(WXMI) — As many industries feel the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, recreational marijuana, one of Michigan’s newest continues to thrive.
Across the state more and more marijuana stores are popping up, like High Profile located just 30 north miles north of Grand Rapids in the city of Grant.
They opened their doors last week, in a time where we’ve seen several businesses in other industries close their doors.
Many say it could be indicative of the weed business in Michigan as a whole.
“The Michigan market is very underestimated,” Platinum Vape President and industry expert George Sadler said.
Since sales first started in Ann Arbor last December, recreational marijuana sales statewide have grown each month.
“We have excelled considerably, percentage wise, in the last month and a half, two months,” Sadler said.
Sadler says there’s been many changes due to coronavirus, but being “essential” certainly kept the industry’s growth on track.
“Being deemed essential was definitely a lifesaver. It’s definitely an honor to be a part of that and as far as the growth side of it you know we've, we've been on a steady growth, I mean I can only speak for our company, we've been on a steady growth and watching that percentage,” Sadler explained.
In Lansing the state will be trying to maneuver their way around a huge budget shortfall as a result of the pandemic and marijuana could help fill some gaps.
A 10% excise tax collected will be distributed to the local communities that allow marijuana businesses
An additional 6% sales tax is allocated for the general fund, specifically towards schools and roads.
“It's a huge chunk of money. I can't wait to see how that those numbers play out,” Sadler added.
Under the stay-at-home order, dispensaries are allowed to sell recreational pot both curbside and by home delivery to anyone 21 and up.
