M3 Today Magazine M3 Today Magazine Fall 2018 | Page 6

FROM GRASS ROOTS TO BIG BUSINESS

FROM GRASS ROOTS TO BIG BUSINESS :

CANNABIS IN MICHIGAN TODAY

AS MORE states begin to legalize cannabis , whether for medicinal or recreational use , it should come as no surprise that business is booming . The cannabis industry is an emerging market that is showing no signs of slowing down , and Michigan is putting that opportunity on full display for the world to see . Michigan is the second largest medical cannabis market , just behind California , showing a high density of patients and caregivers .
In November , Michigan voters are going to the polls to decide whether to make cannabis legal for recreational use in the state . With that in mind , the discussion can shift to why Michigan is so successful in this area and what is being done to further that success .
This is an exquisite moment in history for the state as it enters a phase of enormous opportunity for business and investment that occurs just a few times in a lifetime . Now is the time for people to invest and get involved . Here is why :
• The market is a massive blank slate , untouched by major commercial institutions and brands .
• A favorable commercial framework has just come online this year that allows for the stacking and integration of licenses for massive facilities , paving the way for a healthy industrial boom .
• A proactive regulatory partnership with state bodies has established some of the most liberal patient rights , and one of the most businessfriendly state environments .
• As the market is new , all brands and products have equal opportunity — established or new .
• The cost of customer acquisition is the lowest it will ever be .
• Cannabis is what people are talking about , but hemp is also positioned to be a big winner in Michigan !
Setting the Stage for Success — Community before Competition
While signs point to a “ perfect storm ” for Michigan ’ s cannabis and hemp industries , all emerging markets come with risk . Learning from many other states , Michigan leaders realize that the stage must be set properly for success to be realized .
As in all emerging markets , companies will recognize the opportunity and seize the moment . Activists are more motivated than ever , getting their membership moving . Pro-cannabis activists and politicians are
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