Michigan’s marijuana industry is poised for significant growth, with sales reaching $3 billion in 2023. However, the future of the industry remains uncertain, as it is heavily influenced by federal regulations. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Michiganders are eager to see how the next administration will address federal marijuana regulation.
The industry has grown rapidly since recreational use was legalized by voters in 2018. In August, a dispensary grand opening in Saginaw drew the local Chamber of Commerce and even U.S. Senator Gary Peters. The industry’s growth is evident in the number of conferences and events, such as the recent marijuana industry showcase in Grand Rapids, which attracted over 1,500 attendees.
Cultivators and processors like Brett Thompson are looking to expand their businesses, but they face challenges, including federal banking regulations and the scheduling of marijuana as an illegal drug. Thompson hopes the next president will loosen these regulations, allowing the industry to operate more smoothly.
Law enforcement officials, such as Robert Stevenson, executive director of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, also have concerns about the current state of marijuana regulation. Stevenson believes that the conflicting laws at the state and federal levels create confusion for police officers and undermine public safety.
Other industry leaders, such as Dave Morrow, CEO of Lume, Michigan’s largest cannabis company, are concerned about a loophole that allows hemp producers to sell THC products in states where marijuana products are illegal. Morrow hopes the next president will address this issue to prevent the sale of unregulated products.
Some individuals, like Gordon MacDougall, who lost his 16-year-old son Henry in a car crash after consuming marijuana, are advocating for federal controls over state regulation. MacDougall believes the federal government should take a more active role in regulating marijuana to prevent teenagers from accessing the drug.
Several presidential candidates, including Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, have expressed support for rescheduling marijuana to reduce federal penalties. As the election approaches, Michiganders will be watching to see how the next administration will address the complex issue of federal marijuana regulation.
