Note to Readers: While the primary focus of our platform remains cannabis-related news, we think it's important to explore the parallel happenings in the realm of psychedelic substances in Michigan, due to its close kinship and its potential implications for future policy-making in related fields. We hope you find the following article enlightening.
In a pivotal moment in 2021, Detroit saw a marked shift toward leniency in drug policy with the voter decision to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms and several related substances. However, the practical application of this seemingly progressive move has recently been challenged.
Last week, Soul Tribes International Ministries, a self-identified psychedelic religious institution, faced a raid by Detroit police. Despite the organization's assertions of legal and religious sanctity in their practices, the authorities conducted a search, seized substances, and subsequently shut down the operation, branding it illicit.
Shaman Bobby Shu, the founder of Soul Tribes, has expressed a firm intent to resume operations by Monday. The point of contention arises from Proposal E, which was affirmed by 61% of Detroit voters in 2021. While it intended to decriminalize psychedelics within city boundaries, Assistant Corporation Counsel Doug Baker highlights that it neither specifically sanctions the sale/distribution of psilocybin mushrooms nor supersedes state law that continues to designate psilocybin as a controlled substance.
The enforcement of the said operation, according to a police statement, ensured the confiscation of "illegal controlled substances" and cessation of an "illegal operation" that purportedly posed a risk to the community.
Soul Tribes, having inaugurated its services inside the longstanding Bushnell Congregational Church over Labor Day weekend, offers access to psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca, and other entheogenic plants they deem sacraments. The ministry eloquently defends its position: "These sacraments reflect our deeply-held religious beliefs and form an integral part of our worship and religious practices, as supported by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993."
The founder, Shu, was not only pivotal in the institution's operations but was also actively involved in the campaign to pass Proposal E. The resulting city ordinance from the proposal indeed states that law enforcement pertaining to "the personal possession and therapeutic use of entheogenic plants by adults" should be of the lowest priority in Detroit.
In a nuanced explanation, the ordinance clarifies therapeutic use as involving a range of activities with entheogenic plants among adults, potentially under the guidance of a licensed therapist, medical professional, or religious leader. It endeavors to:
Even before the abrupt shutdown, Shu conveyed that he had engaged in dialogues and email communications with the Detroit Police Department (DPD), affirming the legitimacy of Soul Tribes as a legal and religious entity, registered with the state.
Shu reveals that the police confiscated entheogenic plants valued at over $700,000 and emphasizes that he has not been criminally charged related to the raid. He, along with his legal team, is diligently working to reopen the facility.
Beyond providing access to entheogenic plants and guiding participants through sessions, Soul Tribes also offers teachings on breath work, thought management, reiki, and meditation, among other practices.
Asserting his rights, Shu stated, "You cannot discriminate against us because of our religious beliefs, that's the First Amendment. The police's job is to enforce city ordinances."
This instance underscores the complexity and potential friction points in the navigation between local ordinances, state law, religious freedoms, and drug policy reform—a topic surely to continue sparking debates and discussions in Michigan and beyond.
Stay tuned to our platform for more updates on policy changes, debates, and discussions related to cannabis and psychedelics in Michigan.
In a recent twist in Michigan's legal landscape concerning marijuana, a 41-year-old resident of Sebewaing, Jessica Saenz, has confessed to unlawfully entering a neighbor's home multiple times with the intent to steal marijuana. This revelation came to light during a session in Huron County's 52nd Circuit Court on Monday.
Saenz's admission comes after being accused of the third-degree home invasion during her neighbor's vacation period between November 29th and December 3rd, 2022. In a detailed confession, she verified that she intruded the property without consent, capitalizing on the homeowner's absence.
The gravity of Saenz's act is further intensified as third-degree home invasion is classified as a felony in Michigan, carrying with it the potential consequences of up to five years in prison and fines that can reach up to $2,000.
Judge Gerald M. Prill, who oversaw the arraignment, has now accepted a plea agreement in which Saenz will pay full restitution. This decision comes with an assurance from the prosecution not to introduce or amend any further charges pertaining to this case.
Saenz currently remains out of custody, having posted a $5,000 cash or surety bond. Her scheduled sentencing will take place on Monday, November 27th at 9 a.m.
This case highlights the complexities surrounding marijuana and its place within the community, even in states like Michigan where its use has been legalized. As the story unfolds, residents and stakeholders will undoubtedly watch closely, bearing witness to the unfolding ramifications of this case on the broader marijuana discourse in Michigan.
In a landmark bribery case, former Michigan House Speaker Rick Johnson was handed a 55-month federal prison sentence on Thursday. Johnson, 70, from LeRoy, Michigan, faced charges for accepting bribes totaling over $110,200, including liaisons funded by lobbyists, during his tenure as chairman of Michigan's emerging medical marijuana licensing board.
The bribes, facilitated by Detroit businessman John Dawood Dalaly and Lansing lobbyists Vincent Brown and Brian Pierce, were in exchange for Johnson's aid in expediting their business applications, divulging confidential board deliberations, and influencing approvals. He accepted cash payments, a "loan", services from an adult entertainment worker, and private jet trips to confer with Canadian investors.
The legal proceedings have raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the state's marijuana licensing process. U.S. District Judge Jane Beckering, overseeing the case in Grand Rapids, recently sentenced Dalaly to a 28-month prison term. While Johnson and his accomplices pleaded guilty in April, with hints of further indictments, no additional charges have surfaced.
Prosecutors highlighted the case's significance, noting, "Johnson's crime has severely undermined trust in his role as MMLB Chair and in state governance."
Johnson's attorney, Nicholas Dondzila, advocated for a lighter sentence, highlighting Johnson's cooperation with the investigation, his public service, and clean prior record.
Johnson's political stint began in 1971 as the Rose Lake Township treasurer, advancing to a five-year term in the state House and culminating as the House Speaker from 2001-2004. His subsequent role in a lobbying firm and controversial appointment to the marijuana board by then-Gov. Rick Snyder, given his prior ties to the industry, drew public scrutiny.
The remaining lobbyists, Pierce and Brown, await their sentencing on October 18th.
The Grand Rapids Police Department is urgently seeking the public's assistance in tracking down a prime suspect linked to a spree of break-ins across West Michigan. The string of burglaries has particularly targeted marijuana dispensaries, highlighting the growing concerns surrounding cannabis store security in the region.
Nehemiah Chilton, aged 18, is suspected of orchestrating over 30 break-ins, prominently at cannabis dispensaries and liquor outlets in Grand Rapids, starting in July. His most recent suspected involvement was reported earlier this week.
Beyond Grand Rapids, Chilton is also on the wanted list for similar criminal activities spanning Kent County, as well as the Portage and Kalamazoo regions. Notably, he is believed to have purloined nine vehicles within Grand Rapids, subsequently using them to facilitate his burglary operations.
While the Grand Rapids Police have successfully detained and charged three accomplices linked to Chilton, he remains at large. The public is cautioned against approaching Chilton directly due to potential risks.
Anyone possessing relevant information or who might have clues about Chilton's location is strongly encouraged to reach out to Grand Rapids detectives at 616-456-3380. For those wishing to provide tips anonymously, the Silent Observer can be contacted at 616-774-2345 or visited online at www.silentobserver.org.
In a series of events that has Michigan residents on edge and sheds light on the risks law enforcement face daily, a seemingly routine traffic stop escalated dramatically in Jackson County's Summit Township.
On a quiet Sunday morning around 9 a.m., a Michigan State Police (MSP) Trooper pulled over a vehicle for speeding. The driver, identified as Tavion Beasley, was clocked driving a staggering 92 miles per hour down US 127. However, what seemed like a standard speeding infraction quickly became a dangerous situation when the trooper detected the unmistakable scent of marijuana emanating from inside Beasley's car.
Body camera footage, later released by MSP, captures the interaction. After the trooper calmly requested Beasley's license and registration, she inquired if he had marijuana burning inside the vehicle. Beasley's affirmative response led to the trooper reminding him of Michigan's laws, specifically, "you know that it's illegal to smoke marijuana while you're driving?"
Throughout the traffic stop, Beasley, apparently unperturbed, continued to use his phone. Despite repeated commands from the trooper, the situation escalated when Beasley defiantly made his way back to the driver's seat. The subsequent struggle, caught on the officer's body camera, culminates in the chilling sound of the car accelerating, followed by the officer's pleas for Beasley to "stop and let me out."
Tragically, the trooper was dragged nearly a mile by the fleeing vehicle. While she was fortunately released from the hospital after receiving treatment for minor injuries, the body camera she wore was dislodged during the incident.
Following the incident, local authorities immediately appealed to the community for assistance. Residents were requested to check their security and doorbell cameras for any footage of the harrowing episode.
Remarkably, Beasley chose to turn himself in after discussing the event with his family members. Upon his arraignment, he faced several serious charges, including assault with intent to murder, carrying a concealed weapon, and assaulting a police officer, leading to injury. As of now, Beasley remains in Jackson County Jail, with his bond set at a hefty $500,000.
While Michigan has made progressive strides in marijuana legalization, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with such freedoms. It underscores the importance of abiding by laws that prohibit driving under the influence of marijuana and sheds light on the potential dangers that law enforcement face each day. This occurrence, now a major topic of discussion in Michigan's cannabis community, emphasizes the importance of safety and responsibility for all parties involved.
In an alarming incident highlighting the dangers surrounding the underground marijuana trade, four teenagers have been detained in connection with a shooting near a Warren school.
On September 14th, Warren police were dispatched to the crossroads of Martin and Bunert after reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man in a vehicle, riddled with bullets. The unfolding situation prompted immediate lockdowns at both Macomb Community College and Warren Woods Tower High School.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the shooting stemmed from a botched robbery. The 26-year-old victim from Roseville, who is currently fighting for his life after multiple surgeries, was reportedly involved in local cannabis dealings. Authorities believe his connection to the marijuana trade played a significant role in making him a target. As of now, the man faces a grim prognosis of possible paralysis due to the injuries sustained.
On the subsequent Monday, four teenagers – two aged 14 and two aged 15 – were apprehended at Warren Woods Tower High School. Of the four, three hail from Warren, while the fourth is an Oak Park resident. That same day, law enforcement also carried out searches at three Warren homes and an Oak Park residence, unearthing five firearms. It's speculated that two of these weapons are connected to the shooting incident.
Macomb County's Juvenile Chief, on Tuesday, allowed the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Juvenile Unit additional time to deliberate on charges and to decide if the teenagers should be prosecuted as adults.
The proposed charges against the adolescents include armed robbery, assault with intent to murder, conspiracy, and multiple weapons offenses.
Macomb County Prosecutor, Peter Lucido, commented on the gravity of the situation, stating, "These young individuals have cast a spotlight on the consequences of our life choices. Not only do these decisions mold our destinies, but they also shape the security of our neighborhoods. Our commitment remains unwavering in pursuing the truth, ensuring those at fault face the repercussions, and delivering justice for the victim and our society."
A preliminary hearing for the teens has been scheduled for September 25th.
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