Michiganders are striving for more transparency as cannabis sales continue to rise

By Jelena Martinovic

According to a statewide survey conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research and Public Opinion Strategies on behalf of the Michigan Cannabis Manufacturers Association (MCMA), the majority of Michigan residents believe that the production of medicinal and recreational cannabis needs more regulation.

The survey found that more than 78% of Michigan residents support the idea that both medicinal and recreational cannabis should be subject to the same regulations, including testing, tracking, licensing, and safety.

Photo by Anon via Pexels

In addition, 82% of those surveyed are in favor of unlicensed marijuana growers (UMG) having their product tested for pollutants according to the same standards as currently licensed growers and processors.

“Michigan is at a crossroads when it comes to cannabis, and this survey shows us that Michiganers want greater accountability and transparency in our burgeoning regulated cannabis market,” said Stephen Linder, executive director of MCMA. “The survey also tells us that they want to know where their cannabis comes from, whether they buy it for medicinal or recreational purposes.”

Other important findings:

• 71% are in favor of UMGs having to report to the state in which they grow marijuana.
• 71% are in favor of UMGs that grow for more than one patient receive a state license.
• 68% support the 2008 amendment to the Medical Marijuana Act to add new regulations for UMGs that grow marijuana for more than one patient.

Michigan cannabis sales are up 52% ​​year-over-year, 3.2% less than July

Meanwhile, cannabis sales in Wolverine State were $ 165.6 million in August, according to the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency. That is 52% more than in the previous year.

RELATED: Michigan Cannabis Sales Nearly $ 1 Billion In First Year Of Adult Sales

Michigan, the home state of Benzinga, has seen a steady increase in cannabis sales since recreational sales began on December 1, 2019.

In addition, stabilization in flower prices and increased demand in the resort area supported annual cannabis revenues, despite a slight decrease last month (3.2% from July). Adult revenue rose 112% year over year to $ 125.5 million and declined 2% sequentially.

RELATED: Michigan Report: Cannabis Billboards Go Up But Legislators Wants Them Down

On the flip side, medical device sales declined 119.2% year over year to $ 40.1 million and declined 6% sequentially.

Total, Sales of flowers and ornamental plants accounted for 57% of the market, similar to the July figures, and decreased from 58% in the previous three months and increased from 56% in the first two months of 2021.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and was republished with permission.