Detroit-based Gage Cannabis Co. says it plans to open 13 provisioning centers in Michigan, the first at 1551 Academy St. in Ferndale on Aug. 30. The company says it expects to hire more than 100 state residents as its rollout progresses.
“Michigan is an established, flourishing medical marijuana market,” says Fabian Monaco, president of Gage. “With industry-leading cultivation, processing, and retail teams, we are poised to make a positive impact on the lives of cannabis patients and local communities.”
Each provisioning center, starting with the Ferndale location, will be led by a trained staff of product specialists with the expertise to offer individualized recommendations for each patient’s situation and needs, the company says.
Gage will operate more than 150,000 square feet of cultivation space and a state-of-the-art processing facility to supply its 13 provisioning centers. Gage’ says its small-batch approach to cultivation and processing will result in the highest quality-cannabis available in Michigan.
In early September, Gage will open a location in Adrian, followed by Detroit, Battle Creek, Bay City, Buena Vista, Center Line, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Traverse City, Lenox Township, and others.
In other cannabis-related news, Lansing’s Green Peak Innovations and Bellaire-based Short’s Brewing Co. have partnered to produce a line of marijuana-infused edibles and beverages. The edibles should be available by the end of 2019 and the drinks soon after.
“Our partnership with Short’s involves creating marijuana-infused products that mimic the taste of the popular Short’s beers for people who enjoy them but without the alcohol,” says Jeff Radway, CEO of Green Peak. “Some of our first products will include Soft Parade-flavored gummies and vape pens that taste like Huma Lupa Licious.”
Radway says that the two Michigan companies also will have a joint venture in the infused beverage category. Short’s is developing a line of beverages including cold brew coffee, sparkling waters, “mocktail” tonics, teas, lemonades, and more. Michigan law currently prohibits adding THC to alcoholic products.
In turn, ESPN’s Michael Rothstein is reporting that former Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (his nickname is Megatron) and former Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Rob Sims (who also played for the Lions) are partnering with Harvard University to research the benefits of marijuana on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE, the result of repeated brain injuries, has become an epidemic among former football players.
The partnership is about “providing hope,” Sims says, and is focused on managing pain.
The two former NFL stars operate a cannabis brand called Primative. Johnson and his wife, Brittney, have approval to open a marijuana dispensary in Michigan.
