Michigan Pot Market Surpasses California in Sales Volume

Michigan has overtaken California as the largest cannabis market in the U.S., at least in terms of sales volume, according to data collected by multiple market intelligence firms. Both firms show Michigan surpassing California over the winter in cannabis product units sold.

Sales volume is the total number of units sold by a business over a specific period of time, such as units sold in a month, quarter, or year. A “unit” can mean several different things but in this case, it refers to a single or multipack cannabis item that is purchased, big or small.

But this is in terms of units, and California is still a larger cannabis market than Michigan in terms of dollars sold—by billions of dollars. California sold $5.1 billion in adult-use cannabis products in 2023, while Michigan sold about $3 billion in adult-use cannabis products.

Prices for cannabis products are much cheaper in Michigan compared with California due to recent oversupply issues in the Great Lakes State. That means that even if consumers buy more products in Michigan, the total amount they spend is less than what they’re paying in California.

Detroit Free Press reports that since December 2022, Michigan has sold more total grams of flower and units of other cannabis products, called equivalent unit sales, in both the adult-use and medical cannabis markets compared with California, according to data collected by BDSA, a cannabis market intelligence firm that tracks sales via point-of-sale data from a panel of participating cannabis retailers.

But it’s not just BDSA making these claims: Headset, another cannabis market intelligence firm that’s recognized in the cannabis community, compiled data showing that Michigan sold more units than California. Headset defines units as a single item that a customer buys, such as a pre-rolled joint, a multipack of pre-rolled joints, an ounce or one gram, since June 2023. Headset’s data indicates that in May, Michigan sold 24.2 million units, compared to California selling 17.3 million units.

“There are a lot of issues on the ground in California … it’s always been expensive to do business there,” Michael Arrington, a principal analyst at Colorado-based BDSA, said on a BDSA market forecast update webinar in March.

According to BDSA data, Michigan sold 56.8 million equivalent units of cannabis products in April, compared with 44.6 million in California during the same month.

In terms of units sold, BDSA arrived at slightly different numbers than Headset, however both firms found that Michigan was selling more units of cannabis products than California in recent months, such as in February and March. Michigan’s unit sales first passed California’s in December, BDSA data shows.

This could mean more Californians are buying in bulk or in larger units while Michiganders are buying cannabis in smaller units. 

In Michigan, prices for cannabis plunged after adult-use cannabis sales started because of an oversupply problem, which led to lower prices for consumers but tougher margins for cannabis retailers. 

Michigan Sales On Steady Climb

A recent set of data released by the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) shows that the state has once again set a new record for adult-use cannabis sales.

According to the CRA, the state collected $286.8 million in adult-use cannabis sales in March, which made up for 99% of all sales. In terms of product popularity, flower still reigns supreme with $131.4 million in sales. A total of $54.4 million was sold in vape cartridges, as well as $33.9 million in inhalable concentrates, and finally edibles at $26.3 million.

The CRA splits Michigan up into five distinct regions: upper lower/upper peninsula, mid lower, southwest, east/southeast, and Wayne.

Among these regions, the east/southeast region collected the most in total adult-use cannabis sales with $128,929,767, followed by $79,432,048 in the southwest region, $31,845,920 in Wayne, $29,373,053 in upper lower/upper peninsula, and lastly, $17,209,468 in the mid lower area.

In total medical cannabis sales, the southwest area led with $141,535, followed by Wayne with $945,992, east/southeast with $809,515, upper lower/upper peninsula with $81,273, and finally mid lower with $79,695.

The latest figures leave more questions than answers. Michigan’s population is about a quarter of the size of California’s population, and California’s history of a medical and adult-use cannabis market stretches back further than Michigan’s. But the prices of pot play a large part in the outcome of units sold in both markets,

Michigan’s fifth anniversary of adult-use cannabis sales in the state is coming up, and the state is proving its viability, even compared to California’s enormous market.

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A One-Year Update on Oregon’s Legal Psilocybin Program

It’s been over one year since Oregon’s first psilocybin therapy license was approved, and updated news reports are sharing that there aren’t enough customers to go around.

Vital Reset, owned by Heidi Venture, told the Oregon Capital Chronicle that it’s just a matter of time for people to become aware of the opportunity. “We think everybody knows that psychedelics can help them because we’re in this little bubble. But 99% of people have no idea what they could get out of a journey,” Venture said.

The Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Association hosted a one-day conference in May, called “Collaborence,” which was held in Portland, Oregon. Venture, along with more than 100 local psilocybin business owners, gathered together to attend panel discussions on the topic of the mental health crisis both in Oregon and throughout the country. Panelists also spoke about the current issues of their businesses, but also the benefits that they saw their patients.

Voters passed Measure 109 in November 2020, making Oregon the first state to legalize licensed psilocybin treatment centers. The first license was approved in May 2023 for EPIC Healing Eugene, which opened just a month later in June 2023. As of last September, there were 10 licensed service centers (not all of which were operational at the time, as well as four growers, and two lab testing facilities.

Between June 2023-December 2023, an estimated 700 people had taken part in an experience at a psilocybin treatment center. Between June 2023-June 2024, approximately 3,500 people have taken part in a psilocybin therapy session throughout the state’s 25 licensed centers. According to the Healing Advocacy Fund, a nonprofit organization that prioritizes safe and affordable psilocybin access, projects that the number of people who will take part in psilocybin therapy will increase to 7,000 by the end of 2024.

However, in March 2024, one licensed center called The Journey was already forced to shut down due to lack of customers. “I’ve absolutely loved doing this,” said founder Jenna Kluwe. “The numbers just weren’t where they needed to be.”

Commenting on the recent closure, Satori Farms PDX owner Tori Armbrust explained her concern for the Oregon psilocybin industry. “Unfortunately we’ve seen one service center close down. I imagine there will be more, because very quickly it’s going to get over-saturated,” Armbrust said, adding that competition will increase in 2025 when out-of-state businesses will be allowed to open psilocybin therapy centers in Oregon. “Overall, marketing seems to be a big challenge. But places are doing well, and there’s product going out to a lot of people,” Armbrust said.

Chariot owner Courtney Campbell said that her business isn’t profiting, but a reliable number of customers are keeping them in business. 

The Entheogen Institute, which trains students to be licensed facilitators, graduated about 70 people within the last year. However, institute owner Coeli Dwivedi told the Oregon Capital Chronicle that she has only had one paycheck. “I’m looking forward to having a real salary as well,” Dwivedi said.

Many therapy center operators are trying to bring in new customers through discounts, but are limited by rules that prevent psilocybin services from being advertised online. Oregon state law requires that a licensee can’t advertise through TV, radio, billboards, print media, or internet unless they can prove that the ads won’t reach more than 30% of an audience that is under 21. Due to these restrictions, psilocybin centers are primarily focusing on word of mouth and open houses to allow curious customers to learn more.

Facilitators are also running into problems where there aren’t enough openings to allow all of them to work. Currently, there are 325 licensed facilitators in Oregon, but some are finding their own clients and conducting facilitation illegally in homes or in Airbnb rentals. Facilitator Marlin Hofer said that he carries business cards around wherever he goes to promote the opportunity.

Another facilitator, Matthew Wissler, added that he would make his services free for low-income people in need, but Oregon’s law mainly attracts tourists or out-of-state or out-of-country patients instead.

Many service center operators are just pushing through the challenges in hopes that the future will bring more success. “If we just hang in there, stay positive, it will evolve into something we can all be proud of,” said Brain Brew PDX owner Mary Nielsen.

Recently, Gov. Tina Kotek signed Senate Bill 303 into law, which requires psilocybin service centers to collect and submit data to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). The law is expected to take effect sometime in 2025 in an attempt to collect information about exact numbers of clients served, numbers of those who refused service, total numbers of adverse or severe reactions, and dosing averages, according to an Oregon Public Broadcasting report. “It’s important to remember that our administrative rules are a minimal requirement, and they’re not the best practices,” said OHA Psilocybin Services head Angela Allbee. “They’re there to create guidelines and protect public health and safety, and protect equity and access. It’s up to licensees to create best practices and inform us, so we can evaluate every year.”

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WTF, Florida!

I’m a full Florida native, having been born and raised in Tampa before adventuring outside this state. When I was a younger stoner I remember visiting an “arcade” that was really just a discreet room in a shopping strip mall stacked with underground vendors – jars of edibles, mushrooms, and ounces of weed…it was the most quantity I had ever seen. 

Fast forward to a few months ago, when I noticed a recently opened Cookies dispensary ten minutes down the road from me. Florida has come a long way, but what a long and strange trip it has been down the road to legalization.

Ironing Out the Details 

In the November election later this year, Florida will have a chance to expand its billion-dollar medical market to full recreational. Amendment Three, also known as the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, would allow adults over the age of 21 or older to buy and possess up to 3 ounces of product. 

This would grant existing licensed medical operators in the state to grow, manufacture, and sell to the new adult-use market. The details don’t clarify if it will open up licenses to new businesses. 

Earlier this year, State Attorney Ashley Moody argued that the Marijuana Legalization  Initiative was misleading and detrimental to the state’s legal market. The Florida Supreme Court overruled the State Attorney’s claims, ensuring Amendment 3 a place on the ballot. 

What You Need to Know Before Voting on Florida’s Amendment 3 

A recent poll surveyed 56% of Florida voters support this recreational bill, just shy of the 60% voter approval required for this Florida Amendment to pass. Not every legal cannabis state requires this voter approval rate, but only three states have been able to exceed it – Arizona, New Jersey, and Maryland. Will Florida follow suit?

Amendment 3 makes no mention of expungement of prior cannabis records or social equity reform. Home growing is not allowed in this initiative either – which is one of the many factors in this bill that have many of us in the Sunshine State conflicted. 

1) Trulieve’s Ticket

Smart & Safe Florida is a campaign in full support of this initiative. The campaign believes cannabis legalization will bring more transparent regulations and improve quality control. 

Over the past year, the campaign raked in $39.55 million solely from the biggest multi-state operator in the FL market: Trulieve. Since the legalization of medical cannabis in 2016, this mega-corporation has grown to have a huge influence on Florida’s market, despite Trulieve CEO Kim River and her husband’s scandalous way to the top (although Florida tends to wear political corruption with style). 

With Trulieve fully funding and supporting the initiative, many consider the company’s support of Amendment 3 a step towards dominating the potential recreational market.

2) Ready to Go Recreational 

Legalizing adult use of cannabis in Florida would turn the Sunshine State’s already billion-dollar medical program into one of the nation’s largest recreational markets.

Many brands like Cookies, Jungle Boys, and Planet 13 have moved in as Florida medical dispensaries. Over the years, I’ve often seen someone walk into one of these more “cannabis-branded” stores without a medical card hoping to buy an eighth. 

The state is ready to go recreational. Whether it will be a fair playing field is truly up to Florida lawmakers – who, in all honesty, don’t have a great track record for doing the right thing. Growing a legal market in Florida will require more than policymakers presuming what’s right for our industry. We need cultivators, processors, business owners, and consumers to speak out with a higher solution. 

3) “No Home Grow, No Vote” 

The Amendment’s prohibition of home grow has been a hot debate by many in the FL cannabis community. Many see this detail solely as an advantage to the already successful medical multi-state operators in the industry. 

Florida stoners who are against the bill argue that waiting until the next election cycle to legalize will give more opportunity and time for smaller businesses to write their own counter-proposal, which can include home grow details.

Around the same time Smart & Safe Florida was collecting signatures, the Home Cultivation for Medical Marijuana Initiative was campaigning for the right for adult patients to cultivate medical cannabis. This initiative was founded by Wise & Free Florida, a group advocating for patients’ freedom in growing medicine. When a representative from Trulieve was asked about their support of this initiative, their response was a “big thumbs up.” 

4) A Disgusted DeSantis

Since Amendment 3 was announced to hit the ballot this year, Florida’s Governor has not been shy about his dislike for psychoactive cannabis and all its potential. Governor Ron DeSantis openly discourages passing the bill, predicting that voters won’t surpass the 60% threshold. 

Gov. DeSantis has made it clear on his feelings about recreational cannabis, calling the proposal “radical” and arguing that it will “reduce the quality of life” in the state – questioning why people would want to “smell it in the streets when taking your family to dinner.” 

His complaints about the plant don’t end there though– the latest calculated move from his office threw a curveball that Florida’s industry did not see coming. 

5) The Hemp Curveball 

Florida Senate Bill 1698 is a proposed measure going after the Farm Bill loophole. It would ban hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC. This bill would restrict Delta-9 THC products to 5 milligrams per serving or 50 milligrams per package. It’s clear this bill would severely shake up Florida’s established hemp industry. 

When SB 1698 was awaiting signature from Gov. DeSantis, it was hinted that his office would unexpectedly veto the bill under a leadership strategy akin to “the enemy of my enemy is my friend,” – hoping to pit the hemp industry against Amendment 3. Interesting. 

Soon after the Governor vetoed the bill, claiming, “Small businesses are the cornerstone of Florida’s economy…the bill would impose debilitating regulatory burdens on small businesses and almost certainly fail to achieve its purposes.” 

Right on, Ron – this veto saves hundreds of mom and pop shops and hemp cultivators. But I’m personally having trouble making sense of a Governor who is in such strong support of hemp but in bold opposition of cannabis. (Does somebody want to tell him both plants come from the same Cannabaceae family?)

Dazed, Confused & in Disbelief 

I don’t care whether you are someone who consumes consistently or just ‘know a guy’ you pick up from every once in a while. Whether you smoke or you don’t, understanding what Amendment 3 could mean for Florida is important for your future, our community, and the next generation. 

If I’m being honest to myself (and publicly to you all), I’m extremely torn about my stance on Amendment 3. Of course, I want it to be legalized in the state for adult use. I would love to see all non-violent criminals and those previously charged for the plant be free with expunged records. It would be incredible to see a market expand and open up jobs and opportunities for others in the community, not just those funded with oversized pockets. Let’s see less shame in the consumer game so I can enjoy my happy hour joint instead of gin, or so my Dad could walk into a dispensary to buy pre-rolls “just for fun.” Let’s shift the negative stigma and focus on better-quality products and resources. 

Given the complicated nature of cannabis and politics, is all of that really going to happen if this bill were to pass? Or will it only directly benefit corporate cannabis? 

For many of us Floridians, this feels like our one shot at legalizing cannabis in the state. Is it better to have one foot in the door than to be locked out completely? We’ll see what November brings. 

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Psilocybin Therapy Pilot Program Bill Introduced in California

A psilocybin treatment bill was recently introduced on June 6 by California Sen. Brian W. Jones and Sen. Josh Becker, which if passed would create a pilot program for psilocybin therapy.

Senate Bill 803, also called the Heal Our Heroes Act, was attached as an amendment to an unrelated bill last week. If passed, it would allow San Francisco County, Santa Cruz County, and San Diego County to conduct a pilot program for veterans and first responders to use psilocybin or psilocyn. Those counties would be in charge of approving various facilitators, including “licensed physician or surgeon, clinical psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, licensed professional clinical counselor, or a naturopathic doctor.” The program would last for three years, with data set to be compiled and reported starting after the beginning of the second year.

In a press release that introduces the bill on June 6, Jones stressed the importance of providing the opportunity for veterans to benefit from psilocybin treatments. “As a dedicated advocate for veterans and first responders, I firmly believe it is our duty to support and heal the brave individuals who served our country and communities,” Jones said. “To be clear, I’m not calling for the widespread legalization of psychedelic drugs. Rather, I’m championing a targeted medical treatment aimed specifically at aiding veterans and first responders in their recovery. The Heal Our Heroes Act is a thoughtful and balanced measure designed to rigorously study the effectiveness of these treatments with the hope of providing much-needed relief to those patients who need it most.”  

Becker followed up with high expectations to support veterans and first responders. “SB 803 is an entirely new and innovative effort that is the result of comprehensive discussions on how the state can best support our veterans and first responders with a viable treatment for work-induced post-traumatic stress disorder,” Becker said. “We have a responsibility to do everything possible to provide quality care to these heroes, and I am proud to joint author this bipartisan effort that will have a real impact on the people who serve our state and country.”

The Heal Our Heroes Act is sponsored by two veterans organizations: the Heroic Hearts Project and Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS). A representative from the Heroic Hearts Project, Jason Moore Brown, is also a sponsor of the measure. In a press statement, he explained that he has personally struggled with PTSD and mental health as a decorated combat veteran, and approved of Jones and Becker’s bill. “We have lost over 130,000 Veterans to suicide since the Global War on Terror began in 2001,” Moore said. “I know first hand that psilocybin, when used responsibly and with support, has the potential to save the lives of California’s Veterans. This pilot program is the responsible first step to reducing, and hopefully ending, the Veteran suicide epidemic.”

In fall 2023, the legislature passed Senate Bill 58 (sponsored by Sen. Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Marie Waldron) but was vetoed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom. “Both peer-reviewed science and powerful personal anecdotes lead me to support new opportunities to address mental health through psychedelic medicines like those addressed in this bill,” Newsom said. “Psychedelics have proven to relieve people suffering from certain conditions such as depression, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other addictive personality traits. This is an exciting frontier and California will be on the front-end of leading it. . . . I urge the legislature to send me legislation next year that includes therapeutic guidelines.”

Recently in May, a different psychedelic bill that also sought to pass treatment centers recently ended its run in the Senate Appropriations Committee. Called the “Regulated Therapeutic Access to Psychedelics Act,” Senate Bill 1012 would have created dedicated psychedelic service centers to allow patients legal access to psilocybin, DMT, mescaline, and MDMA in a regulated setting. SB-1012, also sponsored by Weiner, described the bill as a “direct response to the Governor’s request” in April.

Following the rejection of SB-1012 in May, numerous advocate organizations condemned the decision to terminate the bill. “We are deeply disappointed that the Legislature has missed this opportunity after four years of debate to enact a policy that would create a responsible program and promote the safer use of psychedelics in California and create a model policy for the rest of the country,” said Alliance for Safer Use of Psychedelics (ASUP) campaign director Jared Moffat. “Californians will continue to seek out psychedelics for all sorts of reasons, including to help alleviate mental health challenges like PTSD, depression and anxiety. Many will do so without guided support and use psychedelics on their own, which increases risks. Veterans and others will continue to leave the country or go underground to seek unregulated services that may be unsafe.”

These bills failed to pass, but advocates are pushing for a potential ballot initiative in 2026 that would legalize psychedelic substances such as psilocybin and MDMA. After Weiner’s bill was killed, he told KQED that he will keep trying to push for access to psychedelics. “We are not giving up, whether that means introducing a new bill or ballot measure, this issue is not going away,” he said. “We know these substances are helping people turn their lives around.”

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7 Cannabinoids In One Gummy? Damn!

If you’re a fan of full spectrum cannabis cannabinoids, there’s one line you don’t want to miss: the Super 7 line from the fan favorite brand Binoid.  For several years now, Binoid has been at the forefront of developing legal psychoactive cannabis products infused with the latest and greatest discoveries, from rare cannabinoids to powerful live resin extracts. This includes THC-P and THCA recently. 

With their Super 7 line, they’ve taken things to the next level, offering up a whopping 7 cannabinoids in one, in the form of either mouthwatering, vegan gummies, or potent, convenient tinctures. 

These Super 7 gummies have racked up over 700 five star reviews (that’s a lot!) from Binoid, who is one of the best brands in the THC game right now. Let’s take a closer look at what this line entails. And the best part, you can use the code HIGHTIMES25 for 25% off with fast and free shipping to try these insane Super 7 gummies for yourself. 

Binoid’s New Super 7 Line

Binoid’s Super 7 Line has brought us two standout formulas: the Super 7 Gummies and the Super 7 Tincture.  As always, Binoid has made sure to check all of the boxes when it comes to quality, with ultra-pure distillates extracted using the most advanced and cleanest methods.  Now, let’s get into the details.

Treat Yourself to 7 Top-Notch Cannabinoids at Once

As the name implies, the Super 7 products contain a combination of 7 cannabinoids:

• THCA: THCA is the raw form of delta 9 THC, naturally found in cannabis flower.  When heated through decarboxylation, it turns into delta 9 THC, but because it’s tested in its raw state, it’s completely legal under federal law.
• THC-H: THC-H is believed to be the second most intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis, after THC-P, being several times stronger than delta 9 THC, and particularly uplifting in its effects.
• THC-B: THC-B is slightly milder than THC-H, but still extremely powerful in its ability to intoxicate.  The high is said to be quite sativa-like.
• HHC: HHC is the analog of delta 9 THC found in the plant’s pollen and seeds, behaving just like delta 9 but having an additional hydrogen atom to distinguish it in terms of its chemical structure.
• Delta 8: Delta 8 THC is 30% milder than delta 9 THC, and its high is very indica-like, in that it can offer a soothing, mellow experience that can help you unwind.
• Delta 9P: Delta 9P is a relatively new member of the cannabinoid family, acting as a semi-synthesized hybrid of delta 9 THC and THC-P.  The result is a high that’s even stronger than THC-P, which can definitely get you high beyond your wildest imagination.
• THCV: Finally, there’s THCV, a very mildly intoxicating cannabinoid known for its gentle mood-lifting effects.

Now, as you can imagine, consuming 7 cannabinoids at once means that the high is going to be totally one of a kind.  Binoid has spent a lot of time developing this unique combo, and the result is a high that feels unbelievably balanced.  

It’s never too stimulating nor too sedating, and despite the exceptionally high potency of many of the cannabinoids, it feels grounded thanks to the presence of cannabinoids that can work together synergistically to keep you nice and calm for the duration of the experience.

7000MG Gummies and Tinctures to Explore

The Super 7 line comes in two product types: gummies and a tincture.  The gummies contain a staggering 350mg of this cannabinoid combo per piece, with 20 gummies total in every container.  The tincture contains 7000mg total, or 233.33mg per dropper.  Needless to say, both are phenomenally potent, so you’ll want to dose accordingly.  

At the same time, Binoid is known for their unbelievably pure cannabinoid distillates, which average around 99%, which means that you’ll get your money’s worth in more ways than one.  The gummies contain live resin, which is a really nice addition to the experience. And the tincture has just hemp extract and MCT Oil, so no bs fillers or other ingredients if you are sensitive.

Clean, Vegan Formulas

Binoid’s formulas have a reputation for being “clean,” meaning that they’re not loaded with additives and fillers that detract from the quality.  The gummies are 100% vegan, and use as many plant-based ingredients as possible.  Meanwhile, the tincture formula contains just cannabinoid distillates, full-spectrum hemp extract, and MCT oil – a derivative of coconut oil – to offer a minimal formula that you can totally trust.  

Full-Spectrum for the Win

Keep in mind that both products are full-spectrum.  This means that in addition to the 7 cannabinoids that they contain, they also have full-spectrum hemp extract, a pure extract that contains the full chemical composition of the hemp plant, complete with 100+ cannabinoids, terpenes, nutrients, and flavonoids.  

Not only does this give you a more well-balanced type of high, but it also offers the entourage effect, which is the synergistic benefit of consuming all of these beneficial compounds at the same time, as nature intended. And if you love them, you can get a Super 7 gummy bundle for an amazing deal. 

Lab-Tested and Organically Derived

Binoid doesn’t mess around when it comes to quality.  You’ll be pleased to find that both products come with comprehensive third-party lab reports, which are easy to access on their website.  These lab reports break down every chemical compound present in the product, as well as the purity of the distillates, their potency, the safety of the product, and whether or not it complies with federal law.  

Not only that, but Binoid’s products are known for containing hemp extracts derived from only organically grown hemp material, meaning that the formulas are pesticide-free – not to mention non-GMO, which is always something that’s important.  The hemp is sourced locally, which is important because it means it’s grown under the very strict standards of the USDA, and that because it doesn’t have to travel far, you can count on it being totally fresh. 

Give the Super 7 Line a Try!

Binoid’s Super 7 products are certain to be some of the most in-demand cannabinoid blend formulas of 2024.  Between the delectable Super 7 Gummies and the potent Super 7 Tincture, you’ll have no trouble finding the powerful high you crave, while feeling a sense of balanced bliss for hours on end.  

We encourage you to check out both of these formulas, which are brand new to Binoid’s catalog, and know you’re in for something truly special, thanks to the incredible mastery that Binoid has demonstrated over the years.

Explore Binoid’s Super 7 Line today, and enjoy being treated to some of the best prices and quality around and don’t forget to use the code HIGHTIMES25 for 25% off while being treated to fast shipping so that you can take advantage of this Super 7 Line.

To buy Binoid’s Super 7 Line, Click Here

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Leaders in Dallas, Texas Pursue Cannabis Decriminalization

The city of Dallas, Texas will soon discuss whether or not to add a measure on the November ballot that would decriminalize small amounts of cannabis.

Recently in a news release, Dallas Councilmember Chad West announced that the Dallas Freedom Act will be proposed on June 26. “Voters in our city and across the country want to decriminalize marijuana,” said West. “Our already burdened police should focus their attention on serious crime, not arresting people with small amounts of marijuana. Bringing this to voters through a City Council-proposed Charter amendment instead of a petition will save the city time and resources.”

The proposal was accelerated through a petition which collected more than 50,000 signatures through the help of Ground Game Texas. If passed into law, it would prevent police from giving tickets or arresting people for possessing less than four ounces of cannabis through Class A or Class B misdemeanors.  “Voters in our city and across the country want to decriminalize marijuana,” said West. “Our already burdened police should focus their attention on serious crime, not arresting people with small amounts of marijuana.”

Ground Game Texas has assisted numerous other Texas cities in passing decriminalization, such as Austin, Denton, Killeen, and San Marcos. However, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton recently sued some of those cities (specifically Austin, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and San Marcos) for passing decriminalization bills at the end of January. “I will not stand idly by as cities run by pro-crime extremists deliberately violate Texas law and promote the use of illicit drugs that harm our communities,” Paxton said. “This unconstitutional action by municipalities demonstrates why Texas must have a law to ‘follow the law.’ It’s quite simple: the legislature passes every law after a full debate on the issues, and we don’t allow cities the ability to create anarchy by picking and choosing the laws they enforce.”

Former Ground Game Texas executive director, Julie Oliver, accused Paxton of fighting against the will of the people. “Ken Paxton’s lawsuits represent an anti-democratic assault on the constitutional authority of Texas Home Rule cities to set local law enforcement priorities,” said Oliver at the time. “In each of the cities sued, a supermajority of voters adopted a policy to deprioritize marijuana enforcement in order to reduce racially biased law enforcement outcomes and save scarce public resources for higher priority public safety needs.”

The Dallas Observer asked West how he thinks Paxton would react if Dallas decriminalized cannabis. “I would hope the attorney general would support and respect the strong will of Dallas residents on this issue. However, based on past actions, I am not optimistic,” West said.

Alongside West, councilmembers Adam Bazaldua, Jaime Resendez, and Zarin Gracey are also in support of decriminalization in Dallas. Bazaldua said in a recent press statement that it’s essential to give voters a chance to pass the bill. “For the past four years I have advocated for our council to implement this kind of initiative,” said Bazaldua. “Our jails are overfilled with predominantly Brown and Black males serving sentences for a substance that is making others millions of dollars in more than 30 states across the country. It’s past time we take action against this injustice.”

Bazaldua initially proposed decriminalization in 2021, which led Dallas law enforcement to stop arresting people if they were in possession of less than two ounces of cannabis, however, the Dallas Police Department (DPD) has continued to make arrests, according to Resendez. “Despite the positive steps taken by the city and DPD in recent years, marijuana-related arrests continue, and racial disparities persist,” Resendez said. “Although marijuana use is comparable across racial lines, Black and Latino individuals are disproportionately arrested and punished. Decriminalization is the best way to address this disparity.”

Gracey also added that decriminalizing is mainly about righting the wrongs of the War on Drugs. “Decriminalizing marijuana is not just about changing laws; it’s about rectifying decades of injustice and ensuring that our legal system is fair and equitable for all,” Gracey said.

Oliver was replaced as Ground Game Texas executive director by Catina Voellinger in April, although no reason was presented by the organization. “We’ve built a very strong and mighty team that’s greater than the sum of its parts, right?” said Voellinger after she took the position. “So the main message is that Ground Game is a force, and we’re not going anywhere. None of our programs have ceased. We’re not going to back out on any of the things we’ve committed to. And we’re excited about the future and growing this movement.” 

Recently there have been two ongoing lawsuits against the city of Killeen, which remain unaffected by the recent change in executive director position at Ground Game Texas. “I thoroughly enjoyed working with Julie and I’ll continue to work with her,” said Bell County Commissioner Louie Minor. “I don’t know what her plans are, but I know that she’s dedicated to bringing change to Bell County and all over the state. The impact of Julie and Ground Game has been statewide; but here in Bell County, they were instrumental in getting a more progressive voice in elected positions and giving residents a chance to vote on issues that they care about.”

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Elevate Your Summer: Stigma Cannabis Pioneering The THC-Beverage Scene

It’s almost summertime; lazy, sunny, lake-filled days are almost upon us. The sound of cicadas fill the air, and everyone is reaching for a cold, refreshing beverage to enjoy as they sit back and relax. Let’s all agree; there is nothing better than a lemony, Arnold Palmer to quench our thirst. Oh wait, there is! Beverages like Stigma’s award-winning Lemonade Iced Tea is an elevated version of this classic blend, and if it isn’t at the top your list of summer must haves; it should be.

Since the legalization of adult-use cannabis and hemp derived THC in Minnesota in 2022, the region has been instrumental in pioneering the newest niche – hemp THC beverages. Stigma’s CEO Josh Malowski explains, “Minnesota has become fertile ground for innovation in the federally legal hemp industry, and Stigma is excited to be a big part of that.”

From RSO to D9: A Journey of Healing and Innovation

Maslowski’s journey in founding Stigma was deeply influenced by his mother-in-law’s battle with cancer. Through extensive research, he discovered Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), a cannabis extract renowned for its potential in fighting cancer. Inspired by Simpson’s own experience and the anecdotal evidence surrounding RSO’s efficacy, Maslowski and his brother-in-law embarked on crafting their own batch of RSO. Following his mother-in-law’s brain surgery, she started a RSO regiment that greatly contributed to her quality of life. “She lived 24 high quality months instead of the prognosis of 14 months on chemo and radiation. She even kayaked with her grandkids in the final weeks before her passing.”

Spreading the Word, One Sip at a Time

This transformative experience inspired and ignited Maslowski’s advocacy for cannabis and further motivated him. “I wanted to create this brand to destigmatize cannabis and help educate the people that have been misinformed the past 80 years.”

Maslowki explains that the stigmatization of cannabis stemmed from a combination of economic interests, political agendas, and societal biases. Pharmaceutical companies were unable to patent cannabis. A smear campaign was launched against its therapeutic use, targeting prescribing doctors as “quacks”. Industries like cotton and timber lobbied against hemp production for their own agenda in paper and textiles. Politically-driven prohibitionist agendas also perpetuated the portrayal of cannabis as a dangerous drug through propaganda campaigns like “Reefer Madness.”  Cannabis also became associated with marginalized groups, leading to discriminatory practices such as for-profit jailing, while the term “marijuana” was used to evoke racial stereotypes and gain support from xenophobic voters.

“Hence the name, Stigma.” Maslowki notes. “We are removing the stigma surrounding cannabis, and our key ingredient is a flower, and every flower has a stigma.”  

The Future is Bright for Stigma

Stigma has not only become Minnesota’s favorite cannabis brand, their Lemonade Iced Tea is the number one selling product in many liquor stores selling THC drinks today. “We were one of the first brands in this space in 2018. Fast forward, now we are a leading THC brand and have a top selling beverage reaching thousands of people every week.” Maslowski asserts, “Our drinks offer an option for people who want to feel better on a daily basis or don’t want to drink alcohol . Trends suggest that people of the older generation are opening up to THC, and people 30 and under are consuming less alcohol than previous generations. We offer a great alternative for someone who wants to feel good both at the end of the day and the next morning.”

Stigma is set to expand its reach beyond Minnesota with plans to go nationwide this year (in accordance with state by state law). They have also added a THC-derived Club Soda to their list of products that can be mixed to make all kinds of summery cocktails. Maslowski notes that new beverage flavors are on the horizon as well including peach, berry and a line of functional waters. “We are so grateful for our success and ability to educate and inform so many people. We hear from people, multigenerational people, everyone from 21 to 91, who are benefitting from cannabis whether it is to help them with daily aches and pains, illness, anxiety, sleep or to just relax.” 

While much needs to be done to remove the stigma and misinformation plaguing cannabis, companies like Stigma are leading the way towards acceptance and understanding. By offering innovative products, and championing education, Stigma has become not just a beverage brand or a cannabis brand but a catalyst for a positive paradigm shift surrounding cannabis and its many potential benefits. As consumers raise their glasses to a new era of cannabis consumption, Stigma raises its glass, honoring the past while shaping the future of summertime relaxation.

Check out Stigma’s full list of products. 

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