MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) - In a sudden and unexpected move, the Dunegrass cannabis dispensary in Marquette has closed its doors, leaving both customers and community members with more questions than answers.
Located at 100 Genesee Street, the dispensary had been serving the Marquette area since its opening in 2021. Known for its laid-back, Upper Peninsula-inspired branding and support of local growers, Dunegrass quickly became a recognized name in Michigan’s cannabis market. But now, a simple "closed" sign is all that remains on the storefront — and the reason for the shutdown is still unclear.
As of this week, the Marquette location has been removed from the official Dunegrass company website, further suggesting that the closure may be permanent. Dunegrass, which operates multiple locations across Michigan, has not yet made a public statement regarding the status of the Marquette store or the cause of its closure. Calls to company representatives have gone unanswered.
This unexpected development adds to the growing list of changes in Michigan’s cannabis industry. While the state’s legal cannabis market continues to expand, it's also facing increasing challenges — from shifting regulations and price drops to heightened competition and market saturation. For smaller dispensary chains, staying profitable in a rapidly evolving market can be difficult.
The absence of an official explanation from Dunegrass leaves room for speculation. Was it economic pressure? A regulatory issue? Staffing difficulties? Or perhaps a strategic business decision? Until Dunegrass breaks its silence, the closure remains a mystery.
For Marquette residents and loyal Dunegrass customers, the news comes as a disappointment. The store had cultivated a steady clientele and was part of a growing cannabis culture in the Upper Peninsula. Its closure underscores just how volatile the cannabis retail landscape can be, even for seemingly stable operators.
Whether this is a one-off closure or a sign of larger shifts within the company remains to be seen. One thing is certain: in Michigan’s fast-changing cannabis scene, staying informed is essential.
We’ll continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.