Stolen Vehicle Used to Ram into Detroit Dispensary in Bold Burglary

Published 10 months ago Legal & Crime
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Update: We have confirmed that the dispensary that was hit is "Cloud Cannabis" located at 16001 Mack Ave.


Detroit authorities are reaching out to the public for help in identifying individuals involved in a recent armed robbery and burglary at a local marijuana dispensary. The incident occurred early in the morning on Saturday, November 11th, around 6 a.m.

The event unfolded when two individuals, armed and emerging from a black Cadillac SUV on Mack Avenue, confronted a 45-year-old security guard in his vehicle. The assailants reportedly seized the guard's keys and cell phone before fleeing. Concurrently, three other individuals used an older Chevrolet SUV to forcibly enter the marijuana dispensary, committing burglary.

Following the break-in, the trio escaped in the black Cadillac SUV, abandoning the Chevrolet at the scene, which police later recovered.

The incident, captured on video surveillance, showed two of the suspects entering an office within the dispensary and removing two safes. The contents of the safes and whether any marijuana or other items were taken remain undisclosed.

The Detroit Police Department, actively investigating the case, has released photos and videos of the suspects. They urge anyone with information or who can identify the suspects to contact the Detroit Police Department at 313-596-5540 or to reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.


Major Drug Bust at Grand Rapids Smoke Shops Tied to Wisconsin Murder Case

Published 10 months ago Legal & Crime
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In a recent operation, Grand Rapids police conducted searches at two local smoke shops as part of an investigation related to a homicide case in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The suspect in the case, Julian Kelley, who is now in custody, was reportedly a frequent visitor to both locations of Flavors Smoke Shop, situated at 517 Leonard St NW and 2332 Division Ave S, as per the Grand Rapids Police Department.

During the search, authorities discovered a significant amount of illegal substances. This included over 30 pounds of bulk marijuana, numerous retail-sized packages of marijuana buds, THC vape cartridges, and THC-infused edibles. Additionally, stolen property was recovered at the scene. Some of the seized items are believed to be similar to products recently stolen from legally operating dispensaries in the area.

According to police reports, the Flavors Smoke Shop locations are not authorized to sell cannabis or THC products.

Chief Eric Winstrom of the Grand Rapids Police Department expressed satisfaction with the operation, particularly as it supported the Milwaukee police in their murder investigation and revealed criminal activities affecting the Grand Rapids community. He anticipates further developments and potential arrests as the investigation proceeds, praising the collaborative effort of the detectives and local law enforcement agencies involved.



Court Order Lifted, Menominee's Marijuana Shops Resume Business

Published 10 months ago Legal & Crime
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The temporary closure of three marijuana dispensaries in Menominee, which impacted a significant portion of the local cannabis market, has ended after a 10-day halt. The affected dispensaries - Higher Love, Lume Cannabis Company, and Nirvana Center - had been forced to cease operations due to a court order, resulting in temporary unemployment for nearly 70 workers.

A crucial court hearing took place on Monday, scrutinizing the validity of the order that initially caused the shutdown. Circuit Court Judge Mary Barglind reviewed the situation, acting on a request from the city of Menominee for clearer understanding regarding the directive issued on November 3rd.

This legal tussle traces back to 2021, when Menominee chose to grant marijuana retail permits exclusively to two dispensaries, Rize and The Fire Station. This decision was met with legal challenges from dispensaries that were initially denied permits. Subsequently, following changes in the city council, a new ordinance was enacted, leading to the authorization of permits for those previously excluded dispensaries. This change sparked further legal action from Rize and The Fire Station, culminating in the recent court developments.


Jones Soda Set to Sparkle in Michigan's Cannabis Market by Year-End

Published 10 months ago Business & Industry
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Jones Soda Co., known for its bold flavors and unique branding, recently announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2023, which ended on September 30th. Amidst the financial details, a significant highlight for Michigan residents is the company's imminent expansion into the state's burgeoning cannabis market.

Focusing on Michigan Expansion

  • Michigan Launch Timeline: David Knight, President and CEO of Jones Soda, expressed optimism about the company's strategic growth, specifically mentioning plans to launch in Michigan by the end of the fourth quarter. This move signifies a substantial step for Jones Soda's cannabis division, Mary Jones, as Michigan represents a key market in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry.
  • Cannabis Business Growth: While the overall revenue of Jones Soda saw a slight decline to $4.5 million from $4.8 million in the same quarter last year, the Mary Jones cannabis sector exhibited a remarkable year-over-year revenue increase of 93%, totaling around $220,000. This growth is a testament to the brand's increasing popularity in the cannabis sector, and the Michigan market is expected to contribute significantly to future revenue streams.

Other Financial Highlights

  • Improved Profit Margins: The company saw an improvement in gross profit margin, reaching 32.9% compared to 26.9% in the third quarter of 2022.
  • Reduced Net Loss: There was a reduction in net loss to $0.9 million, down from $1.7 million year-over-year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA: The adjusted EBITDA loss decreased to approximately $862,000, compared to a loss of $980,000 in the previous year's quarter.
  • Stable Cash Position: The company reported $5.2 million in cash and equivalents as of September 30th, 2023.

With the Michigan market showing a strong appetite for innovative cannabis products, Jones Soda's entry could be a game-changer. The company is not only focusing on expanding its geographic footprint but is also working on bringing new cannabis-infused flavors and formats to the market. This expansion is anticipated to bolster Jones Soda's position in the cannabis industry and contribute to its overall growth trajectory. Michigan residents can look forward to experiencing Mary Jones' unique offerings in the cannabis sector as the company gears up for its end-of-year launch in the state.


Private Reserve OG from Premier Cannabis Farms - A Review and Insightful Interview

Published 10 months ago Products & Reviews
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Our friend, Gas & Middies, recently explored Premier Cannabis Farms' Private Reserve OG, a notable parent strain of their Spartan OG. This product, purchased at House of Dank for $30, stems from a craft grow operation near Lansing/East Lansing, Michigan.

About Premier Cannabis Farms

  • Location: Potterville, MI, near Lansing.
  • Approach: Artisanal, with a focus on hands-on processes including hand-watering, trimming, and packing.
  • Size: Small-scale, with 65 flower lights and six full-time employees.
  • Products: Known for strains like 517HEADBAND, TRIKS, and Rainbow Runtz.
  • Special Features: Utilizes double-ended lights, organic nutrients, and a peat-based soilless medium.

Insights from the Interview

  • Premier Cannabis Farms emphasizes traditional growing methods without compromising quality for profit.
  • They engage in in-house pheno searching for unique strains, avoiding reliance on investors or celebrity endorsements.
  • The team has a strong connection to East Lansing and Michigan State University.
  • Packaging choice: Glass jars over Mylar to reduce plastic usage and preserve quality.
  • Future plans include collaborations for concentrates and new strain releases.

Private Reserve OG Review

  • THC: 24.57%, CBD: 0.058%
    • Total Cannabinoids: 29.511%.
  • Terpene Profile: High in D-Limonene, Linalool, and B-Myrcene.
  • Appearance: Large, fluffy nugs that break down smoothly.
  • Aroma & Flavor: A unique blend reminiscent of cream soda with a hint of lemon, offering a creamy, sweet, and earthy experience.
  • Overall Impression: Premier Cannabis Farms excels in producing OG strains, with Private Reserve OG being a standout for its unique taste profile and quality cultivation.

Conclusion

Premier Cannabis Farms represents what many seek in a cannabis grower: a small, artisanal operation that balances traditional and innovative strains, presented in eco-friendly packaging. For OG lovers, Private Reserve OG and Spartan OG are highly recommended. Premier Cannabis Farms is a testament to the impact of smaller, quality-focused growers in the cannabis industry.


For a more detailed review and the full interview, visit Gas & Middies. Your source for Michigan cannabis reviews & information. Finding the gas ⛽ through all of the middies 🥱


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Over 2,500 Thanksgiving Turkeys to be Donated by Puff Cannabis Company

Published 10 months ago Culture & Lifestyle
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In the rapidly evolving landscape of Michigan's cannabis market, Puff Cannabis Company has emerged as a notable player, not only for its high-quality cannabis products but also for its deep commitment to community engagement. Founded and led by Justin Elias, Puff Cannabis Company has, in a span of just four years, expanded its footprint to 12 dispensary locations across Michigan, with plans for further expansion in 2024.

Justin Elias, the Founder and President of Puff Cannabis Company, articulates his vision with a clear sense of purpose and passion. "From the outset, our goal has been twofold: to provide top-notch cannabis products and to cultivate a team that is both knowledgeable and focused on our customers," Elias stated. This dual focus on quality products and customer service has been a cornerstone of the company's rapid growth and success.

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, Puff Cannabis Company is demonstrating its commitment to the communities it serves in a tangible and impactful way. In an initiative that transcends mere business operations, the company has announced that it will be giving away over 2,500 turkeys to those in need. This generous act is not limited to their customers but extends to anyone in need within their community. This initiative is a clear reflection of the company's ethos of giving back to the society that supports them.

With dispensaries located in key areas including Madison Heights, Utica, Bay City, Hamtramck, Traverse City, Oscoda, Sturgis, River Rouge, Kalamazoo, and Monroe, Puff Cannabis is not just expanding its business footprint; it is also deepening its community roots. This approach of growing alongside the community is a testament to the company's understanding of its role as a corporate citizen.

Reflecting on his personal experiences, Elias shared his thoughts on the significance of the Thanksgiving holiday. "Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together and celebrate. It's also a time to remember those less fortunate," he remarked. This sentiment is deeply ingrained in the company's philosophy and is evident in their community-focused initiatives.

  • River Rouge, 11397 W. Jefferson – Wednesday, November 15
  • Hamtramck, 11931 Joseph Campau – Wednesday, November 15
  • Madison Heights, 2 Ajax Drive – Friday, November 17
  • Utica, 44825 Van Dyke Ave – Friday, November 17
  • Monroe, 14750 LaPlaisance Rd. Suite 180 – Friday, November 17
  • Kalamazoo, 4305 Portage St – Friday, November 17
  • Oscoda, 635 S. State St – Saturday, November 18
  • Bay City, 1680 Marquette Ave – Saturday, November 18
  • Sturgis, 651 Wade Rd. – Tuesday, November 21
  • Traverse City, 1226 S Garfield Ave – Saturday, November 18

Puff Cannabis Company's approach to business in Michigan's cannabis industry sets a benchmark for others. It's not just about being a successful business but also about being a responsible and contributing member of the community. As the company continues to grow and expand, its commitment to quality products and community support remains unwavering, making it a distinguished name in Michigan's cannabis sector.