GRAND HAVEN - Michigan has closed its industrial hemp program, leaving farmers to operate directly under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and signaling potentially significant changes for hemp cultivators and processors in the state. Under USDA rules, pre-harvest THC testing protocols are stricter, and all tests must be conducted at federally approved laboratories. Farmers
COLUMBUS - Despite more than $2 billion in total cannabis sales, the state of Ohio is leaving money on the table. At BeneLeaves' Ohio-based headquarters, there's plenty of green to go around, but not the type Bill Williams used to work with. "I was selling canned vegetables before I came here," Williams chuckled as he sat
WASHINGTON DC - South Dakota Senator John Thune, who will lead the Senate in 119th Congress, has long argued against efforts to reform marijuana policy at both the state and federal level. Senator Thune is among the 26 GOP members who earlier this year called upon US Attorney General Merrick Garland to reject a recommendation from federal health officials
LANSING - For the third month in a row, Michigan cannabis sales (recreational and medical) fell to $262.9 million, down 4.3 percent from September. But when compared to October 2023, sales were up 25.5 percent. Medical sales fell 70.7 percent from a the same month in 2023 to just $4.9 million, down some 10.2 percent
OLUMBUS, Ohio - In the three months since legal recreational marijuana sales began in Ohio, $15.5 million has been collected for state and local governments from an extra tax on marijuana. Between Aug. 6 and Saturday, recreational dispensary customers have spent just over $155 million on product, according to the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control.
KALAMAZOO - Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week is celebrating its 15th year during the week of February 1 - 8, 2025. Events and specials highlighting local craft beverage makers will take place all throughout the week at breweries, wineries, distilleries, bars and restaurants around Kalamazoo County. For the second year, local artists can get involved in
COLUMBUS - Ohio legalized recreational cannabis in November 2023 after voters overwhelmingly passed the cannabis-friendly Issue 2 initiative. Despite these breakthroughs, marijuana remains a Schedule I substance under federal law, where it resides alongside heroin as a drug with no accepted medical use. Yet, even this situation could change pending the reclassification of cannabis to
GRAND RAPIDS - After months of slumping economic performance, the West Michigan economy appears to be showing signs of growth again, according to a Grand Valley State University researcher. Brian Long, director of supply chain management research at the Seidman College of Business, said his annual survey of regional purchasing managers and businesses showed some
HUBBARD, Ohio - Ohioans bought more than $143 million worth of marijuana in the first three months it’s been available for adult use. Hubbard was one of the places where you could buy it — only if you had a medical card. On election night, voters lifted that ban. ACA Dispensary opened in December. It’s been
LANSING - The Michigan Public Service Commission approved a $113,788,000 rate increase for DTE Gas Co., a 57% reduction from the amount the utility sought. DTE Gas filed a request in January 2024 to raise rates by $266 million, with $106 million already reflected in rates from a previously approved infrastructure surcharge, for a net
