LANSING - Construction began Monday on a multi-million-dollar state-run marijuana testing lab even though the Cannabis Regulatory Agency lacks the authority under state law to collect and test more than 2.5 ounces of marijuana. Two years ago, the Democratic-led Legislature allocated about $4.4 million for the construction of the facility. But lawmakers were unable to
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio is once again at the center of a high-stakes fight over marijuana legalization. Just over a year after voters approved adult-use cannabis, Senate Bill 56, introduced by Sen. Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, is poised to radically reshape the state’s marijuana laws. Supporters say the bill is about efficiency and safety, but cannabis advocates argue
ANN ARBOR - The Industrial Hemp Association of Michigan - iHemp Michigan - is hosting its board elections virtually on Feb. 19 via zoom. Current President Blain Becktold said in this video interview that the board will remain the same, but some new members may be added. Also in this interview, Becktold talked about how
WASHINGTON DC - A Republican lawmaker, Senator Stephen Huffman, has introduced legislation to significantly amend the state’s voter-approved adult-use marijuana legalization law. Lawmakers are reportedly fast-tracking Senate Bill 56, which seeks to make dozens of changes to Ohio’s law. Fifty-seven percent of Ohioans voted for the law in 2023. Changes proposed by SB 56 include raising taxes on the retail sale of
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Senate Republicans want to scale back Ohio’s voter-backed recreational marijuana program--cutting home grow limits, raising taxes, lowering potency and shifting revenue away from social equity programs. “It’s not to do away with the ballot initiative,” said state Sen. Steve Huffman, a Tipp City Republican. “It’s to work around the edges to make
CLEVELAND - Ohio dispensaries may soon be selling pre-rolled joints, per protocols released by the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control late last year. This evolution of the state’s recreational program would provide new and veteran consumers alike access to a highly sought-after product. “We have been constantly asked about pre-rolls, especially when we first launched
LANSING - The Michigan Public Service Commission approved a $217.4 million electricity rate hike for DTE Energy on Thursday. The approval comes more than a year after MPSC granted DTE a $368 million increase in December 2023. With the rate hike, DTE customers using 500 kWh can expect to see a $4.61, or 4.65%, increase,
DETROIT— Business leaders voiced optimism about Michigan's economy in early 2025, but less confident beyond July. The results of the annual survey from the Ann Arbor-based Baker Strategy Group were presented Tuesday during a Detroit Economic Club meeting. Although sentiment for the next six months moved upward slightly from last year, longer looks at a
WASHINGTON DC - The Department of Energy, in one of its final actions under President Joe Biden, earmarked billions of dollars in green energy loans to utility companies based in Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm's home state of Michigan—defying the agency's inspector general, who called on the Biden administration to suspend the loan program amid conflict-of-interest
ANN ARBOR — Ann Arbor officials are preparing to take the next step to consider a takeover of DTE Energy in the city, a question that could go before city voters in 2026. The city already went through one round of study, finding it could cost anywhere from $281 million to $1.15 billion to acquire DTE’s electrical distribution assets
