Tag: proposed rule change

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – May 2, 2025

  1. CRA Files Formal Complaint Against Adult-Use Marijuana Processor

This week, the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency filed a formal complaint against Pure Roots LLC, alleging the adult-use marijuana processor purchased marijuana from a non-licensed marijuana establishment, and that they failed to properly transport the marijuana in a secure transporter.

Why it Matters: The CRA is intending on imposing fines and/or other sanctions against Pure Roots LLC license, which may include the suspension, revocation, restriction, and/or refusal to renew their license.

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  1. Ensuring Your Business is Secure Through Patent Protection

Whether it is a symbol that you use for branding or a formula that makes your product unique, your intellectual property assets need to be protected. Some of the most recognizable forms of intellectual property fall under copyrights, patents, and trademarks.

Why it Matters: A patent is a legal monopoly for protecting a utilitarian device, system, machine, composition or process. When should you file? Timing is of the essence to prevent a competitor from winning the race to the Patent Office. Our patent law attorneys can help you think through the issues and take the actions necessary to ensure your work and business are protected. Learn more.

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  1. Senate Labor Committee Hears Testimony Over Independent Contractor Proposal

The Senate Labor Committee heard testimony this week regarding proposed legislation over independent contractors.

Why it Matters: A few changes SB 6–7 would make include implementing an ABC test, and requiring three years of wage information for similar roles. Additionally, fines and penalties for misclassification would increase, and in some cases, may lead to prison sentences for business owners.

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  1. Gain Peace of Mind Through Life’s Toughest Obstacles

When facing charges of any kind, criminal law experience matters most. You need someone on your side with inside knowledge to provide guidance for a solid defense. We have extensive experience representing individuals and businesses in all stages of criminal proceedings.

Why it Matters: Helping clients for more than two decades, Rob is an experienced criminal defense and professional licensing attorney who has successfully represented clients in both state and federal courts in felony and misdemeanor cases in more than 50 counties across the state of Michigan. He is passionate about what he does, and, understanding the direct and collateral consequences that a criminal conviction or professional licensing sanction can bring, he compassionately works with his clients to focus on what matters most to them. Learn more.

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  1. CRA to Hold Public Hearing and Receive Comments on New Package of Rules

The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency has scheduled a public hearing for the purpose of receiving public comment on a proposed omnibus rule-making package on Tuesday, May 6, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Why it Matters: The proposed rules are meant to address a number of important policy issues, including accounts receivable and hemp-derived products. Once the public hearing has concluded and the public comment period has ended, the CRA’s final rules will be sent to the Legislative Service Bureau for formal certification. The draft rules can be found here.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Intellectual Property | Andrew Martin
Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston
Criminal Law | Robert Andretz

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