Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – October 20, 2023

  1. Cannabis Regulatory Agency Seeks to Update Michigan’s Marihuana Rules

The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (“CRA”) recently filed a Request for Rulemaking to begin the process of updating Michigan’s Marihuana Rules. The CRA is asking for feedback—comments or suggestions can be sent to CRA-AdminRules@michigan.gov.

Why it Matters: The proposed updates, a summary of which can be found here, would impact licensing, social equity, financial compliance, and a host of other issues.

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  1. Provisional Patent Application Overview

While deciding whether to file a patent application, it is important to consider both your short- and long-term goals in view of your finances and the current state of your idea. Depending on these factors you may be deciding between filing a provisional or non-provisional application.

Why it Matters: A provisional patent application is a type of patent application that serves as a placeholder for a non-provisional patent application, providing the applicant with a priority date for their invention and a one-year window to follow up and file a non-provisional application. Learn more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.

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  1. CRA Publishes September 2023 Data: Average Price Increases

Per data released by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency, the average retail price for adult-use sales of an ounce of cannabis in September was $100.14, an increase from $94.16 in August. This is still a decrease from September 2022, where the average price was $109.88.

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. Contact our cannabis law attorneys if you have any questions.

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  1. Fraser Trebilcock Shareholder Ryan Kauffman Participates in Arguments in Michigan Supreme Court

On Thursday, October 5, Fraser Trebilcock Shareholder Ryan Kauffman participated in arguments in the Michigan Supreme Court on cases brought against higher education universities related to the COVID-19 issue.

Why it Matters: You can view the entirety of the argument by going to the Michigan Supreme Court’s YouTube page, or by clicking here (Mr. Kauffman’s argument starts at 43:40). Read more.

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  1. Business Education Series – Maximizing Productivity: Strategies for More Effective Workdays

Productivity is a habit and it’s something you can become better at every day by choosing the methods and tricks that work for you.

Why it Matters: In the October Business Education Series program, Emmie Musser, Future of Work Strategist with TechSmith, is going to discuss some tried-and-true strategies for more productive and effective workdays. Learn more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Intellectual Property | Andrew Martin
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Higher Education | Ryan Kauffman

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – October 13, 2023

  1. Cannabis Regulatory Agency Seeks to Update Michigan’s Marihuana Rules

The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (“CRA”) recently filed a Request for Rulemaking to begin the process of updating Michigan’s Marihuana Rules. The CRA is asking for feedback—comments or suggestions can be sent to CRA-AdminRules@michigan.gov.

Why it Matters: The proposed updates, a summary of which can be found here, would impact licensing, social equity, financial compliance, and a host of other issues.

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  1. Client Alert: October 14 Deadline: Medicare Part D Notice of Creditable (or Non-Creditable) Coverage

Medicare Part D notices (of either creditable or non-creditable coverage) are due for distribution prior to October 15th.

Why it Matters: With respect to group health plans including prescription coverage offered by an employer to any Medicare Part D eligible employees (whether or not retired) or to Medicare Part D Medicare-eligible spouses or dependents, the employer must provide those individuals with a Notice of Creditable or Non-Creditable Coverage to advise them whether the drug plan’s total gross value is at least as valuable as the standard Part D coverage (i.e., creditable). Read more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.

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  1. Michigan Cannabis Sales Exceed $274 Million in September

Cannabis sales surpassed $274 million in September, via the monthly report from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency. Michigan adult-use sales came in at $269,813,092.72, while medical sales came in at $4,915,502.78, totaling $274,728,595.50.

Why it Matters: Marijuana sales remain strong in Michigan, particularly for recreational use. However, there still are significant concerns about profitability and market oversaturation that the industry is contending with.

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  1. U.S. Supreme Court Clarifies Legal Standard for Threatening Speech in Counterman V. Colorado

The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Counterman v. Colorado addressed the longstanding ambiguity surrounding the standards for criminal prosecution based on perceived threats of violence.

Why it Matters: The Court held that such a prosecution requires proof that the defendant subjectively understood the threatening nature of the statement such that making the statement was at least reckless. This case not only delves deep into First Amendment protections but also has broad implications for online communications and interactions. Read more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.

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  1. Business Education Series – Maximizing Productivity: Strategies for More Effective Workdays

Productivity is a habit and it’s something you can become better at every day by choosing the methods and tricks that work for you.

Why it Matters: In the October Business Education Series program, Emmie Musser, Future of Work Strategist with TechSmith, is going to discuss some tried-and-true strategies for more productive and effective workdays. Learn more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Employee Benefits | Bob Burgee
Employee Benefits
Criminal Law

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – October 6, 2023

  1. House Bills Would Allow Students Access to Medical Marijuana on School Grounds

“Jayden’s Law,” Michigan House Bills 5063 and 5064, would apply only to non-smokable medical marijuana. It would allow both public and private schools to administer medical cannabis on school grounds, subject to certain requirements, including a written treatment plan provided by the child’s caregiver, supervised administration by a designated staff member, and annual proof of the students’ medical marijuana cards.

Why it Matters: Michigan has allowed minors to access medical marijuana as registered patients for more than a decade. Such use, however, is prohibited while at school or school events. Backers of the legislation argue that students who use medical marijuana but must check out and back into school to do so, miss classroom instructions or extracurricular activities.

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  1. U.S. Supreme Court Clarifies Legal Standard for Threatening Speech in Counterman V. Colorado

The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Counterman v. Colorado addressed the longstanding ambiguity surrounding the standards for criminal prosecution based on perceived threats of violence.

Why it Matters: The Court held that such a prosecution requires proof that the defendant subjectively understood the threatening nature of the statement such that making the statement was at least reckless. This case not only delves deep into First Amendment protections but also has broad implications for online communications and interactions. Read more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.

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  1. Fraser Trebilcock Attorney Thaddeus Morgan Selected to Serve on State Bar of Michigan’s U.S. Courts Committee

Fraser Trebilcock attorney Thaddues Morgan was selected to serve on the State Bar of Michigan’s U.S. Courts Committee for the 2023-24 Bar Year. Attorney volunteers are vital for the State Bar to continue providing exceptional service to the legal profession, the public, and the state.

Why it Matters: The State Bar of Michigan’s U.S. Courts Committee provides advice and recommendations concerning the State Bar’s interaction with federal courts in Michigan and on practice of law in those courts. Learn more.

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  1. Employee Benefits Attorney

Fraser Trebilcock is seeking applications for a position in our Firm from well-qualified attorneys with strong experience in employee benefits, including employer sponsored retirement plans, employee health plans and general ERISA compliance.

Why it Matters: The successful candidate should have a solid and portable client base. Fraser will consider candidates who may lack a portable client base provided they have a solid background in these practice areas and demonstrate an aptitude for client service and growth. Learn more and to apply.

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  1. Business Education Series – Maximizing Productivity: Strategies for More Effective Workdays

Productivity is a habit and it’s something you can become better at every day by choosing the methods and tricks that work for you.

Why it Matters: In the October Business Education Series program, Emmie Musser, Future of Work Strategist with TechSmith, is going to discuss some tried-and-true strategies for more productive and effective workdays. Learn more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Criminal Law | Paula Spicer
Litigation | Thaddeus Morgan

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – September 29, 2023

  1. Detroit Mayor’s Land Value Tax Plan Moves to House Floor

Earlier it was covered that Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan spoke to lawmakers at the House Tax Policy Committee hearing on his land value tax plan. The Committee passed the proposed plan, and it now moves onto the House Floor.

Why it Matters: According to the plan laid out online, if enacted, would replace certain tax rates for homes and property structures with a higher rate of tax on land, with the purpose of targeting unused, unproductive, or vacant land while providing benefits to homeowners and businesses.

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  1. Momentum Builds for Michigan Clean Energy Bill

Clean energy bill sponsors in the Michigan Senate took public testimony during a committee hearing last week, as the Michigan legislature continues to push for comprehensive clean energy legislation. Among policies being debated include setting a carbon-free energy standard, reducing energy waste, increasing access to solar power, and expanding electric vehicle charging stations.

Why it Matters: Beyond environmental goals, access to significant federal funding hangs in the balance. In order to access certain funds allocated under the federal Inflation Reduction Act, states must adopt certain clean energy standards into law.

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  1. Employee Benefits Attorney

Fraser Trebilcock is seeking applications for a position in our Firm from well-qualified attorneys with strong experience in employee benefits, including employer sponsored retirement plans, employee health plans and general ERISA compliance.

Why it Matters: The successful candidate should have a solid and portable client base. Fraser will consider candidates who may lack a portable client base provided they have a solid background in these practice areas and demonstrate an aptitude for client service and growth. Learn more and to apply.

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  1. Michigan 2023 Cannabis Sales Through 6 Months Exceeds 2022 Sales by Almost $400 Million

Per data released by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency, through six months of sales in 2023, totaling $1,426,137,854.75, Michiganders have exceeded sales compared to 2022 data through six months, which totaled $1,029,451,152.66.  This is an almost $400 million increase through the first six months of this year.

Why it Matters: Marijuana sales remain strong in Michigan, particularly for recreational use. However, there still are significant concerns about profitability and market oversaturation that the industry is contending with.

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  1. Business Education Series – Maximizing Productivity: Strategies for More Effective Workdays

Productivity is a habit and it’s something you can become better at every day by choosing the methods and tricks that work for you.

Why it Matters: In the October Business Education Series program, Emmie Musser, Future of Work Strategist with TechSmith, is going to discuss some tried-and-true strategies for more productive and effective workdays. Learn more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Real Estate | Jared Roberts
Energy Law | Mike Ashton
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher