In a pivotal development that could reshape the landscape of religious freedoms and cannabis legality, Soul Tribes International Ministries, a religious organization recognized for its distinctive spiritual practices involving the sacramental use of Sacred Mushrooms (Psilocybin), has initiated a $1 billion lawsuit against the City of Detroit and its Police Department. The legal action alleges intentional infringement of the organization's constitutional rights pertaining to the free exercise of religion and expression.
In the preceding month, Detroit authorities conducted a raid and subsequently lodged what is being termed as a groundless and prejudiced nuisance lawsuit against Soul Tribes and its affiliates for distributing its Holy Sacrament, Sacred Mushrooms, to its members. The City's Verified Complaint categorizes this genuine religious practice as an "unlawful" activity as per the Michigan Nuisance Statute, even though the statute does not explicitly define the term.
Soul Tribes, after a meticulous search, opted to engage "Cannabis Counsel," a Detroit-based law firm known for its expertise in ensuring compliance and legality concerning Cannabis and other controlled substances. Furthermore, Soul Tribes enlisted the services of the religious free exercise specialist, Attorney George "Greg" Lake, who is licensed in Texas and Louisiana and has been permitted by the Michigan Court to represent the organization. Lake's specialization lies in advocating for the free exercise of religion and the sacramental use of psychedelics/entheogens.
The lawsuit seeks $1 billion in economic damages, along with injunctive and declaratory relief from Hon. Patricia Fresard's preliminary injunction dated November 16th, 2023, which mandated the temporary closure of the Church's building pending a comprehensive trial. This landmark case delves into intricate matters related to free exercise rights under both State and Federal constitutions, the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 claims alleging deliberate infringement of the Church's free exercise rights by the City and its employees.
Shaman Shu, the spiritual leader of Soul Tribes, underscored the importance of the ongoing legal battle, stating, "Our commitment is unwavering in defending the religious freedoms of our Church and all individuals in the nation seeking communion with the divine through the careful and respectful use of psychedelic sacraments, a practice rooted in ancient traditions."
Interestingly, 60% of Detroit's populace had endorsed Proposition E in 2021, which allowed the activities currently under scrutiny. Despite this, Soul Tribes contends that the city's actions, including the unprecedented raid of a place of worship, indicate targeted discrimination based on the organization's beliefs and practices.
The Church highlights the contrast between the city's aggressive actions against it and the ongoing fentanyl, opiate, and meth crises. Soul Tribes' legal battle seeks to address the damages, both monetary and spiritual, incurred due to the city's actions, which it believes to be in excess of $1 billion.
The legal team representing Soul Tribes, spearheaded by Attorney Thomas Lavine of Cannabis Counsel and Attorney George Lake, is poised to zealously advocate for the protection of the Church's religious freedoms, including their sincere use of Sacred Mushrooms, under both Michigan and United States Constitutions and laws.
As of now, the City of Detroit has yet to issue a response to the lawsuit. Soul Tribes International Ministries continues its unwavering pursuit to ensure that religious practices involving psychedelics are safeguarded and perpetually upheld in accordance with constitutional guarantees and legal statutes.
In a recent incident that has captured the attention of Michigan's cannabis community, a Detroit resident is set to face trial after a dramatic confrontation with a Michigan State Police trooper in Jackson. The events unfolded on September 24th, when Tavion William Beasley, a 21-year-old man, was pulled over during a routine traffic stop that escalated into a high-stakes situation.
Court documents indicate that Beasley is currently facing multiple felony charges, including assault with intent to murder, carrying a concealed weapon, third-degree fleeing police, resisting arrest causing injury, and felony firearms. These charges have been brought forward after an in-depth examination of the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop.
On the morning in question, at approximately 9 a.m., a trooper observed a maroon Chrysler 300 traveling at an alarming speed of 92 mph on U.S. 127. The car was subsequently pulled over on South Street near Michigan Avenue. The incident, captured on a body camera video, reveals the tension that quickly escalated during the interaction.
Upon approaching the vehicle, the trooper requested Beasley's driver's license, registration, and insurance. The trooper quickly noticed the scent of burning marijuana inside the car and instructed Beasley to exit the vehicle. Beasley acknowledged the presence of marijuana and initially complied with the trooper's instructions. However, the situation took a turn when Beasley, while conversing on his cell phone, returned to his car despite the trooper's orders.
The body camera footage shows the ensuing chaos as Beasley sped away with the trooper still partially inside the vehicle, pleading for him to stop. The trooper clung to the car for a perilous 41 seconds before Beasley stopped to let her out and then sped off again. The dislodged body camera continued to record from inside the car, capturing Beasley's frantic conversation admitting to pushing the trooper out.
The trooper sustained minor injuries and was treated at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital before being released. Beasley, after being identified as a suspect, turned himself in following discussions with his family, who encouraged him to cooperate with the authorities.
The trial is set to take place in the Jackson County Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Thomas Wilson. Beasley's bond has been set at $500,000, and he remains in custody at the Jackson County Jail.
While this incident echoes a similar case previously reported in Jackson County's Summit Township, it brings to light the ongoing discussions surrounding the responsible use of marijuana and the challenges faced by law enforcement. The case underscores the need for clear understanding and adherence to the laws governing cannabis use while driving and emphasizes the potential consequences of neglecting such responsibilities.
The city of Menominee finds itself caught in a web of legal challenges, as it grapples with recent lawsuits involving newly established marijuana dispensaries. These legal skirmishes shed light on the complexities of marijuana business licensing and its impact on local communities.
In 2021, amidst a competitive bid, Menominee approved recreational marijuana permits solely for two dispensaries: Rize and the Fire Station. This decision drew criticism from several applicants, including the parent entities of dispensaries Lume, Higher Love, and the Nirvana Center. These companies subsequently sued the city, leading to a prolonged legal battle.
The crux of the issue stemmed from the claim that Menominee had not been transparent in its selection process. To the surprise of many, especially after the courts backed Menominee's actions, the city chose to settle the lawsuit with the aggrieved companies earlier this year. Mayor Stegeman expressed his perplexity over the settlement decision after a 6-3 council vote on May 24th, noting, "I cannot explain settling a lawsuit we won."
Following the settlement, Lume, Higher Love, and the Nirvana Center received licenses, with plans to establish their dispensaries in close proximity to Rize and the Fire Station.
However, in a twist, Rize and the Fire Station hit back with a lawsuit of their own in August. They accused the city of contravening the Open Meetings Act during several discussions centered around the marijuana ordinance. As a result, an injunction was ordered to halt the city from progressing with the new ordinance.
The subsequent ambiguity surrounding this order led to lawyers seeking clearer instructions. On October 17th, Judge Barglind weighed in, specifying that any dispensary which was not operational by 1 p.m. on September 26th should remain closed. This directive was given on the grounds that opening any further dispensaries would necessitate the city continuing its role in the new ordinance.
However, there's a hitch. An email from a lawyer representing Rize to the city clerk on September 27th revealed that upon the city manager's request, the city building inspector had checked Lume, Higher Love, and Nirvana and found none to be operational. Despite this observation, these companies have countered by asserting that they were indeed open prior to the specified date.
Judge Barglind has since made it clear that the court will not undertake any fact verification, leaving the city to discern the truth.
Following the September injunction, Higher Love expressed its intention to join the city's side in the lawsuit. Nirvana echoed this move after the October clarification.
The present state of affairs has left many seeking answers. James Martone, who represents the Fire Station, confirmed that he reached out to City Manager Brett Botbyl to understand if Menominee plans to enforce the injunction against the newly licensed dispensaries. However, his queries remain unanswered.
This evolving situation underscores the intricate dynamics of the marijuana business in Menominee. As stakeholders await clarity, the broader implications of these legal battles on the future of the marijuana industry in the city hang in the balance.
Michigan's marijuana industry is witnessing a legal storm as Michael Doherty, a prominent cannabis business entrepreneur, is currently held in Ingham County Jail. Doherty was recently arraigned on 10 felony counts related to cyberstalking, targeting Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and several other unidentified individuals.
According to Lansing Assistant Police Chief Robert Backus, the authorities took Doherty into custody last Friday. The charges include aggravated cyberstalking and utilizing a computer for unlawful purposes. Doherty's arraignment saw 54-A District Judge Cynthia Ward setting a bail amount of $125,000. Further conditions for his release comprise wearing a GPS tether, undergoing a psychological evaluation, and strictly avoiding any contact with the victims mentioned in the complaint. While Backus refrained from disclosing all victims' identities, Mayor Schor confirmed he was one of them. Reports indicate that the victims received an overwhelming number of text messages, running into the thousands.
Doherty, owner of marijuana manufacturing firms MD Industries LLC and Rehbel Industries LLC, faced business hurdles as both companies crumbled under a massive $12.5 million debt. As a consequence, they were put under receivership in the previous year.
This isn't Doherty's first brush with the law. Last April, during a court hearing presided over by 30th Circuit Judge Draganchuk, he was handed a 93-day sentence for criminal contempt. This followed an outburst in which he accused the judge of engaging in "corrupt and unacceptable actions." The hearing centered on a motion put forth by attorney John Polderman, the court-appointed receiver. Polderman's motion accused Doherty of multiple misdemeanors, including harassing a title agent managing the transfer of MD Industries property, making veiled threats via email, and sending inappropriate messages to individuals connected to the case.
Post his release from Ingham County Jail, Doherty's controversial actions continued. He resumed emailing earlier contacts, extending his list of recipients. One notable target was Berl Schwartz, the editor and publisher of City Pulse. Disturbing messages from Doherty to Schwartz included an image of the editor with a caption reading, "These idiots will get theirs too." In a subsequent email, Doherty conveyed to Schwartz that his "entire Firm is going down over this... Can't perform Domestic Terrorism and get away with it in the Court of Law."
At the core of Doherty's grievances against City Pulse and Schwartz was the perceived lack of reporting on alleged "corruption" involving Polderman, Draganchuk, and others. It's worth noting that City Pulse had previously covered Doherty in 2020, documenting his purchase of the old John Bean factory and his subsequent establishment of a marijuana manufacturing venture. The media outlet has since published multiple stories on him, including an exclusive video capturing his contempt court hearing:
Doherty's legal journey continues, with his next court appearance slated for November 2nd before Judge Ward, as informed by Backus.
In the complex realm of social equity programs intended to benefit marginalized communities by providing cannabis business opportunities, a concerning development has surfaced. Participants unknowingly find themselves ensnared in contracts that not only strip them of their rights but also unknowingly expose them to financial risks. While the program promises prosperity for the marginalized, some unscrupulous entities appear to exploit it for their gain. This report delves into this alarming situation, the individuals involved, and the implications for those unwittingly caught in the web.
In a recent surge of criminal activities targeting marijuana dispensary drivers, a teenager from Clinton Township has been placed at the center of these events. The youth, aged just 15, is now facing serious charges as an adult for his alleged involvement in these incidents.
Law enforcement authorities have reported that the teenager is believed to be responsible for three distinct robberies of dispensary drivers that took place in Macomb County throughout October. Following a thorough investigation, the young individual was officially charged on Tuesday, October 24th. The charges leveled against him include three counts of armed robbery and an additional two counts related to felony firearm possession.
The gravity of the charges reflects the seriousness with which authorities are approaching such crimes, especially when connected to the rapidly growing marijuana industry in Michigan. This serves as a reminder to businesses and consumers about the importance of safety in this sector.
Given the weight of the accusations, a bond was set at a substantial $300,000. Furthermore, the court has mandated several conditions to ensure public safety and the well-being of the accused. Among these, the teenager has been ordered to undergo a comprehensive mental health evaluation. The court has also explicitly instructed him to avoid any form of contact with the victims of the alleged robberies. If the bond amount is posted and the teenager is released, he will be required to wear a steel-cuff GPS tether, ensuring his movements can be tracked at all times.
The incidents in Macomb County highlight the growing concerns surrounding safety in the marijuana industry. As the sector continues to expand, it underscores the necessity for rigorous safety measures and public awareness.
This news serves as an essential update for all stakeholders in Michigan's cannabis landscape, from consumers and businesses to regulators. Ensuring that the industry operates safely and responsibly remains paramount as Michigan navigates the complexities of its blossoming marijuana market.
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