Regulators May Open Adult-Use Only Early
Andrew Brisbo disclosed in an interview with Crains’ Detroit Business that the idea of opening adult-use only licensing one year ahead of schedule was being considered. While a decision has yet to be made, discussions are ongoing with stakeholders as to where it will happen.
The initial plan was to launch Adult use on Nov 1, 2019, and give medical operators a two year head start on licensing. Brisbo believes obtaining both an MMJ license, and a rec license, may be too high of a barrier to entry. Primarily in cities such as Detroit, and primarily when it comes to the issue of social equity.
“I would expect to see municipalities that want to address equity at the local level could move forward with a lot of additional participation,” Brisbo explained, “There’s not quite as high a barrier to entry on the adult-use side, and that could open the market up.”
In response, the Michigan Cannabis Trade Association, who represent multi-state and Michigan businesses who have invested more than half a billion dollars into cannabis facilities, has called for a moratorium on adult-use only licensing for anyone other than social equity applicants until December of 2021.
“What a great way to provide a safe lane for social equity prospective licensees to ramp up and get into the business before the rest of the adult-use marketplace ramps up, “said executive director Steve Linder. The association still thinks the state should abide by the two-year head start for medical only.
MRA Kills Local Business Partnership Idea
Freddies provisioning center in Clio and Water Tower Pub in Lexington had struck a deal to offer marijuana delivery services from Freddies, to the Sports Bar parking lot, on Fridays. However, the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) informed the owners that such a deal is unacceptable.
“We have since learned from the MRA that, contrary to our earlier understanding, all deliveries must be made to the customer’s residence,” the two owners wrote in a statement, “Therefore, Freddies is unable to deliver to Water Tower Sports Pub.”
As an alternative, Freddies will offer delivery to customers who live in the Lexington and Port Huron area, and each will receive a $10 off coupon for Water Tower Sports Pub.
Joints Contaminated with Human Saliva Recalled
On August 6th an email landed from the MRA notifying everyone of a voluntary product recall, “due to a confirmed complaint regarding pre-rolls contaminated with human saliva.”
Over 3,000 joints sold at 14 different locations were indicated in the recall, although the exact number of licked pre-rolls is unknown. Retailers who sold the products were required to inform anyone who purchased them, and consumers were asked to return the joints to be ‘properly disposed of’.
An ongoing investigation is taking place, with potentially more recalled pre-rolls in the future. To stay up to date on notifications from the MRA regarding product recalls, rules changes, etc, visit michigan.gov/mra
Iron Labs Incorrectly Reported as Closed
In error, Marijuana Business Daily posted an article stating Iron Labs of Walled Lake was once again closed. On August 25th they posted a correction, indicating their error. Iron Labs owners report the business to be open and thriving.
1,031 Pounds of Weed Siezed in Detroit
U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Detroit scored big when they decided to inspect a truck from Canada with a manifest for steel wire. Inside they discovered five wooden crates, containing a total of 1,031 pounds of sweet Canadian weed.
“Upon entry, CBP officers became suspicious and referred the shipment for additional inspection,” this according to an agency statement, “Officers opened the first of five wooden crates and discovered it to be loaded with vacuum sealed packages each containing marijuana.”
Port Director Devin Chamberlain made an interesting comment regarding the seizing of cannabis, “The Port of Detroit is proud to have prevented the exploitation of our borders and the introduction of illicit drugs into our communities.”
