A long-standing tool and die shop in Westland, Michigan, is pivoting to the cannabis industry to breathe new life into its business. R&A Tool and Engineering, located at 39127 Ford Road, is planning to establish a cannabis microbusiness on its premises, named Ancient Herbs.
The Westland City Council previously greenlit the initiative last summer, and now, owner Greg Raymond is pursuing special land use approval to operationalize the microbusiness. This move was supported by the city's planning commission, which recently recommended approval during their meeting on May 7th.
Raymond expressed his commitment to the new venture, saying, "I'm going to do my best to make this a win-win situation for the city and for my employees. I understand the responsibility that comes with a license, and I'm willing to take that on." He sees the introduction of the cannabis microbusiness not only as a strategic shift but as a way to sustain a property that has belonged to his family since 1968.
Cannabis microbusinesses are unique in that they are allowed to cultivate up to 150 plants on-site, and can also process and sell their products directly to consumers from the same location. This model supports a more distinctive product offering due to its independent operation.
The proposed business would mark the second cannabis microbusiness in Westland, a city that anticipates a notable increase in tax revenue from such establishments over the next six years.
Despite the change in business focus, Raymond plans to continue operating the tool and die shop as long as feasible, though he acknowledges it will eventually close. The industry has faced challenges, particularly as many manufacturing jobs have moved overseas. "We're just trying to play the cards we were dealt," Raymond commented on the economic shifts.
The addition of the cannabis microbusiness is expected to create approximately 30 new jobs, contributing to local employment and economic diversity.
C3 Industries, a prominent cannabis operator based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, recently finalized a significant investment deal, securing $16 million for the development of a new cultivation facility in Connecticut. The 58,500-square-foot facility will be situated in East Hartford, with NewLake Capital Partners Inc., a real estate investment trust also based in Connecticut, facilitating the transaction. The property acquisition cost NewLake $4 million, with an additional $12 million allocated towards construction expenses.
This strategic expansion marks C3 Industries' entry into the Connecticut market, adding a fifth state to its operational footprint. This growth positions C3 as Michigan's largest multistate operator, particularly notable during a period when many in the industry are struggling. In stark contrast, C3 is on track to achieve $250 million in revenue this year, boasting a robust profit margin. This success is largely attributed to the company's cautious and methodical approach to growth, especially in the competitive Michigan market.
Ankur Rungta, CEO of C3 Industries, credits the company's success to its origins and operational strategies. "We started our business in Oregon, which was a really challenging market with oversaturation," Rungta explained. "Coming to Michigan, we built our largest platform. We've always been mindful not to expand production beyond what the market can sustain. This has been a breeding ground for disciplined operators and our conservative approach has certainly paid off."
The national cannabis market is currently experiencing significant financial pressures, with many multistate operators (MSOs) retracting operations in response to these challenges. For instance, New York-based Curaleaf has closed dispensaries in multiple states including Michigan, responding to a combination of high effective tax rates and aggressive regulatory environments.
C3 operates 11 of its High Profile Cannabis retail locations in Michigan, alongside outlets in Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, and Illinois. Plans are underway to expand retail operations in Connecticut, where two new stores are expected to open, with additional acquisitions targeted in the near future.
The company's Michigan locations are particularly lucrative, generating nearly double the statewide average revenue per store. This success is largely due to C3's vertical integration strategy, where the company relies heavily on its own grown cannabis for its product line.
Despite these achievements, not all endeavors have been successful. C3 recently had to close its Flint location and sell its Ann Arbor dispensary, which was initially expected to be highly profitable. "That was painful to let go," Rungta remarked, highlighting the challenges even successful operators face in this volatile market.
Ankur Rungta, along with his brother Vishal Rungta who serves as C3's president and CFO, both hold degrees from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Ankur also holds a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School, bringing a strong educational background to his leadership role.
Looking forward, C3 is shifting towards an acquisition strategy, seeking opportunities in new markets such as Ohio. "We're now more focused on acquiring larger operating portfolios," Ankur Rungta shared, indicating a strategic pivot from organic growth to targeted acquisitions.
C3 Industries, a Michigan-based cannabis company, was founded in 2018 by brothers Ankur and Vishal Rungta. In a few short years, it has expanded significantly. Initially starting in one state, C3 now operates in five states, with plans to enter a sixth soon. The company manages 24 High Profile dispensaries across Michigan, Missouri, Massachusetts, Illinois, and New Jersey, with Connecticut set to join the list. Additionally, C3 oversees more than 250,000 square feet of cultivation and manufacturing space across these states, although Illinois and New Jersey currently function as retail-only markets.
The company's brand portfolio includes Cloud Cover, Galactic, and Habitat, each offering a diverse range of cannabis products catering to different tastes, potency levels, and price points. This diverse operational footprint highlights C3's aggressive yet strategic expansion, demonstrating its capability to scale operations while adapting to varying state laws and market conditions.
Iced Out Genetics, a Michigan-based virtual dispensary, has expanded its operations to provide mail order cannabis services across all 50 states. This development follows a pivotal decision recognizing the medical benefits of cannabis, marking a considerable progression in the industry. The company boasts an expansive catalog of over 900 premium cannabis strains, catering to a broad audience.
The expansion into nationwide shipping is a direct response to the increasing trend of cannabis legalization in various states. A spokesperson from Iced Out Genetics shared their perspective on the change, stating, "Previously, our products were limited to states where cannabis was legally available. However, with the evolving legal landscape, there is now a significant opportunity for growth in the mail order sector of our industry. As we approach potential federal legalization, we are ready to serve the expanding market, which is projected to reach substantial financial milestones annually."
Iced Out Genetics distinguishes itself as the sole mail order cannabis provider that offers same-day shipping throughout the country. Their service is particularly vital for residents in rural areas, where access to cannabis can be limited. The company's online platform, icedoutgenetics.com, provides a convenient solution for customers to purchase cannabis, including seeds and flowers.
In an effort to simplify the purchase process and enhance accessibility, Iced Out Genetics has removed the requirement for medical identification for its customers. This move is part of the company's commitment to ensuring that high-quality cannabis products are accessible to a wider customer base.
Wrestling icon Ric Flair is making a striking entrance into Michigan's cannabis market through a partnership with local brand Goldkine. The collaboration introduces Flair's "Ric Flair Drip" brand to the state, aiming to merge his flamboyant persona with Goldkine's reputation for quality cannabis offerings.
The initial product rollout features a diverse selection, including premium cannabis flower and infused pre-rolls, tailored to meet various consumer preferences. These products will be available from May 3rd at dispensaries across Michigan such as Puff, Consume, Exclusive, and Joyology. Plans to expand the lineup later in the year include the introduction of edibles.
Ric Flair shared his excitement about the venture, emphasizing the brand's ethos: "Wooooo! Ric Flair Drip Cannabis is about bringing flair to every moment. It's not just about the product, it's about the experience, the style, and living life to the fullest. Michigan, get ready to drip with the Nature Boy!"
Goldkine's co-founder, Jimmy Smith, expressed enthusiasm for this partnership, highlighting it as a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation in the cannabis industry. "This collaboration reflects our dedication to providing the highest quality cannabis products and creating unique experiences for our customers. We believe this partnership will set a new standard in the industry," said Smith.
Carma HoldCo, a significant entity in the Michigan cannabis sector and home to premium brands like TYSON 2.0 and Evol by Future, is also playing a crucial role in this launch. By introducing Ric Flair Drip to Michigan through their partnership with Goldkine, Carma aims to enrich the state's cannabis market.
Adam Wilks, Chairman and CEO of Carma HoldCo, commented on the expansion: "We are proud to be a part of this exciting venture, bringing the Ric Flair Drip cannabis brand to Michigan. This expansion represents Carma's commitment to providing our customers with diverse and high-quality options. We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on Michigan's cannabis landscape."
In the burgeoning landscape of Michigan's legal cannabis market, a shift is noticeable from the days of caregiver-operated stores that championed the motto, "Good weed ain't cheap, and cheap weed ain't good." During the pre-legalization era, with around 90 retail stores in Lansing alone, the absence of regulatory barriers enabled a fiercely competitive environment. This often led retailers to slash prices, though not to the rock-bottom levels observed today.
Conversely, a segment of operators concentrated on enhancing product quality. These businesses invested in superior additives for cultivation, ensured plants were properly cured, and focused on critical quality indicators such as taste, terpene profiles, and overall effects. As is generally true, quality came at a higher cost. Unlike today's large-scale legal operators, caregivers worked on a smaller scale, somewhat cushioned by the lack of regulatory fees, yet they could not match the production output we see in the current market.
The state also experienced variable access to the market, driven by differing municipal enforcement levels against gray-market dispensaries. This variability allowed cities like Flint, Lansing, Detroit, and Traverse City to emerge as cannabis hubs without saturating the market, thus maintaining price stability that paralleled the traditional illicit market.
However, the landscape has drastically changed. The push for lower costs has initiated a "race to the bottom" in terms of both quality and price. Many producers now resort to using ozone or radiation to treat their cannabis, aiming to maximize profitability. Remarkably, during recent holiday sales, several retailers reported just breaking even.
This inequality in market access persists in the legal framework, as municipalities decide on the presence of cannabis businesses in their communities. Despite a greater number of retailers and a more even distribution across Michigan, the dynamics of market access have significantly evolved.
The rise of well-capitalized corporate entities has further transformed the market. These companies, driven by a quest for market share, are well-prepared for dramatic price fluctuations, spurred by an increase in cultivation capacity following legalization. Michigan's relatively laissez-faire approach to cannabis has enabled numerous operators to enter the cultivation arena, leading to an oversupply and intense competition for retail market share.
For consumers, this means lower prices—often below the cost of production—which, while increasing accessibility, raises questions about the long-term impacts on the market and community. Many small operators struggle to compete with these artificially low prices.
In the alcohol industry, Michigan has set minimum shelf prices, a measure that has supported the craft sector by stabilizing pricing against larger competitors. Growing voices within the cannabis industry suggest that a similar approach might be beneficial for cannabis, potentially curbing predatory pricing practices of large operators and fostering higher quality standards.
As discussions about introducing minimum pricing on cannabis gain traction, it could represent a significant step towards a more sustainable industry, benefiting both small and large operators and ensuring a diverse, quality product range for consumers. Even in the absence of such regulations, it is worthwhile for consumers to consider the broader implications of their purchasing choices within the cannabis market.
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