Photo of Lance Boldrey

R. Lance Boldrey's practice focuses on tribal and commercial gaming, and on Indian law (with an emphasis on economic development and state-tribal relations). He represents tribes, developers, banks and other non-tribal businesses, as well as state and local governments, and is a frequent speaker on Indian law topics. Mr. Boldrey is also a leader of the Firm's emerging Cannabis Law practice.

On August 30, 2022, the Wayne County Circuit Court issued rulings denying injunctive relief to several cannabis companies that challenged the implementation of the City of Detroit’s adult-use cannabis ordinance (the “Ordinance”). In addition to denying motions for preliminary injunctions, the Court also dismissed the cases entirely. In doing so, the court reached several conclusions that are at odds with a full reading of Michigan’s cannabis statutes and rules. The opinions can be found here: Case No. 22-006534-CZ Jars Holding LLC et al v. City of Detroit; and here: Case No. 22-00594-CZ House of Dank et al v. City of Detroit.

Following these rulings, the City began accepting adult-use applications on September 1 and will accept applications until September 30. It has been a long and torturous route to get to this point.
Continue Reading Detroit Opens Adult-Use Retail Licensing After Victory in Court

Yesterday, it became public that Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency Executive Director Andrew Brisbo will soon be leaving the agency.

Having spent nearly two decades working in licensing and regulation with the state of Michigan, Director Brisbo served with distinction as the first director of the Michigan Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation. Appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to head the CRA in April 2019, Director Brisbo is credited for managing the state’s cannabis policy evolution and the rapid growth of the agency.
Continue Reading Agency Head Announces Departure: What’s Next for Michigan’s Cannabis Industry

Blog Post is Co-Authored by Jerry Hincka from EHS Support

As the Michigan cannabis industry continues to grow and mature, medical and adult-use licensees would be well served to take proactive steps to ensure compliance with Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) regulations. We’ve previously written about the importance for cannabis businesses to be mindful of EHS regulations and the issue of environmental sustainability in the cannabis industry. In addition to federal EHS regulations from federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Michigan cannabis licensees must also pay careful attention to state EHS regulations from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration (MIOSHA).
Continue Reading Michigan Cannabis Industry Must Be Prepared for Environmental, Health, and Safety Compliance Inspections from EGLE and MIOSHA

On Monday, September 27, 2021, the Marijuana Regulatory Agency (“MRA”) held a public hearing to receive comments on a series of proposed changes to the administrative rules that govern medical and adult-use marijuana businesses. We previously covered an overview of the proposed changes in our five-part blog series in the days leading up to public hearing. The proposed rules concern significant changes to the following rule sets: licenseslicenseesoperations, testing, infused productssale or transfer, employeeshearings, disciplinary proceedings, and declaratory rulings.Continue Reading Marijuana Regulatory Agency Holds Public Hearing On Proposed Administrative Rule Changes