Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – April 25, 2025

  1. Michigan Supreme Court Rules that Vehicle Search Based on Smelling Marijuana Alone is not Allowed

In early April, the Michigan Supreme Court, in a 5-1 decision, ruled that the smell of marijuana cannot be the sole reason for police to search a car without a warrant.

Why it Matters: The court’s ruling struck down a 25-year-old precedent. The court explained: “[I]n light of the voters’ intent to legalize marijuana usage and possession, the smell of marijuana, standing alone, no longer constitutes probable cause sufficient to support a search for contraband.”

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  1. Michigan CRA Scheduling Public Hearing Over Proposed Rule Changes

The Michigan CRA is scheduling a public hearing for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposed rule set2023-25 LR (Marihuana Rules).

Why it Matters: Some of the proposed rule changes include requiring licensees to notify the CRA prior to making a change to their business structure (for example LLC to a C-Corp), requiring licensees to provide up to date contact information for their business, and requiring applicants to notify the CRA within 10 days if there are any new lawsuits, legal proceedings, charges, etc., related to the applicant.

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  1. What You Need to Know About Pet Trusts

A pet trust is a legal document that allows you to provide for the care of your beloved pet if you become incapacitated and after you pass away. A pet trust can be created as a standalone document, or as part of a revocable (living) trust or will. In addition, a durable power of attorney can provide instructions to an agent for the care of a pet during your lifetime.

Why it Matters: Estate planning with pets in mind is an increasingly popular way for pet owners to ensure that their furry companions are taken care of, even when the owners can no longer care for themselves. Learn more about how to effectively care for your pets if you become incapacitated or pass away.

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  1. Business Education Series: From Inbox to Impact – Optimize Email Marketing and Website Performance

Creating impactful email campaigns using 2025’s best practices while keeping your subscribers engaged and avoiding outdated pitfalls is essential for businesses in this day and age. On top of that, you need to make sure that your website and digital presence is up to date and active.

Why it Matters: During the May Business Education Series facilitated by Jacki Krumnow of Now Marketing and Joe Ford of Netvantage SEO, this session will help you measure website health and digital campaign performance effectively, as well as creating impactful email campaigns. Whether you’re starting fresh or refining your approach, this session is packed with actionable insights, tools, and insider advice to boost your marketing efforts. Learn more.

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  1. How to Calculate Post Judgment Interest Rates in Michigan

Michigan post judgment interest rates are often considered a confusing aspect of determining the value of a final judgment.

Why it Matters: If an attorney does not understand how to determine the value of a post judgment interest, they are leaving money on the table that could otherwise be in their client’s pockets. Read more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Trusts & Estates | Elizabeth Siefker
Business & Tax | Andrew Martin

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – April 11, 2025

  1. Michigan Supreme Court Declines to Fast-Track Legislative Dispute

The Michigan Supreme Court has rejected a request to bypass the Court of Appeals in a constitutional clash between the Michigan Senate Democratic Majority Leader and Republican House over nine bills. The dispute centers on the decision to withhold bills passed by the previous Legislature from reaching Governor Whitmer’s desk, with Democrats arguing this violates the state constitution.

Why it Matters: While the Court of Claims ruled in February that the bills should go to the governor, it declined to enforce this decision, highlighting the delicate balance between judicial oversight and legislative independence in Michigan’s governance structure as partisan tensions continue to impact policy implementation.

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  1. Michigan Supreme Court Rules Cannabis Odor Insufficient Probable Cause for Vehicle Search

The Michigan Supreme Court in a 5-1 decision ruled that cannabis odor alone is insufficient probable cause to search a vehicle when police officers are conducting traffic stops or other situations.

Why it Matters: This ruling stems from a 2020 case where police officers were conducting a compliance check observed a vehicle parked on the side of the street and smelled burnt cannabis odor, leading them to question the two individuals who were in the car. It led to the officers asking the individuals to get out of the car, which led to an officer noticing a handgun on the passenger seating, resulting in an arrest of one individual.

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  1. Michigan CRA Publishes March ’25 Data: Average Price Decreases

Per data released by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), the average retail price for adult-use sale of an ounce of cannabis in March 2025 was $65.14, a decrease from $65.21 in February 2025. This is a decrease from March 2025, where the average price was $90.70.

Why it Matters: While the prices of cannabis and cannabis-related products continue to decrease and make consumers happy, growers on the other hand are seeing profits decrease resulting in them seeking ways to halt new licenses to be granted in an effort to steady prices.

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  1. Business Education Series: From Inbox to Impact – Optimize Email Marketing and Website Performance

Creating impactful email campaigns using 2025’s best practices while keeping your subscribers engaged and avoiding outdated pitfalls is essential for businesses in this day and age. On top of that, you need to make sure that your website and digital presence is up to date and active.

Why it Matters: During the May Business Education Series facilitated by Jacki Krumnow of Now Marketing and Joe Ford of Netvantage SEO, this session will help you measure website health and digital campaign performance effectively, as well as creating impactful email campaigns. Whether you’re starting fresh or refining your approach, this session is packed with actionable insights, tools, and insider advice to boost your marketing efforts. Learn more.

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  1. Fraser Trebilcock Attorney Obtains Complete Dismissal for Firm Client

Fraser Trebilcock Shareholder and Firm Secretary Jared A. Roberts recently obtained complete dismissal of a Bureau of Professional Licensing Complaint for the firm’s client.

Why it Matters: In this instance, the real estate salesperson’s meticulous preservation of all documents, emails, and text messages were key to establishing a timeline that disproved the allegations. Mr. Roberts advises real estate salespeople to preserve everything and move every scrap into their digital deal file after closing. Read more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Real Estate | Jared Roberts