Combating Illicit Synthetic Cannabinoids: Protecting Michigan's Market
The unchecked smuggling of dangerous synthetic cannabinoids into our market threatens consumer safety, undermines legal operators, and devalues the entire cannabis supply chain.
The Threat: Damage Across the Supply Chain
Illicit synthetic cannabinoids are not just a public safety concern; they actively destabilize Michigan's legal cannabis market, harming every compliant operator and eroding consumer trust.
Devaluing Biomass
The influx of cheap, unregulated synthetic products lowers the value of legitimate cannabis biomass, exacerbating the existing oversupply issue for cultivators.
Hurting Legal Oil Operators
Businesses legally producing cannabis oil face unfair competition. Their high production costs and personnel investments are undermined by illicit products with no overhead.
Hazardous Chemicals
Studies show hazardous processing chemicals are often not removed from illicit synthetics. The state currently does not require testing for these dangerous compounds, putting consumers at risk.
Eroding Consumer Trust
When dangerous, untested products are available, consumers lose trust in the entire cannabis market, making it harder for legitimate businesses to thrive.
Unfair Advantage for Illicit Actors
This situation hurts everyone who plays by the rules, creating an environment where only those circumventing the law truly benefit.
The Dangerous Pathway of Illicit Synthetics
This diagram illustrates how illicit synthetic cannabinoids bypass all regulatory checkpoints, contrasting sharply with the safe, tested pathway of legal cannabis products.
Unregulated Production
Synthetic compounds made in uncontrolled labs.
Smuggled into Market
Bypasses all legal entry points.
No Testing or Oversight
No safety checks for chemicals or potency.
Sold to Unsuspecting Consumers
Often in general retail, without age-gating.
In stark contrast, legal cannabis products undergo rigorous testing, tracking, and are sold only through licensed, age-gated dispensaries, ensuring consumer safety and market integrity.
Our Advocacy: Protecting Our Market and Consumers
To safeguard Michigan's cannabis industry and its consumers, we must take decisive action against illicit synthetic cannabinoids. Our key advocacy points include:
Mandatory Testing for All Intoxicating Cannabinoids & Byproducts
Require comprehensive lab testing for all psychoactive compounds, including synthetic cannabinoids and residual processing chemicals, regardless of source.
Reclassification & Strict Regulation
Classify all intoxicating cannabinoids as regulated cannabis, ensuring they are subject to full licensing, taxation, and sales restrictions (e.g., only in licensed dispensaries, with age verification).
Enhanced Enforcement & Public Education
Strengthen enforcement against illicit synthetic producers and distributors, coupled with robust public education campaigns on the dangers of unregulated products.
Take Action Now: Secure Michigan's Cannabis Future
The integrity of our market and the safety of our consumers depend on swift action. Join us in advocating for these critical reforms.
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