to terminate employment based on positive results. Employment law expert Brett Gelbord highlighted the potential for legal challenges in Ohio, considering the prolonged detectability of cannabis in the body.
Educational institutions in Michigan, such as the Hazel Park School District, have observed an uptick in cannabis-related incidents. This shift necessitated the installation of vape sensors in school bathrooms, a measure Ohio schools might consider to curb THC vaping. The district's experience underscores the importance of adapting awareness and prevention programs to address the changing perceptions and availability of cannabis, akin to historical efforts focused on alcohol misuse.
In Hazel Park, Mayor Webb noted concerns about market saturation, a sentiment echoed in Ferndale. The proliferation of cannabis stores in these areas raises questions about the sustainability of such a densely populated market. This stands in stark contrast to Detroit's more cautious approach, which only recently began to allow recreational dispensaries.
Reflecting on the broader impact, Mayor Webb acknowledged the financial benefits brought by legal marijuana but expressed reservations about its overall success. A critical aspect highlighted by Michigan residents is the sales tax on cannabis. Michigan's 10% rate, similar to Ohio's proposed rate, is strategically important to undercut the black market.
These diverse experiences from Michigan offer Ohio a roadmap filled with both cautionary tales and successful strategies as it embarks on its own journey with legal recreational marijuana. From regulatory challenges to market dynamics, Ohio has the unique advantage of learning from its neighbor's experiences.
Michigan's cannabis industry experienced a slight decrease in sales during October, reporting a 4.3% drop to $262.9 million compared to $274.7 million in September. Despite this monthly decline, the industry saw a notable annual increase, with sales rising 25.5% from October of the previous year. Notably, sales had reached their peak in July at $276.7 million.
A deeper look into the sales statistics reveals a significant shift in the market dynamics. Medical cannabis sales have dramatically decreased by 70.7% year-over-year, reaching just $4.9 million in October, a 10.2% decline from September. In stark contrast, adult-use cannabis sales have surged, showing a 33% increase compared to the same period last year, totaling $258.5 million. However, this segment also experienced a minor month-over-month decrease of 4.2%.
The cumulative sales for 2023 so far have increased by over a third compared to the first ten months of 2022. This growth trajectory suggests that the industry is on track to surpass $3 billion in sales by the end of the year.
In terms of product popularity among adult-use consumers, flower products lead with $118 million in sales. Vape cartridges followed with $49.5 million, inhalable compound concentrates at $27 million, and shake and trim sales at $23.2 million. This distribution underscores the diverse preferences in the Michigan cannabis market.
On November 8th, the Three Oaks Village Council, during its regular meeting, unanimously decided to implement a temporary halt on issuing new licenses, authorizations, and special land use permits related to the sale or dispensation of marijuana. This decision affects dispensaries, marijuana retailers, and similar businesses under Village Ordinances No. 219 and No. 221, as well as the Zoning Ordinance. The aim is to pause these activities while the village makes necessary adjustments to the relevant ordinances.
This moratorium, an amendment to Title 11 concerning Business Regulations, is scheduled to remain in effect until March 20th, 2024, at the latest. Village President Richard Smith clarified that this pause would apply to both retail license applications and special land use permits.
Council member Tyler Ream emphasized the purpose of this action, stating, "We're taking a pause on accepting applications so that we can make a few tweaks to our ordinance." To this, council member Joe Hinman added the importance of also considering zoning changes. Hinman, who previously expressed support for removing the cap on retail licenses, acknowledged that such changes require time to implement.
Smith suggested that the village might be ready to proceed with new regulations sooner than expected, possibly even as early as the following month, though this was speculative.
The ordinance amendment language highlights that currently, Three Oaks has one open license for a marijuana retailer/medical marijuana provisioning center under Village Ordinances No. 219 and No. 221. With multiple entities interested in this license, the village is reviewing and preparing to vote on significant amendments to these ordinances and the Village Zoning Ordinance. The amendments in consideration include, but are not limited to, the number of marijuana retailers and/or medical marijuana provisioning centers allowed to operate in the village. The decision to pause application acceptance is to ensure these matters are adequately resolved before proceeding with new applications under the said ordinances.
In a concerning development in Washington Township, Luis Mendoza, a 29-year-old church youth leader, has been arrested and charged with criminal sexual conduct involving a minor. Mendoza, associated with Stoney Creek Community Church, is accused of giving marijuana to a minor and engaging in grooming behavior prior to the alleged contact.
The Macomb County Sheriff's Office, led by Commander Jason Abro, promptly initiated an investigation following a report from the victim's parents. "The juvenile came forward to her parents and in turn, her parents contacted the Macomb County Sheriff's Office and as we learned of this, we began our investigation immediately that day," Abro stated.
The investigation, spanning several weeks, culminated in Mendoza's arrest on Tuesday night. Abro shed light on the suspected predatory behavior, noting, "It seemed from the information that we obtained that this person began to groom the young victim." The Sheriff's Office is actively seeking information from the public and encourages anyone who may have had inappropriate contact with Mendoza, or knows of similar incidents, to come forward.
Following his arrest, Mendoza was arraigned on Wednesday. He faces charges of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
This case underscores the importance of vigilance in community settings, particularly involving youth. The legal process now in motion aims to address these serious allegations and provide justice for the involved parties.
Update on Rick Johnson's Sentencing Case: In a recent development, the request for a postponement of former Michigan House Speaker Rick Johnson's prison sentence has been denied by the court. Johnson, aged 70, had sought a delay in serving his 55-month sentence due to health concerns following heart bypass surgery. Despite arguments presented by his legal team regarding his need for ongoing medical therapy and potential risks in prison, the judge has ruled against any extension of his freedom or allowance for house arrest. This decision comes as Johnson prepares to report to a minimum-security federal camp in Duluth, Minnesota, for his role in a major public corruption case involving Michigan's marijuana industry. The following article provides detailed insights into the case and the circumstances surrounding Johnson's sentencing.
Former Michigan House Speaker Rick Johnson, aged 70, recently petitioned for a postponement of his prison sentence, citing health concerns following a heart bypass surgery. Johnson, who was sentenced to 55 months in federal prison for accepting over $110,000 in bribes during his time overseeing Michigan's marijuana industry, is scheduled to report to a minimum-security federal camp in Duluth, Minnesota, in two weeks. The bribes included encounters with a sex worker, earning Johnson the moniker "Batman."
Johnson's legal representative, Nicholas Dondzila, requested either an extension of his freedom until February or a two-month house arrest before he begins his sentence. This request is grounded in Johnson's need for ongoing medical therapy, consultations, and potential treatments, which could be financially burdensome for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Dondzila emphasized the severity of Johnson's condition and the risks involved if he fails to receive the required treatment.
This scandal, involving Johnson and three others, including two lobbyists and a businessman, is the largest public corruption case in Michigan's capital in three decades. Johnson pleaded guilty in April to accepting bribes intended to influence his decisions as chairman of the state's medical marijuana licensing board. The other three have also pleaded guilty but have yet to start their prison sentences.
Post-surgery, Johnson has been under the care of skilled in-home nurses, dealing with a low heart rate and high blood pressure. His medical team has recommended 12 weeks of cardiac rehabilitation therapy, which they advise should be completed before he reports to prison. The defense raised concerns about whether the BOP facility can provide the necessary level of care given Johnson's serious heart condition and other health issues.
The defense's final plea was for the court to ensure that Johnson receives all necessary therapy and treatment during his imprisonment.
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