Michigan's burgeoning cannabis industry takes a celebratory turn with the debut of the "Best in Grass" cannabis competition. Initiated by Mark Kazinec, this event is set to highlight top-tier, locally-grown cannabis in 14 recreational categories. Interested participants looking to judge these products must hurry, as the registration deadline is rapidly approaching on May 19th.
Judging at the Best in Grass competition is more than an observational role—it's an active contribution to the future of cannabis in Michigan. Each judge will be equipped with a special kit containing diverse cannabis products and a Judge Access Card for entry into an exclusive judging portal. Here, judges will assess entries on visual appeal, aroma, taste, and effects, offering detailed feedback.
Mark Kazinec stresses the importance of individuality in the judging process. “We provide examples of thorough judging comments,” he notes, “but we respect that each judge brings their own palate and unique perspective, which we encourage them to express freely.”
The Best in Grass aims not only to recognize the finest cannabis products but also to engage real Michigan consumers. Kazinec explains that the competition serves as a platform for consumers to explore new brands and provide feedback, crucial for brands aiming to refine their products. This feedback loop promises to enhance the overall quality of cannabis offerings available to the public.
Distinguishing itself from other events, Best in Grass prides itself on fairness and transparency. Unlike typical competitions judged by industry insiders, this event employs a broad pool of impartial judges to avoid bias, ensuring genuine, reliable results. Measures are also in place to prevent brands and their affiliates from judging, maintaining the integrity of the competition.
Organizing such a comprehensive event is not without its hurdles, especially regarding compliance and regulations. Kazinec and his team are committed to overcoming these challenges through diligent collaboration with businesses and communities, ensuring the competition adheres to legal standards.
Judges participating in Best in Grass will have the unique opportunity to attend the live awards ceremony at the Royal Oak Music Theatre on June 18th. Dubbed the “Oscars of the cannabis industry,” the event will feature a green carpet and a black-tie/cocktail dress code, allowing judges to connect with the creators of the products they reviewed.
As the competition draws to a close with the deadline on May 19th, the anticipation builds with early results trickling in. This is a prime opportunity to help determine the standout cannabis products in Michigan. For those interested in joining as judges, register promptly to secure a spot in this landmark event.
For further details on contest rules or inquiries, please visit bestingrass.io.
House of Dank Lansing is set to launch its new location with a grand opening event on Saturday, May 11th from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 2905 N East St., at the intersection with Chilson Ave. Although the grand opening festivities conclude at 6:00 p.m., the store will remain open until 10:00 p.m., offering extended hours for visitors to explore a variety of grand opening specials.
The event is open to individuals 21 years of age and older, offering them a chance to explore an extensive range of cannabis products. The day is packed with exclusive promotions and interactive experiences, including giveaways, vendor swag, and the chance to engage with knowledgeable staff in a dynamic setting.
The festivities kick off at 9:00 a.m., with the first customer receiving a special gift. Additionally, the first 100 visitors will enjoy a complimentary gift with their purchase. Early attendees can benefit from several doorbuster giveaways, and a unique giveaway is scheduled for 4:20 p.m. Moreover, all patrons making a purchase during the grand opening will be entered into a raffle with prizes such as gaming systems and smoking accessories.
Marvin Jamo, owner of House of Dank Lansing, expresses his enthusiasm about the opening: "Lansing, welcome to our HOUSE! We are thrilled to offer outstanding deals, high-quality products, competitive prices, and unparalleled customer service."
The grand opening will feature a host of activities, including music from a DJ, food trucks, games, and appearances by brand partners offering prizes. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet Kash, the popular cannabis mascot. The celebration will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.
As a prominent player in Michigan's cannabis market, House of Dank not only offers premium cannabis options but also provides a line of CBD products, exclusive merchandise, and a rewards program. The store also supports convenience through home and curbside delivery services within a 20-mile radius.
Looking ahead, House of Dank plans to continue its expansion with upcoming openings in Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo later this year. Committed to customer wellbeing and community engagement, House of Dank strives to deliver excellence and expertise in the cannabis industry.
The Royal Oak Taco Fest, a thriving community event now in its third year, is poised to introduce several new features this summer, headlined by the much-anticipated integration of a cannabis sales and consumption area. Slated to run from July 4th through July 7th, the Taco Fest aims to surpass the success of previous years by not only catering to a diverse crowd but also by expanding its entertainment and activity offerings.
Under the guidance of Jon Witz, the festival's organizer known for the acclaimed Arts, Beats and Eats festival, this year's Taco Fest will extend its family-friendly attractions alongside adult-oriented enhancements, including a secure cannabis consumption zone managed by JARS Cannabis. This initiative follows the successful model previously implemented at the Arts, Beats and Eats festival, reflecting a continuing trend of integrating cannabis into mainstream community events.
While the Taco Fest has enjoyed robust attendance in past years, drawing up to 60,000 visitors, this year's enhancements are expected to boost those numbers even further. The inclusion of a cannabis area is a significant development, managed by JARS Cannabis, a company with a strong presence in Michigan, Colorado, and Arizona. Positioned discreetly in a municipal parking lot, the area will offer privacy and controlled access, mirroring the successful setup seen at Denver's Mile High 420 Festival.
In addition to expanding the taco offerings with over 50 vendors, the Taco Fest will also feature new entertainment options including Lucha Libre wrestling, hot sauce challenges, and a variety of contests that promise to engage attendees of all ages. Family activities will see an increase as well, with a new zip line and a ropes course designed to provide thrilling experiences for adventurous festival-goers.
The local business community and city officials have shown strong support for the festival's innovative approach to combining family-friendly fun with responsible adult activities. The decision to include a cannabis consumption area was made with careful consideration of public feedback and the positive reception of similar initiatives at other city events.
By embracing the integration of cannabis in a controlled and tasteful manner, the Royal Oak Taco Fest is setting a benchmark for how community festivals can cater to a broad demographic while ensuring safety and compliance. This progressive move not only reflects the evolving public perception of cannabis but also enhances the festival's appeal as a inclusive social event.
Mount Clemens, Michigan, is set to host an expungement and job resource fair aimed at providing crucial support for individuals seeking to clear their criminal records, including cannabis-related offenses. Organized by the Mount Clemens Graduate Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the event will take place at Cairns Community Center on Saturday, May 18th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The fair will feature a panel discussion and an expungement workshop where attendees can receive guidance on how to navigate the process of removing certain offenses from their records. Legal representatives, including those from the Michigan Attorney General’s office, Safe & Just Michigan, the Organization of Exonerees, and Michigan Works!, will offer their expertise.
A highlight of the fair is its focus on assisting individuals with expunging misdemeanor cannabis offenses. This is particularly significant in Michigan, which, following the 2018 legalization of cannabis for adult recreational use, has moved to ease the burden of past convictions on residents. The state's "clean slate" laws, advocated by Safe & Just Michigan and enacted in 2020, enable residents to petition for the removal of various misdemeanors and up to three felony convictions from their public criminal records.
In addition to cannabis-related misdemeanors, Michigan’s expungement laws allow individuals to seek the removal of a range of other offenses from their public records. Eligible offenses under these laws include:
However, it is important to note that individuals convicted of capital offenses, most criminal sexual conduct charges, and other severe crimes are not eligible for expungement.
"By providing a platform to clear these convictions, we not only restore hope but also open doors to new opportunities for those affected, reinforcing our dedication to community empowerment and support," remarked Malea Howard, vice president of the Mount Clemens sorority chapter.
The event promises comprehensive support with pro bono legal assistance available from attending attorneys. Additional family-friendly activities and food options will be provided, with the Mount Clemens Public Library organizing activities for children and various local food trucks present.
While walk-ins are welcome, pre-registration is recommended to ensure a spot at the workshop. Interested parties can register at mountclemenszetas.org/fair.
This event exemplifies Michigan's broader legislative shift towards more progressive cannabis laws and highlights the ongoing efforts to mitigate the long-term impacts of previous drug policies.
Detroit is gearing up to host its first NFL Draft, attracting an estimated 400,000 sports enthusiasts to the city. In conjunction with this major sports event, the 313 Draft Party is set to take place on April 25-26th in downtown Detroit. Although it is not officially part of the NFL Draft festivities, the party highlights the growing acceptance and incorporation of cannabis into mainstream events.
The event, open to adults 21 and over with valid ID, is a celebration of both sports and cannabis culture, situated conveniently across from Comerica Park at 70 E. Elizabeth St. Over two days, attendees will experience a blend of local food, live music, and promotional giveaways, all within the vibrant atmosphere of this significant sports milestone.
The 313 Draft Party features several attractions:
The event will also include a diverse selection of local food trucks and a DJ to keep the energy high throughout the day. Promotional giveaways and special offers from cannabis brands such as Chill Medicated, Kiva's Lost Farm, Gold Crown, and Breeze Canna will add to the festive atmosphere.
JARS Cannabis emphasizes the event's commitment to safety, adhering to local regulations that prohibit the sale of alcohol and the consumption of cannabis on site. This ensures a secure environment for all participants, reinforcing the event's role in showcasing the progressive integration of cannabis into cultural and public events.
The Apotheculture Club, founded in March 2023, is known for fostering a supportive community centered around the legal consumption of cannabis. As part of its ongoing commitment to inclusivity, the club is offering free tickets to individuals who were previously incarcerated due to cannabis-related offenses for its upcoming event, "The Vixen" in Detroit on Friday, May 17th.
James Blaszko, co-founder and CEO of Apotheculture Club, emphasized the importance of community support in addressing the consequences of past cannabis prohibitions. "We discuss the advancement of cannabis openly at our events across the country, prompting me to propose that our members sponsor a seat for someone adversely affected by previous cannabis bans," Blaszko remarked. Inspired by a member who had experienced incarceration himself and sponsored a seat at a prior event, several other members have followed suit, sponsoring additional seats for the upcoming May event.
The event offers a unique experience that begins with a multi-course cannabis-infused meal prepared by Chef Artist J and Chef Amy Hang at a private residence. Attendees will then be transported to Detroit Opera to enjoy the performance of "The Cunning Little Vixen" from exclusive seating areas. The evening concludes with transportation back to the private residence for dessert. The event schedule starts with mingling at 5 p.m., dinner at 5:30 p.m., and a return from the theater at 9:30 p.m.
Individuals impacted by the criminalization of cannabis, referred to by the club as "system-impacted cannabis enthusiasts," are encouraged to contact Apotheculture Club directly for tickets and future benefits. They can reach out via direct message on Instagram @apothecultureclub or by email at [email protected].
For those interested in purchasing tickets, they are available for $200 on Eventbrite.
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