WEED
Pleasantrees to give away free weed for menstrual product donations
Midwest CannaNurses founders Biyyiah Lee and Ebony Smith.
COURTESY PHOTO
Midwest CannaNurses get social equity grant By Randiah Camille Green A GROUP OF nurses who want to educate about the therapeutic benefits of cannabis has received a $50,000 grant to do so. Midwest CannaNurses is the latest recipient of Gage Cannabis Co.’s $1 million social equity grant program, which funds cannabis companies in communities affected disproportionately by the war on drugs. Midwest CannaNurses was founded in 2020 by licensed Detroit nurses Ebony Smith and Biyyiah Lee. They believe it’s their duty to normalize cannabis as medicine.
The minority-owned company offers consulting services to canna businesses and potential patients on proper dosing, safe consumption, and “individualized CannaPlans” through its “Outgrow The Stigma” initiative. In a press release, Lee said Gage’s generous grant will aid the group’s mission to educate the community about cannabis as a healing modality. “With this contribution, we will be able to provide professional development for nurses and allied health professionals and expand our community outreach efforts by holding more
educational seminars for the public,” she said in the release. “We’re glad to see companies like Gage seeking opportunities to support organizations that uplift diverse communities, and this social equity grant will enable us to continue advocating for safe and informed cannabis use.” Previous recipients of Gage’s social equity grant include Redemption Cannabis and non profit unners High 5k. More information is available at mcn. health.
Former Muskegon house converted into cannabis dispensary A FORMER MUSKEGON Township house has been converted into Lucky’s Cannabis Co., a new dispensary set to open Friday. The store is located at 14 4 6 Holton Rd. in a renovated two-story, threebedroom brick house originally built in 194 7. “It’s an interesting space and much different than how other stores are configured,” arc obert, President of Lucky’s, said in a statement. “It was a challenge to make this space wheelchair accessible, functional and inviting. We think we nailed it.” The business includes a reception area, a sales floor, and office space. The
walls have been painted with colorful murals, and its outdoor area can also be used for community events. The business is open for adult-use sales to anyone age 21 or older. The company previously opened a dispensary in Big Rapids. The dispensary is expected to open at 9 a.m. on Friday, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 : 3 0 p.m. A number of other cannabis vendors will be on hand. The store says it will also collect cash donations for Veteran’s Day, which will be sent to the Muskegon County Veterans Center. “The donations will support the food pantry there,” said Robert. “For de-
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cades, veterans have advocated for cannabis legalization here in Michigan and on the federal level. Their first hand knowledge of the healing properties of cannabis for pain and PTSD has helped sway how the public views cannabis.” Customers who donate will receive a free premium pre-roll. “Supporting our veterans and community at large is an integral part of Lucky’s ethos, and this is just one of many ways we plan to continue this mission, “ said Raahul Reddy, co-owner and principal. More information is available at luckyscannabis.com. —L ee D eV ito
CANNABIS COMPANY PLEASANTREES aims to help support women with its new brand, Pistil Janes. For its market debut, the company has partnered with the Lansingbased organization Helping Women Period (HWP). The organization aims to provide free menstrual products to people experiencing homelessness or from low-income households. “A portion of proceeds from the sales of Pistil Janes products will be donated to local, women-focused organizations and nonprofits our first partner is elping omen Period,” said Pleasantrees retail marketing manager Perry Haselden said in a press release. “We are excited to support the missions of these organizations while continuing to expand our Social Equity efforts through Pistil anes.” That’s not all Pleasantrees is doing. On Tuesday, Nov. 15, Pleasantrees will host a donation drive at all of its locations. When customers (21 and up) donate a box of menstrual hygiene products to a HWP drop box, they will receive one free gram of Pistil anes flower for their donation. Pleasantrees will be accepting new (and unused) bladder control products, panty liners, tampons, and pads. Monetary donations are accepted as well. “Helping Women Period is so excited to join forces with Pleasantrees to discuss eliminating stigma,” said Lysne Tait, the executive director of Helping Women Period, in a press release. “The stigma associated with menstruation is experienced differently by individuals of different cultures and backgrounds. Cannabis use by women is also subject to these barriers of accessing products, openly discussing use, and being treated with understanding and openness by their communities.” Pistil Janes’ initial launch will include three flower products The Empress (sativa), The Goddess (hybrid), and The Temptress (Indica). One gram will retail for around $10 with an eighth retailing around $3 0. —A lex W as h ingto n
