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John Fraser

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John provides cannabis businesses with the regulatory guidance and counsel they need to secure and maintain licensure. John has organized, guided, and secured state and local licensure for dozens of cannabis businesses of all sizes and types throughout Michigan.

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Update II: We have been informed that METRC’s report to the state that 85% of licensees were in arrears was erroneous; METRC now reports that 11% of Michigan licensees are affected.

Update I: The CRA has had METRC agree to a 30-day pause before suspending any accounts. We will continue to monitor and report on updates as they unfold.

Related News: Michigan’s marijuana industry nearly shut down over new tracking system service provider fees

On February 27, 2023, Dykema’s Cannabis Industry Group was contacted by the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (“CRA”) about possible immediate suspensions of METRC user accounts. According to CRA, approximately 85% of all Michigan licensees may be impacted by these upcoming suspensions, so immediate action is critical.…

Continue Reading IMMEDIATE ATTENTION: Michigan Cannabis Licensees Face Imminent Loss of METRC

Dykema is thrilled to announce the launch of A Higher Law: a cannabis podcast from our award-winning cannabis practice group. A Higher Law will serve as an essential resource for cannabis operators looking to navigate latest legal developments in this complex industry. 

Hosted by a rotating lineup of cannabis attorneys, we’ll sit down with industry insiders from across the industry to discuss a variety of topics: from understanding cannabis tax codes, to complying with OSHA as a cannabis operator, to the latest news that’s impacting the future of the industry.…

Continue Reading Dykema Launches First-Ever Cannabis Podcast

The adult-use marijuana market in Michigan has seen a plunge in the price of marijuana. According to the Cannabis Regulatory Agency, the average price of one ounce of marijuana in December 2020 was $350.88. In contrast, the average price fell to $109.22 in September 2022. This rapid price compression puts tremendous pressure on many marijuana businesses as they face greater competition with ever-slimming margins. For some, these market forces may present a financial or existential crisis.

Often, financially-distressed companies seek the protection afforded by federal bankruptcy courts to restructure their finances. There are several benefits to an overwhelmed debtor going through the bankruptcy process. As just one example, once a debtor files for bankruptcy, an automatic stay on actions prevents creditors from collecting against a debtor until the bankruptcy case is resolved or the Court allows the stay to be lifted. In addition, bankruptcy provides an orderly process that provides the debtor with the means of resolving creditor claims simultaneously.
Continue Reading Legal Options for Investors and Owners of a Financially Struggling Marijuana Business

The lazy stoner jamming out to Pink Floyd in his VW van? That trope is long gone. Today’s enthusiasts are a diverse collection that includes executives, parents, healthcare workers, and everyone in between. As new markets continue to emerge and legislative hurdles ease, M&A activity in the cannabis industry is primed for a big year. Here’s what to expect in 2023: …
Continue Reading M&A Industry Spotlight: Cannabis