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.

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

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