Michigan's Cannabis News Roundup: Surveillance, Saliva Swabs, and "Broccoli" Commercials
Weed waits for no one—and in Michigan, the pace of cannabis-related developments is accelerating fast. From regulatory crackdowns to clever advertising workarounds, the state’s cannabis landscape is evolving week by week. Here's a breakdown of the biggest stories making headlines across Michigan’s marijuana industry:
Surveillance Plan Faces Blowback
The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) recently proposed a controversial plan to require all dispensaries in the state to livestream video from inside their stores. The idea was pitched as a way to improve transparency and oversight. However, the public wasn’t on board. After facing swift and widespread backlash—from privacy advocates, store owners, and consumers alike—the CRA now says it's rethinking the proposal and may ditch it altogether.
Critics argued the livestream would infringe on privacy rights, stigmatize customers, and invite unnecessary surveillance into a legal business environment. For now, the proposal has been paused, but the conversation about dispensary oversight is far from over.
Lifetime Industry Ban
In a historic first, Michigan regulators issued a lifetime ban from the cannabis industry to Youssef “Joseph” Barakat. Barakat, who was linked to multiple dispensaries, reportedly committed serious violations, including selling cannabis to a minor and leaving large quantities of untracked marijuana flower unattended in a vacant store.
The lifetime ban signals a stronger regulatory stance in Michigan’s maturing cannabis market. Officials say it sets a precedent for how seriously they’re taking safety and compliance violations.
The Broccoli Loophole
Jars Cannabis made headlines with a clever workaround to TV ad restrictions. Because marijuana ads are still banned on broadcast television, the company aired a cheeky 30-second spot during the NFL Draft—about broccoli. The joke, of course, was that “broccoli” was a stand-in for cannabis. Since the ad never explicitly mentioned weed, it dodged federal broadcast regulations. The campaign caught viewers' attention and sparked discussion about creative cannabis marketing in a tightly regulated space.
Saliva Test Controversy
A bill moving through the Michigan Legislature could soon allow law enforcement to use saliva swabs to test drivers for substances like THC and fentanyl. The test is already legal in two dozen states, but opponents argue that current testing technology can’t reliably determine real-time impairment from cannabis. Critics worry that drivers could be penalized for THC consumption that occurred days earlier, long after its effects have worn off.
Strains to Energize Your Day
Finally, for Michigan cannabis consumers looking to stay productive, Detroit Metro Times columnist Steve Neavling released a list of 12 energizing cannabis strains available across the state. With the right strain, even chores—or a game of pickleball—can become part of a lively, lifted day.
As Michigan’s cannabis market matures, so does the conversation around regulation, safety, innovation, and the everyday role of weed in modern life. Stay tuned—the updates aren’t slowing down.