- Large Michigan Cannabis Operator Temporarily Shutters Part of its Operations Due to Market Challenges
Pincanna, which has retail cannabis outlets in East Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Kalkaska, recently announced that it is temporarily closing the greenhouse portion of its cultivation operation (located in Bay County) and laying off part of its workforce.
Why it Matters: One of the company’s co-founders cited an oversupply of cannabis in Michigan, which has created a highly competitive and unsustainable market, as the driving force behind the decision. Despite record sales of product, many Michigan cannabis operators have struggled to remain profitable due to falling prices.
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- Governor Whitmer Unveils Proposed Tax Increases to Fund Roads
This week, Governor Whitmer released a proposal that seeks $3 billion in a long-term plan that will lower vehicle repair costs, invest $1 billion in local roads and $250 million in transit.
Why it Matters: Among the components of the proposal, it seeks to close the gap in road funding, ensuring each dollar paid at the gas pump is invested back into the road infrastructure. Additionally will require businesses, specifically Big Tech, to pay more in taxes for doing business in Michigan, and to introduce a wholesale tax on the marijuana industry.
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- Latest Product Recall from Michigan CRA on Vapes Containing MCT Oil
On February 11, 2025, the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency released a bulletin on a voluntary product recall on certain vapes from the brand BLOOM Classic and BLOOM Live that were found to contain Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Oil, which had been banned for use in 2024.
Why it Matters: The products affected are from the brand Platinum Vapes. MCT Oil is commonly used in inhalable cannabis products, such as vapes, and may pose dangers to respiratory health when inhaled. The CRA banned the use of MCT Oil starting October 1, 2024.
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- U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision on TikTok
On January 17, 2025, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision in TikTok Inc. v. Garland, upholding the constitutionality of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. TikTok argued that the law infringed upon its First Amendment rights, claiming that it was being unfairly targeted as a foreign adversary-controlled application and that the divestiture requirement placed an unconstitutional burden on free speech. However, the Supreme Court disagreed, ultimately finding that the Act was a content-neutral law that was not in violation of the First Amendment.
Why it Matters: This Supreme Court decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle between the protection of technology-based free speech and national security concerns. When or if Congress considers applying the Act’s prohibitions to other social media platforms, how the Court addresses the constitutionality of those future challenges will be crucial to watch. Read more.
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- Business Education Series: Anatomy of a Data Breach
Data breaches can wreak havoc on your company and almost always lead to litigation. With each new breach, we gain valuable insight into what companies could have done better. Your legal, contractual, and business obligations can sometimes be confusing and in conflict with each other.
Why it Matters: During the March Business Education Series facilitated by Nate Steed and Kelly R. Hollingsworth, this session will examine recent cases and best practices to protect your company from a breach including: lessons learned from recent data breaches; proactive strategies to insulate your business. Learn more.
Related Practice Groups and Professionals
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Intellectual Property | Andrew Martin
