Michigan GreenState - Issue 6, Spring 2022

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What’s Inside

Michigan GreenState

Spring 2022 | Issue 6

PUBLISHER Ed Fritz

ADVERTISING

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Tony Garant Ken Kasprzak

CONTRIBUTORS Jon Becker Elissa Esher Aurora Rae Kathryn Cannon

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6............................. MY DOG ATE WEED. WHAT SHOULD I DO? 8............................. COOKING WITH CANNABIS:

WACKY MAC N’ CHEESE 10........................... 6 REASONS PEOPLE ARE TRADING ALCOHOL FOR CANNABIS 12........................... NEW MARIJUANA DISPENSARY SPROUTS UP IN SAGINAW 14........................... GROWING 101 16........................... CANNABIS IS MAKING ITS WAY UP THE MITTEN 18........................... “HIGH” ASPIRATIONS 20........................... SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: RIPPLE EDIBLES 22........................... 2022 MICHIGAN CANNABIS CUP BIGGEST IN HIGH TIMES HISTORY 24........................... EMERALD FIRE FARMS BLAZES TRAIL FOR LOCAL CANNABIS CULTURE IN MIDLAND COUNTY 26........................... CAN CANNABIS WARD OFF NIGHTMARES? 27........................... COUPON PAGE Issue 6 | Spring 2022

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From The Publisher Welcome to the spring edition of Michigan GreenState Magazine.

There’s always a sense of excitement (and this year: relief ), when the cold, gray days of a long Michigan winter gives way to blue skies and greening landscapes of springtime. Michigan GreenState Magazine is equally thrilled about continuing to take you, our readers, through a revealing and diverse journey to open a window into the fascinating and eclectic world of the men, women and communities that comprise the state’s Cannabis Community.

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This industry continues to amaze as it maintains its explosive growth in our state. There are so many stories of people and places throughout Michigan that show our state’s entrepreneurship and innovation. Our mission is to help to tell some of those stories and to shine a spotlight on the lifestyle and culture of this growing community.

ED FRITZ

As we have celebrated a very successful first year in the cannabis space, we appreciate all the support you’ve sent our way. All of us here have enjoyed

Sincerely,

contributing in whichever way we can to this new Michigan industry. We’ll continue to strive to be worthy of your positivity and attention.

Spring 2022| MIGreenState

Cheers to Summer!

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Issue 6 | Spring 2022

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My dog ate weed.

What should I do?

WE ASKED VETERINARIANS HOW CANNABIS AFFECTS CANINES ELISSA ESHER MICHIGAN GREEN STATE So, Fido found your stash.

There are probably a lot of “what ifs” bouncing around in your head right now. We’ll get to those, but here’s the bottom line: If your dog eats any amount of cannabis in any form, call your local veterinary clinic (or, if after hours, emergency veterinary clinic) or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)’s Animal Poison Control Center immediately. The sooner you get your pet treated, the better.

How do we know?

As more people are using cannabis around the country, more dogs are exposed to weed.

In 2019, the ASPCA reported a significant increase in calls about pets consuming cannabis, noting 765 percent more calls on the subject in the first few months of that year than in the same period the previous year.

The nonprofit said these high numbers were “likely to continue” as more states legalized medical and recreational cannabis around the country.

In light of this growing trend, we made a one-stop guide for Americans dealing with a pot-snatching pooch. We spoke with pet health experts Dr. Lara Davies, Veterinarian at Firefly Veterinary Hospital in Manhattan, and Dr. Laura Robinson, Lead Veterinary Advisor to Pawp, an online veterinary clinic, to answer the most pressing questions dog owners face on cannabis.

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Can my dog get high?

goods.

Yes, dogs can get high.

Dogs can also become intoxicated from secondhand smoke.

If your dog begins showing signs of intoxication after you’ve smoked pot near them, call a veterinarian right away.

But the psychoactive effects of THC won’t set in for dogs until 30 to 90 minutes after consumption, so if your dog doesn’t immediately look unwell after eating weed, don’t be fooled.

According to Davies, cannabis intoxication in dogs commonly manifests itself through wobbly, uncoordinated movements, urinary incontinence, hyperactivity, and disorientation. Dogs have been known to be “very vocal” while high, and have a “spacey” look. Their pupils may dilate, they may vomit or drool excessively, and their breathing rate may slow.

Davies advises owners to hedge their bets on this one. Since the effects of cannabis vary dramatically depending on what product is consumed and the animal that consumes it, it’s wise to call your veterinarian regardless of the situation.

What if my dog eats CBD?

CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabis compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties, is being used by pet owners In severe cases, Davies said, dogs around the country to treat cermay experience tremors, seizures, tain ailments in dogs and other or go into a coma, but these animals. So if your dog breaks effects are less common. Treating into your CBD stash, is it really so intoxication as early as possible bad? can help protect your dog from According to Robinson, probably these outcomes. not. But you should still seek What if my dog only ate a medical help if your dog conlittle bit of weed? sumes a lot of it.

Like with people, cannabis “CBD is not psychoactive like affects dogs in different ways THC, so it shouldn’t make your depending on their health and dog high like THC would,” Robbody type. A little bit of weed consumed by a small, senior dog inson told GreenState. “Vomiting, lethargy, inappetence, and may have a stronger effect than diarrhea are the most common it would for a larger, younger clinical signs reported after dog, Davies told GreenState. ingestion. Ataxia can occasionally Additionally, certain types of occur with large ingestions.” cannabis products are more Robinson said that if your dog dangerous for dogs than others. consumes more than the recomWhile raw flower can get your mended dose of CBD, a veteridog high, cannabis edibles can do a lot worse. Chocolate is toxic narian can induce vomiting and possibly prescribe medications to dogs, as is xylitol, an artificial so these adverse side effects do sweetener commonly found in cannabis gummies and baked not occur.

Spring 2022| MIGreenState

Can my dog die of cannabis intoxication?

the worse the symptoms will become and the longer treatment will take.

Death resulting from cannabis intoxication is extremely rare for dogs, but it is possible.

Davies said she’s never treated a dog for cannabis intoxication who didn’t make a full recovery within 24 hours after consumption. Robinson, on the other hand, said the worst cases she’s seen have required intravenous fluid therapy for several days.

Davies, whose clinic treats cases of cannabis intoxication in dogs almost every month, says they have seen an increase in severe cases as more people are using medical-grade cannabis products with higher THC content.

I live in a state where cannabis is illegal. Will my veterinarian report my cannabis use to the police if I tell them my dog is intoxicated?

Fear of the law is a big reason why some dogs go untreated for cannabis intoxication, according to Robinson.

Many pet owners won’t admit to their veterinarian that their dog is high, or don’t seek any medical attention for an intoxicated pet, because they are afraid their veterinarian will report them for cannabis possession.

This, however, is a misconception.

Veterinarians will only report a person to the police if they have reason to suspect cruelty, neglect, or any other form of abuse to the animal.

How can I keep my stash away from my dog?

As you may be all too aware, keeping your stash away from a pet is harder than it seems.

Like most of us, dogs love the smell of sugar, which is probably why Dr. Tina Wismer, Medical Director for the Animal Poison Control Center, said the recent surge in edibles closely resembling candy and baked goods has made weed products all the more enticing to dogs.

Davies said this makes it doubly important to keep your pot secure.

“Dogs have a great sense of smell,” Davies said. “They will try to get into sweet See my

dog on 29

“We will not judge or report you,” Robinson said. “We see this all the time and just want your pet to be better.

The symptoms of cannabis toxicity are pretty obvious, so most likely if you lie, we will have our hunches anyway and likely have to ask you. We can also test your dog’s urine for THC.” How is cannabis intoxication treated in dogs?

If you’re able to get your dog to a clinic two to three hours after it’s consumed cannabis, Davies says the veterinarian may be able to induce vomiting and treat further absorption of the drug.

Medication can be used to treat any nausea, seizures, diarrhea, and other symptoms cannabis may cause.

In almost every case, Davies says, intravenous fluid therapy is used to flush the system until the effects of the drug wear off.

How long will it take for my dog to recover from cannabis intoxication?

How long it takes for a dog to recover from cannabis intoxication largely depends on how quickly they are treated.

The longer you wait to treat the dog,

Issue 6 | Spring 2022

www.MIGREENSTATE.com | 7

Cooking with Cannabis: WACKY MAC N’ CHEESE KATHRYN CANNON MICHIGAN GREEN STATE ‘Tis the season of parties, potlucks, and comfort food. Whether you are going out or staying in, an easy cannabis mac n’ cheese recipe that serves a crowd is probably just what you were looking for this fall. This wacky mac n’ cheese is a fun take on classic homemade mac n’ cheese, made even better with a delightfully relaxing cannabis breadcrumb topping, of course!

Wacky mac n’ cheese is the perfect dish for cooks of all skill levels because of its simple, almost fool-proof steps, and ability to please a big crowd. This recipe is versatile in that it can be made with or without cannabis, making it safe, and enjoyable for the whole family.

If you are using cannabis in this recipe,

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consider a using combination of cannabinoids that works well for the crowd you are hosting. Most of the time I make this recipe using a tincture with a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio but have also made it with a CBD-only product and enjoyed the results.

Since cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to reduce the feelings of impairment from THC, and may support feelings of alertness and positive mood, it is the perfect addition to edibles served in a social setting.

Just as there is wisdom in pairing CBD and THC, there may be wisdom in pairing cannabis with mac n’ cheese, similar to the way herbs are paired with fatty foods. After all, cannabis is used medicinally to soothe the gastrointestinal tract.

Around the world, herbs and spices are used when cooking rich or hard-to-digest foods. There appears to be some sage wisdom in that tradition since herbs and

spices have powerful constituents in them that aid in digestion, often decreasing inflammation overall, and in the digestive tract.

Cannabis is known to reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and produces cannabinoids that bind with receptor sites all over the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. Along with aiding digestion, these herbs and spices are anti-inflammatory, and in many cases support gut health, pain management, and muscle spasms.

The benefits of turmeric, mustard, cayenne, and black pepper pair perfectly with the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis. This recipe is indulgent, so including herbs and spices that support digestion and add complexity to this rich dish, will make you look like an experienced cook.

Editor’s Note: The following recipe is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Kathryn Cannon is an experienced Plant Medicine Integration Specialist, Cannabis Coach, and community herbalist. She founded Terra Uma LLC to empower clients to optimize performance, mental health, and overall wellness with cannabis, and other plants and fungi. Kathryn is also the founder of a lifestyle medicine center and urban farm in Portland, Oregon, and a cannabis collective and coaching practice in Washington, DC. This recipe was not written or edited by Hearst. The authors are solely responsible for the content.

Spring 2022| MIGreenState

WACKY MAC N’ CHEESE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

1 c. Italian breadcrumbs 1 t. garlic 2 t. oregano 1 ½ T cannabis tincture or cannabis coconut oil 1 lb. elbow macaroni noodles 2/3 c. butter (1/3 c. butter for roux + 1/3 c. butter for breadcrumb topping) ½ c. flour 3 c. whole milk 4 oz. cream cheese ½ c. Greek yogurt 2 ½ c. sharp cheddar cheese shredded 2 c. Swiss and gruyere or similar cheese, shredded 3 t. salt 2 t. dry or yellow mustard 1 t. turmeric 1 t. cayenne pepper 1 t. black pepper

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Cook elbow macaroni al dente, per instruction on package, drain, and set aside Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 3 quart or 9×13” baking dish In a bowl combine breadcrumbs, garlic, oregano, and tincture or coconut oil Add 1/3 c. melted butter to the mixture and combine until breadcrumbs are evenly coated and set aside In a large, deep skillet start the cheese sauce by making a roux: melt 1/3 c. butter over low heat, adding in the flour, half at a time, and stirring continuously until it has thickened, and is blended without lumps Turn the heat to medium and add milk, 1 cup at a time, stirring until

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mixture is fully incorporated Add cream cheese (diced) and Greek yogurt to skillet, stirring occasionally, allowing the cream cheese to melt Once mixture is incorporated into a sauce, add the spices, salt, and shredded cheeses Stir until cheese has melted Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, incorporating it thoroughly. Note: a large skillet is needed for this step. If a smaller skillet was used, complete this step in a large bowl.

Pour macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish Evenly coat the top with breadcrumb mixture Place in the oven to bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes Serves 10-12

A NOTE ON INGREDIENTS

Tinctures purchased through dispensaries have the number of milligrams of each cannabinoid listed on the label. You will know how much CBD and THC your dish contains, and by dividing the total number of milligrams in an ounce of tincture by the number of individual servings in the mac n’ cheese.

Using an alcohol-based tincture may be more pleasant because it is likely none of the cannabis flavor will come through in the cooked dish. That said, if you love the herbaceous flavor of cannabis, you will love using cannabis coconut oil in this dish. Try this cannabis coconut oil recipe.

As always, label your cannabis edibles and enjoy with consenting adults. Have fun celebrating the season and laughing with friends over this pleasantly wacky mac.

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6 Reasons People are Trading Alcohol for Cannabis HEARST BLOGGER NETWORK People of all ages, but especially those in younger generations, are drinking less and smoking cannabis more. According to the annual Monitoring the Future survey, sponsored by The National Institute On Drug Abuse at The National Institutes of Health, 44% of college students reported using cannabis in 2020, with 56% reporting alcohol use. In 2015, only 38% of college students admitted to using cannabis, and in 2019 62% reported drinking.

No one can claim to know the reason for this phenomenon, but there are some benefits to switching from alcohol to cannabis that are worth considering. Whether you are looking to lose the beer belly or cut down on sugar, cannabis has been a welcome alternative for people looking to cut out some of the unwanted side effects of alcohol use.

Here are a few reasons people might choose to trade their wine glasses for joints.

Editor’s Note: The following article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician

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or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen.

1. To Lose Weight

For some, cannabis products provide that special sense of celebration and reward at the end of the day, without all the bloating and calorie intake involved in drinking.

However, just using cannabis is certainly not a fast track to weight loss. If you are trying to lose weight, you will want to add some additional strategies like exercise and healthy eating to your routine.

3. More choices

2. Better Sleep People often believe that alcohol helps you sleep more, and while it will put you to sleep faster, research shows it typically disrupts sleep patterns and causes you to have less restful sleep overall. Additionally, if you’re sensitive to sugar, sweetened cocktails and wines may be keeping you awake.

Alcohol can have a lot of calories. Even a shot of vodka has about 100 calories. But cannabis provides a pathway to get a nice buzz without all the unwanted calories (unless, of course, you get the munchies).

Many cannabis products come in forms that do have some calories, like gummies or sodas. But in general, smoking cannabis or eating one gummy will be a lot less damaging to your weight loss journey than drinking three to six beers.

Cannabis has been known to help promote sleep and can get someone back to their normal sleep schedule if they get thrown off due to work or other circumstances. Many medical marijuana doctors recommend it for insomniacs for just this reason. It isn’t as well studied to be a regular sleep aid, but anecdotal evidence does support the idea that it can help people achieve deeper and more consistent rest.

When it comes to alcohol, unless you’re getting very experimental with where you put it, drinking is how you consume it.

Cannabis products come in all shapes and sizes and can be eaten, drunk, or smoked.

There are even highly effective cannabis tinctures on the market that are dropped under the tongue, and you can use cannabis creams to target sore muscles.

Plenty of people use both weed and alcohol, but switch to cannabis when they need flexibility of consumption. For example, you may not be able to bring a flask to a concert, but you can certainly pop an edible before you go.

Spring 2022| MIGreenState

4. Less long-term risk

the latest research has shown very few harmful side effects associated with cannabis use, leading some health experts to concede that, generally speaking, there are fewer risks involved with consuming cannabis than there are with alcohol.

The primary reason for this? There are no recorded instances of cannabis overdose.

A recent study showed a person would have to consume between 238 and 1,113 joints in one day to absorb a fatal dose of THC.

Both alcohol and cannabis can be addictive, but the long-term risks associated with addiction to these two substances are very different.

Alcoholism can lead to pancreatitis, liver disease, heart problems, infertility, cancer, and more. It can also make people more violent and physically dangerous to themselves and others.

Cannabis addiction is also dangerous.

It leads to problems with your lungs if smoked over a long period of time, and contributes to brain development issues if used by minors. But other than that,

Additionally, while alcohol makes people more violent, THC generally makes those who consume it drowsy, making it less likely for them to harm themselves or others. A study observing couples in their first nine years of marriage indicated that those who used cannabis had lower rates of intimate partner violence than those who did not.

That said, addiction to any substance will inevitably contribute to the deterioration of social connections and make people withdrawn from loved ones, along with possibly triggering depression and other mental health issues. Regardless of which is healthier, it is important to use both with

caution.

5. No hangover, no problems One of the biggest pros for cutting out alcohol and making the switch to cannabis is saying goodbye to brutal hangovers. As people get older, hangovers tend to get more severe and harder to deal with. A bad hangover can cause vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and more.

Cannabis use can also lead to some after-effects like drowsiness, brain fog, and headaches, but these effects do tend to be less severe than a hangover. This could be a reason why people choose to switch or cut down on alcohol use.

6. The effects Alcohol is a depressant, and while a glass of wine can be calming at the end of a long day, much more than that can lead to more violent behavior and mood changes that impact others in negative ways. Cannabis products can also alter mood and even cause hallucinations, but it generally isn’t linked to violent situations like domestic violence or bar fights.

Marijuana tends to relax people, and can even be used to help treat anxiety. While it

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Cutting down on alcohol is good for your health, and if you’re hoping that cannabis use can help you do that, there’s a chance that it will. But there is no guarantee that strategy will help you achieve your goals.

Due to its status as a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act, scientists and medical professionals still lack the research needed to derive conclusions on its benefits and adverse effects.

Cannabis can help people feel calmer, less anxious, and less stressed, but many long-term effects have yet to be studied scientifically. Overall, if you’re looking to cut out some of the negative side effects of alcohol by making the switch to cannabis, that could be the right choice. Just proceed with caution and explore other options as well.

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SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT New Marijuana Dispensary Sprouts Up in Saginaw JON BECKER MICHIGAN GREEN STATE Rita Tsalyuk, a Ukrainian refugee who has become a successful entrepreneur since immigrating to the United States over 30 years ago, has opened a recreational marijuana dispensary in Saginaw. CEO Tsalyuk and her business partner, Kirill Merkulob, are co-owners of Yuma Way, a Colorado-based cannabis company that has expanded into Michigan, with plans to establish new dispensaries in five other states within the next year, said company officials.

9-14) as its new Saginaw location.

that don’t necessarily have one.”

Yuma Way likes to refer to Courtside Gardens as a neighbor shop. It’s located at 1321 Court Street, just down the road from Old Town, a historic Saginaw business district on the city’s west side.

Yuma Way, Reuven said, has already been honored in this region by Saginaw Future Inc. for its economic excellence.

“Customers can expect to see a vast selection of affordable cannabis products sourced locally, and will benefit from our existing Bay City location, Cananbay,” Reuven said. “We like our small shops to fit in with the surrounding neighborhoods.

We hope to take what we’ve learned in Colorado and apply it here.”

“Michigan is a beautiful state. Our owners have visited frequently and feel a connection,” said Jessica Reuven, Yuma Way’s Chief Compliance Officer. “It has a similar feel to Colorado.”

In Denver, the company opened the nation’s first social consumption lounge about four years ago and, through its advocacy work, became a voice for cannabis regulators and government entities, according to Reuven.

This is the third shop Yuma Way has opened in the state. It has one in Bay City (CannaBay) and another in Kalamazoo (Urban Gardens) that is celebrating its grand opening during the same time frame (May

“They would come and view our facilities to see how we operated. We quickly became known for our advocacy work.

Through this recognition we’ve been able to provide a voice for the underprivileged

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Courtside Gardens employs anywhere from 12 to 15 people and has a mission to create seamless access to the healing powers of cannabis through safe, compliant and informed retail and educational experiences.

“Our approach to making cannabis accessible to everyone is by offering a variety of products-cannabis flower, concentrates, topics and edibles at affordable, competitive prices,” Reuven said.

Courtside Gardens promises drastic markdowns of products during its Saginaw store’s grand opening week. Food trucks and merchandise giveaways are also part of the program. A portion of sales during the grand opening will be donated to charities in Ukraine to help the refugee crisis in that war-torn country.

“Philanthropy is important to us,” Reuven

said. “Yuma Way is one of the few licensed social equity accelerators in Colorado. We support a lot of youth activities. We provide mentorship and tools for social equity businesses.”

In its Colorado shop, you can find many local artists’ creations for sale. That will be the case at its Saginaw retail location as well.

“It helps to beautify our stores while supporting local artisans and local businesses,” Reuven said.

Courtside Gardens, Reuven said, is far more aesthetically pleasing than the auto repair shop that used to be there.

“We totally rehabbed the building,” she said. “It was kind of an eyesore. Our Courtside Gardens looks like an upscale retail store.”

The shop will be open for recreational cannabis consumers from 9 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. seven days a week.

“Our value proposition is that we offer a product for every budget and for every connoisseur,” she said.

Spring 2022| MIGreenState

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Growing 101:

HOW TO HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY HOME GROW AURORA RAE MICHIGAN GREEN STATE Growing cannabis can be a very intimidating task. From selecting seeds, to smoking the flower, it is a big investment. There are many different factors to weigh in when setting up a grow including seeds, soil, lighting, and placement; let alone the fact that it can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

The Seed Cellar in Jackson, MI, sells products from over 80 breeders and has over 3,000 strains according to breeder manager, Kate Brown.

The Seed Cellar offers packs priced anywhere from $24 to $1,000. Autoflower seeds have become popular, Brown said, and are a good choice for new growers.

They have an average life cycle of 60-100 days. their plants.

We are here to walk you through all the steps needed to grow the plant you want and help you decide what method, strain and style works best for you.

Choosing a seed

If you smoke, eat, drink or consume cannabis in anyway, you could probably save a lot of money by starting a home grow.

The biggest thing to pay attention to when starting a grow is choosing the right seeds and seed company, according to Scott Korth.

While the upfront costs of growing can seem hefty, starting a grow will save cannabis users a lot of money in the long run. Not only that, but it will create closer relationships with people and

“That’s the number one thing that is going to make a big difference in a good grow or a bad grow,” Korth said.

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Growing a plant takes about four to six months.

He is a grower in Breckenridge, Michigan and co-owns a CBD company called

God’s Green Earth. He has learned the genetics of the seed make the biggest difference.

“If you get a shitty seed, you can do everything right and make it perfect and it still will be a shitty plant in the long run,” Korth said.

Simple seeds are better to start off with.

There are endless options to choose from.

“Study the seed companies, find exactly who has what you want,” Korth said.

“Don’t jump the gun on just buying any random genetics from anybody.”

Unlike regular seeds that rely on 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness to simulate day and night, growers can light autoflower seeds for 18+ hours.

Determining if you will grow indoor or outdoor The type of seed you buy will depend on where you are growing.

“There are just certain strains that… they’re much more forgiving for any of the things you might do to them,” Brown said.

Korth said he sees one main reason why people prefer indoor or outdoor.

Spring 2022| MIGreenState

“You get better quality indoor,” Korth said. “But you get more quantity outdoor.”

Strains that are more pest and mold resistant are suitable for outdoor growing. WayofLeaf – an online platform that uses medically credible resources to increase awareness about cannabis – said the easiest seeds to grow outside are Durban Poison, Northern Lights and Jack Herer.

Strains like Easy Bud Auto, Quick One Auto and Blackberry are the easiest to grow indoors, it said.

The Seed Cellar is offering an outdoor growing class on May 16 and 18, called “Know More Grow More”. The event, taught by Nova Lindow from TreeTown Seeds, will be held at Grown Green in Whitmore Lake. The cost to participate is $50 in advance or $60 at the door and includes seeds and a Seed Cellar swag bag.

In an interview with MI Green State, Lindow said outdoor growers in Michigan should also purchase seeds that have a quicker harvest time, due to shorter summers and infrequent sun.

State laws require outdoor grows to be enclosed from all angles – in a greenhouse, for example – which Lindow said enables growers to filter the air well.

He said doing so keeps mold and pests out. It can be “(as) simple as cutting a hole in your plastic, taping in a filter… and then you can choose how much airflow you want.”

Finding the right soil After you purchase your seeds, the next thing to get is dirt to grow those seeds in.

Lindow said soil that drains is best to reduce the chances of overwatering.

He said if people are really interested in learning about soil, there are inexpensive ways to have it tested at stores to get an analysis of the chemical makeup including iron, metals, sodium and other components.

Scott Korth uses Indoor Growers Edge in Mount Pleasant, MI. He said growers can feed their plants in one of two ways: organically, with soil made from manure, earthworm castings or bat guano, for example, or synthetically, by running liquid nutrients through the soil.

The latter feeds the plant immediately

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whereas organically feeds it over time.

Lindow uses 50% peat moss and 50% perlite – to improve moisture retention – in soil. He said it helps him avoid the number one mistake he sees in growers: overwatering.

“That will get everyone through a great harvest,” he said. “You can’t necessarily overwater it and it’s something that just works.”

Korth recommends new growers simply go for it.

“Even if you don’t really know what you are doing just pop (the seeds) and just play around, see what keeps the plants alive or hurts the plants… See what you don’t like about it, see what you feel like you can do differently.”

The process is largely trial and error but there are still best practices to follow to make the best out of your seed purchase.

One of the most important things growers pay attention to is the nutrients in the plant. This includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) ratios, the pH and parts per million levels of the water and many other vitamins.

Keep in mind it is a learning process and it takes time. Korth said he spent about three years understanding how to grow before he planted his first seed.

He said the main thing to avoid when buying soil is getting regular, gardening soil like Miracle Grow. While it would “grow beautifully”, the chemicals in the soil remain in the plant “so you’re smoking trace amounts of chemicals.”

Lindow said grow bags are trending right now and are one of the easiest to use.

“You want something that’s specifically for cannabis,” he said. It may be more expensive, but Korth said it will pay off in the end.

Picking the perfect tent (indoor)

Once you find the right soil, you’ll need to choose what kind of pot to grow in.

Buying the best pot Lindow suggests beginners use containers for their first grow. That includes smart pots or air pots which “boost root system oxygenation, support optimal drainage, and even help prevent root disease” according to the top European seed company, Royal Queen Seeds.

Smart Pots are made of fabric and are inexpensive, easy to clean and breathable.

They are sold in sizes from one gallon to 1,000 gallons, according to Smart Pots’ website.

Air pots are plastic, corrugated pots that snap together making them adjustable to different sizes.

“It has holes in the side that doesn’t really let the soil out, but it has a huge amount of airflow transition to the soil,” he said. “So, it makes it incredibly breathable.”

The next step after you’ve found the best pot – if you are growing indoors – is purchasing a tent.

There are endless types and sizes of tents you can get but finding the right one for you depends on how much money you want to spend and the space you need to grow.

Korth said suggests saving money on a tent and going with the less expensive ones.

“I’ve ordered seven of… some of the cheapest and I have had one going for five years and it’s still perfect,” he said.

Adding the right lights The amount of light you need depends on the size of tent you are growing in.

“When you go to buy a light, there will be things in the… light that will tell you how much space it’s made for,” Korth said.

He recommends LED lights because they drastically decrease electricity bills.

He also said the quality of LEDs has improved in recent years and is “tapping into the perfect spectrum for cannabis.”

See Growing

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Cannabis is Making its Way Up The Mitten AURORA RAE MICHIGAN GREEN STATE The cannabis market has taken Michigan by storm, but dispensaries in the mitten state are largely condensed in the southern half of the state.

Since the start of the year, new dispensaries have begun to populate northern Michigan cities like Gaylord and communities like Alpena are finally seeing advocacy for legalized dispensaries pay off.

In the last three months, two new dispensaries have opened in Gaylord including Cloud Cannabis and Green Arrow.

With storefronts in seven other Michigan cities, Cloud Cannabis Co. revealed it’s 3,000 square foot space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 15.

“Michigan’s cannabis industry is experiencing incredible growth, and we’re proud of our commitment to build deep roots in Michigan,” Cloud Cannabis Director of Retail Operations, Mike Leporowski, said in a statement.

The Gaylord Cloud Cannabis Co. offers recreational and medical marijuana.

Medical card holders receive 10% off.

The store is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

“Opening the first provisioning center in Gaylord is a great milestone for Cloud Cannabis, and we look forward to con-

16 | www.MIGREENSTATE.com

necting with the community to provide education on the many benefits of using cannabis,” the statement read.

As Cloud Cannabis is making its way up the state, another name in the business just opened its first storefront in the lower peninsula.

Green Arrow, called Rize in the Upper Peninsula locations, had to change its name in the Lower Peninsula after a local substance-free advocacy group, called Rise, objected its use of the name.

“The green arrow has been our logo since we first started the company in the U.P.,” Michelle Willes, training manager told the Petoskey News-Review. “(The arrow) points right to the actual facility and Green Arrow will be a lower Michigan Rize.”

The former Ponderosa restaurant building is now home to Gaylord’s second dispensary, located about a mile from Cloud Cannabis.

Even being new to the game in the Lower Peninsula, Green Arrow has quickly grown to offer about 750 products and have 13 full-time employees.

“We offer a wide range of products, and our selection is (above) most other dispensaries,” Willes said. “Our cannabis consultants go through extensive educational (training) so they are informed and knowledgeable.”

– from Lansing – and TreeTown – from Ann Arbor.

About an hour drive east, one rural Michigan town recently unveiled its first marijuana dispensary. Nearly four years after Michigan legalized the recreational use and sale of cannabis, Alpena’s first dispensary opened its doors on April 1.

The Alpena Area Chamber Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony last month for the new storefront, named Neighborhood Provisions.

Co-owner Kevin Currier was relieved to see his and his colleagues hard work pay off.

“I’m elated for what it took to get here, where we are now, and after seeing everyone gathered at this spot, I’m elated for what’s to come,” Currier said in an interview with the Alpena News.

The successful opening comes after a long fight.

The city of Alpena opted out Michigan’s legalization, making it illegal for marijuana businesses to exist in the city.

By November of 2021, the Alpena Municipal Council voted to allow medical and recreational marijuana businesses.

But the council decided no more than two shops would be allowed in the ordinance.

Neighborhood Provisions, being one of several companies that applied for Being a Michigan-based company, licenses, was not one of the two origiGreen Arrow emphasizes products made nally selected. in-state and offers brands including Nobel Road and Redemption Cannabis It appealed the decision, asking the

council to take a second look at the application. The council did not sway its decision and a lawsuit was filed against the city and some of its staff, according to an article from the Alpena News.

The case was dismissed in court but not long after that, the council voted to remove the cap.

With that decision, Neighborhood Provisions got the green light for licensing.

Currier said he is looking forward to fulfilling a need that has been unmet for years and increasing awareness about a plant that many people have warmed up to in recent years.

“The change in public perception has been incredible,” he said in an interview with Alpena News. “Now it is a quiet acceptance from those who maybe don’t understand it or are against it, rather than a forceful push like it would have been a decade or so ago. I think now most people know what this is, what it could be, and aren’t scared to talk about it.”

Currier is hopeful that people from near and far will visit the store he and others have worked so hard to bring to life.

“All they need to do is stop in and we’ll do everything we can to fill their needs and help them,” he said. “We will be making a big push into public education.”

The community of Alpena is just one of many northern Michigan areas fighting to gain more legalization for cannabis See The

Mitten on 29

Spring 2022| MIGreenState

Give your finances room to grow.

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Tax & Accounting for Cannabis Operators.

Helping you plant the seeds for long term business growth.

Matthew Bergman, CPA Senior Partner 847-580-5448 msb@cjbs.com www.CJBS.com Issue 6 | Spring 2022

w w w . M I G R E E N S T A T E . c o m | 17

“High” Aspirations: 5 CANNABIS JOBS YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED HEARST BLOGGER NETWORK

become much more technical over the years.

According to Business Insider, the cannabis jobs market grew by over 77,000 positions in 2021, with an estimated 321,000 Americans currently working in the legal cannabis industry. This “budding” market (pun intended) is one of the fastest-growing in America today, expected to bring in $43 billion in sales by 2025.

Of course, traditional cannabis grower jobs will always be necessary. But there is increasing demand for college-educated cannabis chemists and agricultural experts to meet expectations for more potent strains and higher-yielding harvests.

If you’re familiar with cannabis jobs, you probably already know about opportunities like trimming and dispensary staff. But this growing job market has far more to offer than you might imagine. For instance, did you know you could make a career out of cannabis chemistry studies, or that you could be a cannabis attorney?

If you aren’t aware of these opportunities, you might be missing out. Here are some quirky jobs in the cannabis industry that you probably didn’t know existed.

Edibles Chef When it comes to cannabis industry jobs, you might not immediately think of the culinary world. But, the edibles industry is booming – and somebody has to bake up all those sweet treats.

Edibles chefs work in a variety of capacities, from coming up with designer marijuana-infused drinks to whipping up cookies, crackers, cakes, and gummies.

These could be marketed to cannabis brands around the country, or could be used to create your own business.

Cannabis Cultivator These employment opportunities go well beyond the typical cannabis trimmer jobs, since the industry has

18 | www.MIGREENSTATE.com

You can get a certificate in cannabis agriculture to gain credibility and stand out in this already crowded market.

Social Media/Blog Manager for Cannabis Brands Cannabis writers, marketers, and social media gurus are all in high demand. As the market grows, brands will have to work harder to get noticed, so the canna-biz has started investing in social media experts.

Media jobs can span from managing a Facebook page to writing product packaging, copywriting, and even maintaining a blog or website.

It also helps to know about the rules and regulations surrounding cannabis on popular social media platforms, since these rules can be confusing and brands will want to know they can trust you.

Cannabis Lawyer As cannabis becomes legal in more US states, brands and dispensaries increasingly need expert legal representation. Marijuana law also covers taxation, insurance, and personal as well as criminal defense.

It’s also important to note that legalizing cannabis is, as of now, a state decision opposing federal law. This creates large legal gray areas for individuals, healthcare providers, and business-

Spring 2022| MIGreenState

es alike, and a strong need for skilled attorneys with expertise in marijuana.

Lab Technician From positions handling the highest-grade extracts on the market to checking for pesticides and heavy metals and analyzing strains before sale, laboratory workers are flocking to the cannabis industry.

Lab technicians are needed in both the THC and CBD industries, making this one of the most versatile areas for employment on our list. And, as the US edges closer to nationwide legalization, the demand for skilled lab techs is guaranteed to grow.

Whether you’re overworked, underpaid, or just ready for a change, reading this article could be your first step. With all the exciting cannabis jobs currently available and an ever-expanding job market, you’re perfectly positioned to transition.

Est. 1974 Grand Rapids Head shop and alternative lifestyle boutique.

Locally sourced CBD, Kratom, & Crystals. Locally made art. Functional glass, e-rigs, and accessories.

Under New Ownership 2221 Plainfield Ave NE #105, Grand Rapids, MI (616) 551-0591

Issue 6 | Spring 2022

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SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Ripple Edibles, Founded by Detroit Natives, Work ‘Two Times Faster’ Than Others AURORA RAE MICHIGAN GREEN STATE Now, three product lines are in Michigan Edibles are gaining popularity in the cannabis market. Some like to experiment with dosing, others like to get as high as humanly possible.

However you like to use it, we all know the wait time can be… anti-climactic, least to say.

One Colorado-based company, called Ripple, found a way to change that. It is shaking up the edible market with a fast-acting edible recipe.

“Ripple products are the only edibles clinically proven to be fast,” the website said.

“In fact, they were proven to be two times faster than the leading edible product in the country.”

Ripple Michigan opened an 8,000-squarefoot, multimillion-dollar cannabis manufacturing and processing facility in Lansing.

The company launched three product lines for medical and recreational sales.

The Ripple QuickDissolves is a powder than can be “quickly and cleanly” added to any food or drink to make it an edible.

“You can make everything an edible, and

20 | www.MIGREENSTATE.com

you can decide how you want to dose it,” Missy Bradley, vice president of marketing for Ripple, told Detroit Metro Times.

The Ripple QuickGummies are clinically proven, according to Ripple, to be two times faster than other competition, available in all-natural flavors and a wide range of doses.

The Ripple QuickSticks, according to Ripple is the “most convenient and fun way to get the fastest THC by simply pouring

the flavored powder on your tongue.”

doesn’t mean it absorbs better or faster.

Vice President of marketing Missy Bradley said their product stands out from other similarly named products.

Branching out in the mitten state

“Fast-acting has become a buzzword in the edibles space,” she said. “The problem is that every other company marketing a fast-acting product is doing so with anecdote, as opposed to university-run, peer-reviewed research. Just because your product is water-soluble or “nano”

It distributed its products, according to Detroit Metro Times, to over 140 medical and recreational dispensaries around Michigan in March.

The water-soluble edible, with a measurable amount of THC, advertises a 10-minute set in time as opposed to the 30 minutes to two hours that other

Spring 2022| MIGreenState

fat-soluble products from other companies can take.

Cannabis extracts by nature are fat-soluble, meaning they are absorbed best by fat. Since the human body is mostly water, it doesn’t mix well with oil.

“By creating water-soluble cannabinoids for our Ripple products, the body is able to absorb them fast – as fast as water,” Bradley said. “You’re also absorbing more of the cannabinoids, as they’re more bioavailable in water-soluble format.”

Inspiration from family It all began when the co-founder, Justin Singer’s grandmother asked him for help, according to Ripple’s website. She had diabetes and her husband – Singer’s grandfather – had Parkinson’s.

“She hates smoking, vaping confused her and half the people she knew who had tried an edible had overdone it in a terrifying way,” the website said.

Singer obtained a 100mg edible brownie, carefully cut it into 20 pieces and put each piece in a plastic bag for his grandparents to eat at their convenience.

He was left pondering the idea that there needed to be a new, different kind of edible.

Singer and co-founder Missy Bradley have been friends since they were teenagers growing up in Detroit. They attended the University of Michigan simultaneously and after moving to the West Coast, continued to bump into each other.

“When Justin and my other co-founder, Jeremy, were looking to bring the early stages of the company to Colorado, I happened to be living in Colorado – and the rest, as they say, is history,” Bradley said.

But the minds behind it did not set out to create a fast-acting edible.

“Our initial goal was to create a functional THC product – something that was approachable and that we could recommend to our own grandmothers,” she said.

The first product they created was organic tea. Bradley said that is where the idea for a water-soluble product came to mind.

“In order to make a good cup of tea, we needed to render the THC water-soluble, so there wasn’t an oil slick sitting on top of the cup,” she said.

Nearly immediately after their tea hit the market, they heard “anecdotal reports”

Issue 6 | Spring 2022

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that customers felt the effect of the tea quicker than with other edibles.

They decided to put that information to the test and see if it really was a faster-acting edible. The only way to do that, Bradley said, is by measuring THC levels in the blood.

That led to their first of now five pharmacokinetic studies – that started in 2018 – where they found that the water-soluble THC is absorbed into the bloodstream within 10 minutes.

“It was a perfect match for an approachable, functional THC product because fast-acting edibles offer a consistent experience without any surprises,” she said.

“Consumers know where they’re going, and they reach that point quickly.”

Moving forward Bradley said Ripple is always looking to innovate existing products, especially the Ripple QuickDissolves.

“Our powder products are most differentiated,” she said.

She said Ripple will launch new products in Michigan soon.

“We’re also looking forward to hearing how the products are received by the market and to understanding how we can improve the products to better fit the market,” she said.

w w w . M I G R E E N S T A T E . c o m | 21

2022 Michigan Cannabis Cup Biggest in High Times History THE PANDEMIC REVOLUTIONIZED THIS WEED JUDGING CONTEST

AURORA RAE MICHIGAN GREEN STATE In its 34th year, the High Times Cannabis Cup has reached a record number of marijuana connoisseurs involved in the annual competition.

“We have the most amount of entries we’ve ever had. We have the most amount of dispensaries,” said Mark Kazinec, High Times director of competitions and events. “Most importantly, we have the most amount of… judges we’ve ever had.”

Kazinec said the High Times cup – which occurs in states with legal cannabis markets – sees, on average, 150-250 entries of product from dispensaries.

This year, Michigan had 469 entries, totaling 543,000 grams of product.

The competition provides marijuana users in the mitten state the opportunity to purchase a cannabis kit – from over 17 categories – test it over several weeks and provide feedback to the dispensary or brand that created it.

The category, contents and prices are available in the chart.

History of High Times Formed in 1974 as an “underground newspaper syndicate”, High Times magazine covered everything from cocaine frostbite to JFK’s weed dealer.

The Cannabis Cup began in the 80s and has evolved over the decades.

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“It was all kind of ran underground,” Kazinec said. “It was cool.”

The original competitions saw far fewer ounces of cannabis and people testing it. Kazinec said back in the day, High Times asked local growers for an ounce of their product that was then put into a “small amount” of judge kits.

Because of this, High Times was very selective in choosing judges.

“We would… choose the people that we really vetted,” Kazinec said. “We knew they were an OG grower, or they had experience, they had a well-formed palate.”

Judges over the years included Willie Nelson, Frenchy Cannoli, Jack Harer, Danny Denko, Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa.

“That was all from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s,” he said. “Celebrity judges hand-selected a small number of kits and sometimes we even had houses where people would come together and judge as a team.”

Judging in a new era The tradition of exclusive judging sustained itself until the COVID-19 pandemic started.

“As of two years ago… we were no longer able to do events,” Kazinec said.

“We weren’t able to do stuff with all the thousands of people who want to be a part of the High Times family, want to attend events and more importantly, wanted to be a Cannabis Cup judge.”

Spring 2022| MIGreenState

Kazinec said many people were not able to take part prior to the pandemic.

“We would get thousands of people applying to be a judge,” he said. “And we’d only be able to select like 200 or so.”

He said the pandemic provided a perfect opportunity to open the judging space to Michigan because “people (were) at home and (wanted) weed.”

“Instead of 200 judge kits, we are now creating 10 times that amount,” Kazinec said.

About 200 kits per category – a total of over 3,300 kits – became available at 34 dispensaries around Michigan on April 16. Kazinec said they are sold out in most stores.

“We had a lot of dispensaries sell out of their allotment of kits within the first two hours,” he said. “We have people camping outside of the dispensary waiting in line.”

He said the increase in judges allows for more versatile feedback.

“We’re getting a huge variety of different types of pallets and people from all walks of life,” he said. “And that is helping us build much larger judge reports.”

Pre-COVID, judges were given two weeks to test and rank the product, but now, they have 60 days - until June 12.

“It’s not as much of a rush and people have the time to really digest each and every item and judge it,” Kazinec said.

People are limited to purchasing one kit per category and can buy up to a 70-gram purchase limit.

Feedback helps vendors improve Kazinec said the competition is a great way for growers to receive feedback on their products as all the comments and critiques will be provided to the vendors.

“It’s a huge benefit for the vendors because they’re getting their hands into so many more people,” he said. “They’re getting real feedback whether it’s brutally negative or wonderfully positive.

All of it is important.”

that doesn’t help anybody,” he said. “Be detailed, be thorough, judge each and every one of the products and judge it with your heart because these vendors put their heart and soul into creating new products.”

The judging criteria include aesthetic, aroma, taste, burnability, effect and a new one – terpene profile – all rated one through 10.

The latter was added, according to Kazinec, because many marijuana users nowadays are focused on THC levels whereas the terpene profile – “how does it taste, how does it smell” – is equally if not more important.

Awarding the best Within each kit is an exclusive access code that brings judges to an online portal where they can rank their products in all the categories.

Category

# OF SAMPLES PER KIT & QUANTITY PER KIT

MARKET VALUE

KIT PRICE

Indica flower

38 samples, 38 g

$380

$289

Sativa flower

38 samples, 38 g

$380

$279

Hybrid flower

42 samples, 42 g

$420

$299

Pre-rolls

30 samples, 30+ g

$300

$219

Infused pre-rolls

14 samples, 26+ g

$252

$199

Solvent concentrates

30 samples, 15 g

$600

$349

Non-solvent concentrates

24 samples, 12 g

$550

$299

Distillate vape pens

25 samples, 12.5 g

$240

$199

Non-Distillate vape pens 27 samples, 13.5 g

$520

$239

Edibles: gummies

22 samples, 2200 mg $176

$139

Edibles: non-gummies

17 samples, 1700 mg $160

$119

Topicals, tinctures & capsules

17 samples, 17 units

$340

$149

Medical indica flower

29 samples, 29 g

$232

$199

High Times will tally up the rankings from all the judges and award the first, second and third best products from each category.

Medical sativa flower

18 samples, 18 g

$144

$129

Kazinec said brands and dispensaries are looking for as detailed comments as possible.

Medical hybrid flower

35 samples, 35 g

$264

$239

Medical pre-rolls

40 samples, 40+ g

$351

$279

“We don’t like when people are like ‘Oh, it smoked good and got me high’,

There will be a digital award show in the summer to announce the winners.

Medical edibles

18 samples, 2800 mg+

$144

$99

Issue 6 | Spring 2022

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SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Emerald Fire Farms Blazes Trail for Local Cannabis Culture in Midland County TEREASA NIMS MICHIGAN GREEN STATE

the facility, but the business opened on March 7. They went through a process of testing the product before opening.

Open for business for just two months, Midland County’s first retail cannabis facility, Emerald Fire Farms, is cultivating customers from all over the state, tracked by their identification.

Part of Emerald Fire’s popularity is its location — an easy drive from US-10.

Having that major thoroughfare nearby brings in return customers from Gaylord, Traverse City and other Northern Michigan locations, Siggerud said.

Customers walk in and are greeted by staff in the seating room, where they take your information including identification. You wait for a moment or two before being guided back to the retail sales area. While waiting, you can see the plants that are growing on a monitor in the waiting room via a live feed. Every inch of every room receives security camera scrutiny.

“It’s mandated, and it gives people a sense of security,” said Emerald Fire Farms President John Siggerud.

There is additional security to protect what is grown on the premises. Employees change into scrubs when they arrive for work, so no one brings any contaminants from outside into the growing facility.

The 14,000-square-foot business, located at 4980 N. Dixon Road, was formerly Tobins Lake Studios and used to build stages for entertainers. The company purchased the facility in March 2020 when the Tobins Lake owner retired. It was converted to fit the needs of this growing Michigan industry.

Emerald Fire Provisioning Center Co-owner and President John Siggerud stands alongside racks of cannabis plants Thursday, May 5, 2022 at the facility in Coleman. Katy Kildee/Midland Daily News

There is no duct work; all the air is recycled so the vents aren’t pulling in possible contaminants from the outside.

With the hemp crops around, pulling contaminants into grow rooms could ruin an entire crop. The business also uses Ozone water.

“We grow it here, harvest it here and put “It is more environmentally friendly and it on the shelves,” Siggerud said. “We keep better for the plants,” Siggerud said. “It things as sanitary as humanly possible.” was an investment, but something we

24 | www.MIGREENSTATE.com

needed to do.”

The business has done more than $150,000 in sales in the nine weeks since it opened. It had 137 customers in one seven-day period.

“We were concerned about the retail side, but the retail side’s been easier than the growing,” Siggerud said.

Growing has taken place for a year in

There is a retail store in front and a grow-and-cultivation center in the back.

There are eight rooms reserved for growing, including a “Mom Room,” where they pull clones from the plants and regrow them. They are then placed into climateand light-controlled rooms and given scheduled feedings.

Siggerud said there are 12 weeks between planting and harvesting. In the eight grow rooms in the facility, employees can harvest 5.3 times a year. Moms rotate out between two months and a year.

Spring 2022| MIGreenState

Staff member Wayne Kiehl works on trimming cannabis plants in one of eight grow rooms at Emerald Fire Provisioning Center in Coleman on Friday, May 6, 2022. Katy Kildee/Midland Daily News

It costs between $420 and $480 to produce a pound of marijuana that sells for about $1,000 per pound. Last year, that amount was $2,000 a pound, but Michigan growers’ profits have taken a hit. One reason is that 65,000 pounds of marijuana was taken out of rotation for testing and then qualified to be returned to the market.

Employees help nurture the marijuana plants by signing and talking to them.

After Michigan voters approved the sale and use of medical marijuana in 2008, Siggerud left a 20-plus-year career in auto body repair in 2014 to start a grow operation with his business partner, Paul Dixon. Siggerud leaned on cannabis for pain relief himself after hip surgery, and turned down traditional pain medications.

“I’d rather take a gummy. I saw the positive effects it had,” Siggerud said. “People with chronic pain, sports injuries – it gave people pain relief.”

He’s not alone. People have shared with the business owners that they stopped

Issue 6 | Spring 2022

taking multiple pills a day and took up marijuana, which Siggerud says doesn’t have the same side effects.

Banner Moon Rocks, get their names from their breeders. Customers sometimes buy because of the strain names.

When Siggerud and Dixon were looking for a municipality that was friendly to their cause and mission, Coleman stood out to them by being an early adopter and opting in to formalizing retail recreational marijuana sales.

Cannabis customer Patty Simons said she loves to say she tried a uniquely-named strain.

“Most of the stuff we sell here is crafttype cannabis,” Siggerud said. “Most of it is 23 to 30% THC, with the majority in the upper 28%.”

What’s on the menu? The store sells edibles, vape cards, straight-up marijuana buds and pre-rolled joints. The store’s best seller is its Zkittlez Mints strain. The fruity and fresh-smelling bounty is a “beautiful” strain to grow, said Siggerud.

“It’s definitely our most popular,” Siggerud said. “We can’t keep it on the shelves.”

Another popular seller is Midnight Roots, an organic chocolate bar.

Strains that bear names like Granny’s Apple Fritters, Future Number 1 and Bruce

When asked about the perception that recreational marijuana facilities are a bad influence on children, Siggerud, a father of two, said he was nervous at first. But he made it clear to his children, ages 10 and 13, what he does. He said his son’s classmates know his dad is in the weed business.

Siggerud strongly encourages young people not to use the substance, citing that their brains aren’t fully developed until they are 25.

“They understand that a lot of this is medicine,” he said.

The father said the company cares about the community, including its youth.

Siggerud said the company is a sponsor of youth sports and events like the upcoming Coleman “United by Sacrifice” veterans fundraiser concert featuring the

1980s hard rock band Skid Row. Midland County resident John Ryan said such businesses help mitigate people’s physical pain and the hurt on their wallets.

“It is great to see a small town greet a business like this,” Ryan said.

Another small community, Sanford, is moving forward with establishing retail marijuana. The village unanimously voted to opt in to retail sales in April. The village had to put together a planning commission to ensure that it followed proper state procedure. The village council researched the item for months, visiting other facilities and talking to residents.

The item garnered a lot of support, said Sanford Village President Dolores Porte.

What about the biggest community in Midland County?

Midland is missing the mark, Siggerud said, adding that Emerald Fire welcomes See Emerald

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Can Cannabis Ward Off Nightmares?

HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT HOW WEED AFFECTS DREAMS ELISSA ESHER MICHIGAN GREEN STATE Dreams – what they mean, where they come from, and why we have them – have fascinated humankind since the dawn of civilization. But while dreams have been studied extensively since then, they remain largely mysterious, and therefore, outside of our control.

This isn’t an issue for most people. While nightmares are common for children, most adults will only experience nightmares on occasion. But for those struggling with reoccurring nightmares, dreams cause severe stress and have a serious impact on sleep quality.

That’s why, when a 2009 study suggested that use of the synthetic cannabinoid nabilone significantly decreased or completely eradicated nightmares for a majority of patients tested, many members of the scientific community were interested.

The study followed 47 patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who had been referred to a psychiatric clinic between 2004 to 2006. These patients were experiencing trauma-induced nightmares regularly, despite having each tried antidepressants and hypnotics.

Researchers asked these patients to report how their sleep was affected after taking the synthetic cannabinoid. Of those who

26 | www.MIGREENSTATE.com

received it, 72 percent reported their nightmares had either stopped or were significantly less intense.

The researchers concluded, “The results of this study indicate the potential benefits of nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid, in patients with PTSD experiencing poor control of nightmares with standard pharmacotherapy.”

Multiple studies on the subject have been conducted since then, and though more research needs to be done in order to prove anything definitively, many researchers continue to see THC mitigating the intensity and/or frequency of trauma-related nightmares.

The reason? THC seems to decrease the amount of time a person stays in the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep.

REM sleep is a period of the sleep cycle when the eyes dart around, but don’t send visual information to the brain. It’s believed that memory consolidation happens in REM sleep. It is also when dreaming occurs.

nabis clinician and regular contributor to GreenState, “We don’t know the mechanism of why, but we do know that CB1 receptors exist in the brain in many areas that regulate sleep and the processing of memory, like the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus. CB1 receptors bind with THC when we consume cannabis.”

is not really resting at night. In my own experience, I’ve gone through periods of time where a lot of stuff is getting worked out in dreams and it’s hard. Sure, your brain needs to work some things out in your sleep, but when you’re dealing with nightmares interrupting your sleep consistently, it starts taking a physical toll.”

For those struggling with regular, sleep-disrupting nightmares, any therapy with even the potential to curb trauma-induced nightmares could be life-changing.

He added, “This is exactly why we spend so much time advocating for increased access to medical marijuana for veterans, and for more research to be done. Veterans are looking for tools to manage it that don’t have all the negative side effects of the traditional pharmaceuticals the VA has prescribed, and cannabis is doing that for a lot of them.”

According to the American Psychiatric Association, 3.5% of U.S. adults deal with PTSD every year. For these patients, trauma-related nightmares can be a nightly occurrence, causing, for many, a major disruption in sleep, sleep-walking or sleep-talking, and an increase in anxiety and insomnia as a result of traumatic memories replayed in a dream. Being able to get a full night’s sleep could significantly improve quality of life for these people.

So, by decreasing the amount of time a person spends in REM sleep, THC could be indirectly mitigating a person’s risk of having a nightmare.

Nick Etten, co-founder and chairman of Veterans Cannabis Project, an advocacy group and community for veterans using cannabis for medical purposes, says relief from nightmares is a “big component” of why veterans with PTSD have turned to cannabis.

“You do hear a lot about people’s dreams kind of disappearing when they use cannabis,” said Dr. Leigh Vinocur, a can-

“We’re finding it’s one of the most important tools for veterans with PTSD,” Etten told GreenState. “An overactive brain

Since REM sleep deals with the consolidation of memories as well, decreased REM sleep may have the added benefit of helping PTSD patients forget details of traumatic experiences, Vinocur said. Of course, therapy will help with this, but it’s possible that, for some, the effects of therapy could be supported with cannabis.

“There are still debates by sleep experts on the purpose of dreaming, but it seems that dreams could be consolidating memories and making sense of things that happen throughout the day,” Vinocur said.

“So it would seem like there’s potential for THC to help with intrusive thoughts See Nightmares on 30

Spring 2022| MIGreenState

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Dog from 7

growing 101 from 15

edibles and, out of curiosity, may ingest the flower. I recommend keeping the drug locked in a box and up high, away from where the dog can reach.”

Like many things, the higher the quality, the higher the cost but Korth said there are solid brands out there that sell budget lights.

She added that those who prefer to smoke weed should do so in a room separate from the dog with the door closed, since dogs can become intoxicated through secondhand smoke.

He recommends Mars Hydro for a “really good startup light”. He said they are relatively inexpensive and very good at what they do.

Robinson also suggested that pet owners keep cannabis “locked away” in a solid container a dog could not chew through.

Now, you have all the ingredients.

Throw them in the pot and plant your seed!

While cannabis consumption for dogs is not typically a death sentence, it is something that can make them seriously ill if left untreated. If your dog eats cannabis in any form and of any quantity, the most responsible course of action is to seek medical guidance immediately.

If you are a cannabis consumer and pet owner, keep your stash in a non-penetrable container somewhere inaccessible to your pooch, and keep your local vet’s or animal poison control’s number in your contacts list in the event that your loot is discovered.

Growing the plant

Seeds take approximately a month to sprout and another month to gain strength. During this time, it is in vegetation and needs 16-24 hours of light.

After two months at the earliest, reduce the light to 12 hours on, and 12 hours off.

“It simulates the days getting shorter, so it tells them that it’s time to start flowering,” Korth said.

Continue with that cycle for eight to 10 weeks and it will begin to grow bud.

Plants kept in vegetation become mother plants that growers cut branches off of to “clone.” Having a

The Mitten from 16

Emerald Fire from 25

businesses.

many customers from Midland.

Across the state in Traverse City, medical dispensaries are awaiting new marijuana rules that could allow medical establishments to sell recreational products.

“I talk to a lot of people and there’s overwhelming feedback that the people want it,” Siggerud said.

With a dozen dispensaries in Traverse City only medically licensed, there is quite an interest in expanding.

Traverse City Commissioner Mi Stanley said the city needs to establish a method to deciding who gets the recreational permit.

“Unlike the medical dispensaries which were decided by lottery, there has to be a scoring mechanism or some way of determining a merit base for distributing the recreational license.”

Cities around Michigan have been booming in the cannabis industry and the northern part of the state is the latest recipient of that expansion. As weed is becoming more popular in rural settings, areas where it was previously illegal are opening their minds and hearts to a new kind of commerce.

Issue 6 | Spring 2022

mother plant ensures a constant supply to grow. Growers often do this with a strain they really like.

Nova Lindow said growers should care for their plants once, if not more, every day.

“That makes it so you’re visualizing the plant every day,” he said. “You’re able to be in front of it every day, checking for bugs, checking for mold and every day being on top of that and being ahead of the problem more than behind it.”

Lindow said professional growers and dispensary owners look for someone with an “eye” that is able to “see a problem and not just let it go… critically analyzing it.”

He uses the powdery mildew killer from Growers Choice. For everything else, he uses an organic spray called Trifecta that targets bugs, mildews and fungus.

He also coats the leaves of the plant with neem oil which makes them more resistant to bugs and mold in addition to “keeping the leaves clean so they can photosynthesize as best as they possibly can.

Korth is also a big fan of ventilation to reduce the smell of his home grow. He said grow tents come with holes to put an exhaust fan in that helps regulate the odor.

Growers also use carbon scrubbing filters to clean the air.

Keeping your plant healthy

The purpose of the plant

Because growing cannabis, like any plant, is prone to bugs, mold, fungi, or other infections, finding the right sprays to reduce infestation can make or break your plant.

Buying from your nearest dispensary may be convenient but growing at home is a much more personalized and inexpensive way to try the strains and flavors of cannabis that you want.

Korth uses special sprays two to three times per week while the plant is in vegetation – before it flowers. He said you should not spray the plant once bud starts to grow because the chemicals stay in the flower, which is eventually consumed.

“Once you get to a harvest and you have even a small jar of personal that you grew,” Korth said. “You’ll enjoy it more. It’s a cool experience to go through.”

“Everything’s heightened because you did it and it feels really good.”

Midland Mayor Maureen Donker said Friday the city is “thoughtfully moving forward with it.”

Will the city council opt in, or will Midlanders continue to take their marijuana dollars outside of the city?

“I think that people can access it now,” she said. “(But) we are being very thoughtful about considering it.”

Donker cites the city is concerned for the youth and unintended consequences.

As of March 2022, there were 374 cannabis licensees in Michigan, according to the Marijuana Regulatory Agency.

From those businesses, an estimated $150 million was generated for Michigan municipalities, schools, and transportation. According to the Marijuana Regulatory Agency, in 2021 Michigan

Stacie Louiselle, a “budtender” at Emerald Fire Provisioning Center in Coleman, puts together an order for a customer on Friday, May 6, 2022. Katy Kildee/Midland Daily News

saw $1,311,951,737 in marijuana sales for adult use and $481,225,540 for medical cannabis.

Andrew Brisbo, executive director of the Marijuana Regulatory Agency,

reportedly told Marijuana Moment that, “The funding provided directly to local governments—and the thousands of jobs created across the state—show that Michigan is leading the way in the cannabis industry.”

w w w . M I G R E E N S T A T E . c o m | 29

Nightmares from 26 and traumatic memories by decreasing the nightmares. It’s an ongoing area of research, so there’s no definite conclusion on it yet.”

Vinocur that she always advises patients to focus on therapy if they are struggling to sleep because of a mental health disorder.

“I’m cautiously skeptical when it comes to cannabis – I don’t think it’s the end-all be-all,” Vinocur said. “I recommend to people that they try cannabis, but that they also see a therapist and get some cognitive-behavioral therapy.”

Vinocur also warned that while cognitive-behavioral therapy is a reliable treatment for patients struggling with PTSD, cannabis is not a one-size-fits-all supplement. Though helpful to many people, it can make things worse for others.

There are also significant risks to decreasing REM sleep with cannabis. REM sleep gives the brain a chance to organize and process information. So, by depriving the brain of REM sleep on a consistent basis, you may experience memory loss over time.

“You can think of REM sleep like wiping the slate clean for the new day,” Vinocur explained. “You don’t want to spend your whole life in REM-deprived sleep. It’s important.”

Additionally, some longtime cannabis users report extremely vivid dreams after they stop using it. This is because the REM stage is increasing as a reaction to having been previously suppressed. Because of this withdrawal symptom, Vinocur said, risk of cannabis addiction is high among those using high doses of it to curb nightmares.

“I always tell patients you have to figure out how to deal with stress. You can’t just turn to cannabis all the time,” Vinocur said. “If you are dealing with trauma, you might want to suppress some memories.

For short-term use, it seems cannabis can have some therapeutic impact on sleep.

But you don’t want to get dependent on it.”

Elissa Esher is an editor at GreenState. Her work has also appeared in The San Francisco Chronicle, The Boston Guardian, Brooklyn Paper, Religion Unplugged, and Iridescent Women. Send inquiries and tips to: elli.esher@greenstate.com.

30 | www.MIGREENSTATE.com

did you know?

As of March

2022 there were 374 cannabis licensees in Michigan, according to the Marijuana Regulatory Agency.

From those businesses, an estimated $150 million was generated for Michigan municipalities, schools, and transportation. According to the Marijuana Regulatory Agency, in 2021 Michigan saw $1,311,951,737 in marijuana sales for adult-use and $481,225,540 for medical cannabis.

Spring 2022| MIGreenState

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