George James

Be Aware of Deceptive Packaging on THC Edibles

The Michigan Cannabis Manufacturers Association, MCMA, is calling on lawmakers to regulate the market for marijuana products. Unlicensed cannabis products are causing concern as they are packaged and labeled to look like candy.

Imagine stopping at a gas station for snacks for a road trip and mistakenly giving the kids THC-laced edibles that you thought were fruit snacks. That happened to a Southeastern Michigan family this year.

Another family in southeastern Michigan got tricked into buying what they thought were Sour Patch Kids candies, but they were actually “Stoner Patch Dummies”, and contained THC. The name might be funny, but it was no laughing matter when the kids were taken to the hospital after consuming the edibles.

Stephen Linder, MCMA executive director said, “We’re seeing far too many young children accidentally poisoned by cannabis products with deceptive labeling. All cannabis products in Michigan should be tested, tracked, labeled and licensed to help ensure it is safe for patients and adult-use consumers.”

Until the industry is regulated, it is up to consumers to be very careful about what they buy and to be aware that THC products are sometimes packaged just like candy.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian Takes Over as MDHHS Medical Executive

Khaldun is out; Bagdasarian is in as top doctor for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, according to an announcement from Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, or “Dr. J” as the Governor called her, became a household name in Michigan as she was often the bearer of unwelcome news throughout the pandemic. Khaldun would speak at news conferences about rising COVID rates and give the medical rationale for restrictions and shutdowns. Khaldun has accepted a new job elsewhere.

Whitmer praised Khaldun’s tenure with MDHHS, saying, “Thanks to Dr. J’s around-the-clock leadership, our state acted quickly with the best available data and science to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save countless lives during the pandemic.” She went on to say, “The state of Michigan and I are incredibly grateful for your service.”

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian is the new medical executive for MDHHS. A Wayne State and U of M grad, she has a background in internal medicine and infectious diseases and was the Senior Public Health Physician with MDHHS. Bagdasarian starts the new job on October 1st.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

DNR to Host open House at St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area

The St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area on Harsens Island will be the location of an Open House sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The event will be held on October 6th at 6:00 p.m.

The purpose of the Open House is to showcase one of Michigan’s managed waterfowl hunt areas. These areas are dubbed “Michigan’s Wetland Wonders” by the DNR.

The Open House is an outdoor driving tour of the wetlands area with participants able to tune in to the presentation on their vehicle radios. Stops along the route will showcase improvements to the habitat to enhance waterfowl and wetland wildlife.

Other Open Houses will be held at the Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area in Pinconning, the Fish Point State Game Area in Unionville, the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Rockwood, and the Shiawassee River State Game Area in St. Charles.

The state game areas have been providing managed waterfowl habitats in the lower peninsula since the 1960s. Contact information for the St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area can be found below.

St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area, 3857 Columbine Road, Harsens Island; 810-748-9504

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Nessel and Benson Support Restrictions on Carrying Firearms in Public

Michigan’s Attorney General and Secretary of State are chiming in with officials from other states in supporting New York’s regulations on carrying firearms in public.

The attorneys general from 19 states filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that the right to carry loaded guns into any public place is not the intent of the Second Amendment. They say that states should be allowed to regulate based on local public safety concerns.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said, “We must not conflate commonsense safety regulations with infringing on the Second Amendment. As this brief correctly points out, our country has long relied on state discretion to regulate the public carry of firearms and backtracking would be nothing short of federal overreach. I am proud to join this coalition and appreciate support from Secretary Benson.” 

Referring to open carry at polling places, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said, “Fair, free and secure elections are the foundation of our democracy, and I continue to stand for the right of all eligible Michigan citizens to vote without fear of threats, intimidation or harassment.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Ontario Requires Proof of Vaccination for Dining, Events, and More

Ontario is easing into reopening after lengthy Covid shutdowns but has enacted strict rules requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination to go anywhere where there could be even a small crowd.

Sarnia Primary Control reports that Sarnia city staff are working to help event organizers gear up for hockey season and comply with provincial regulations. Ontario requires people to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status to access certain businesses, including arenas. This started on Wednesday. 

Failing to comply can result in $750 penalties for individuals and $1,000 for corporations. Maximum penalties include fines of up to $100,000 and up to a year in jail for an individual and up to $500,000 and up to a year in jail for an individual who is a director or officer of a corporation; and up to $10 million for a corporation, according to the Ministry of Health.

Fully vaccinated means two doses plus 14 days. Proof of vaccination along with photo ID is now required for Canadian patrons of restaurants and bars, nightclubs, meeting and event spaces, and others. The vaccine proof requirement even applies to children ages 12 and up.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland