Recreational marijuana was legalized in Michigan in 2018, but sales didn’t begin until 2019, when the market quickly boomed. Michigan’s cannabis boom may have peaked.

When recreational cannabis was legalized in Michigan, it sparked a frenzy similar to a gold rush, with residents and established companies from out West racing to become the "Starbucks" of the weed industry. One of the biggest providers is closing its doors.

The Green Rush of Michigan's Legal Cannabis

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When recreational marijuana was legalized, Michigan's cannabis industry subsequently experienced a significant boom, marked by exponential growth in sales and retail locations in 2019.

In just 4 years the industry generated over $2 billion in sales, ranking Michigan as the second-largest cannabis market in the country behind California. 30,000 industry jobs were created in Michigan.

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In 2024, Michigan's marijuana industry began taking a hit, and not in a positive way. A surge in new businesses and growers led to an oversupply, which caused prices to fall dramatically. When prices go down, people lose their jobs.

Read More: Grand Rapids Taco Tour: 17 Must-Try Spots

640 cannabis workers in Michigan have lost their jobs in 2024 and 2025. One of the states largest growers and store owners has closed its doors laying off nearly 240 employees.

The End of the Buzz? Michigan's Weed Market Wanes

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According to MLive, one of Michigan's largest cannabis companies, TerrAscend Corp, that owns several dispensaries, cultivation, and processing companies is closing all 20 of its dispensaries and all four of its cultivation and processing centers in the state.

On August 31, these dispensaries will close:

  • Cookies - Ann Arbor, Detroit, Jackson, Kalamazoo, and Oxford.
  • Gage - Adrian, Battle Creek, Burton, Detroit, Ferndale, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and Traverse City.
  • Lemonnade - Center Line.
  • Pinnacle Emporium - Addison, Buchanan, Camden, Edmore, and Morenci.
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TerrAscend Corp executive chairman, Jason Wild said, "Michigan is an extremely difficult market, and we have come to the realization that our resources can be better utilized in our other markets."

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There is still a demand for cannabis in Michigan, and maybe after these closures, the exisiting companies will be able to expand or at least see a benefit of less competition from a major operation.

👇BELOW: See The Inside of a Michigan Marijuana Grow Facility👇

See The Inside of a Michigan Marijuana Grow Facility

I did a tour of one of Michigan's largest indoor Marijuana grow facilities and this is what I saw and learned.

Gallery Credit: Tommy Carroll

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