Five states had marijuana on the ballot in last Tuesday’s elections (and another state had psychedelics). Here’s a deeper look at these measures, and what comes next for the cannabis industry.
Continue Reading 2022 Post-Election Analysis: Where Does Cannabis Go From Here?
The 2022 general election saw cannabis on the ballot in 32 municipalities across Michigan. With the votes tallied, it appears that 13 municipalities voted in favor of initiatives to expand cannabis access that were on the ballot. Some of those municipalities voted to allow cannabis businesses for the first time, while others voted to expand legal access from only medical to adult use. Many of the proposals, both for or against, came back very close, suggesting that the issue remains a divisive one despite the additional tax revenue received by municipalities that already allow cannabis businesses within their bounds.
Continue Reading 2022 Election Results – Cannabis Continues Its Spread Across Michigan
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
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