Michigan Governor's Race Turns on Cannabis Tax | TDR Cannabis in 5

In this episode of TDR Cannabis in 5, host Shadd Dales breaks down reporting from Bridge Michigan, republished by Marijuana Moment, on Republican candidate John James pledging to repeal or sharply reduce the state's new 24% wholesale marijuana tax, and the cannabis industry now putting real financial support behind him.James recently attended a fundraiser hosted by JARS Cannabis executives that raised nearly $90,000 for his campaign, part of the roughly $1.2 million he's raised since late July. The wholesale tax was created last year as part of a bipartisan road-funding deal signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and it's separate from Michigan's existing 10% retail excise tax. Industry officials say they were blindsided by it, and the early numbers back up some of their frustration, the tax was projected to generate $420 million annually, but actual collections came in at just $73.4 million over the first six months.Democratic nominee Jocelyn Benson has taken a far more cautious stance, calling it a "new and emerging issue" that needs more data before she commits to a position. The episode also covers James's political evolution on cannabis, from opposing legalization back in 2018 to now positioning himself as a defender of the legal market voters created, and why this race could become a genuinely important test case as Michigan's saturated, thin-margin cannabis market decides whether legal prices stay competitive with the illicit market or push consumers right back to it.#TDRCannabisIn5 #Michigan #CannabisPolicy #JohnJames #CannabisTax #Gubernatorial2026 #CannabisNews #CannabisIndustry #WeedTax #MichiganCannabisWant to see more Cannabis Reform?🎬    • Legal Weed Could Bring in $58 Billion More...  🎬    • Regulate Hemp, Don't Destroy It, Says CEO ...  🎬    • Tyson Pushes Trump on Cannabis Reform | TD...  🎬    • Court Rejects Bid to Block Rescheduling | ...  Want to stay updated on Cannabis, Small Cap, AI, and Crypto?Subscribe to our Daily Baked newsletter:https://newsletter.thedalesreport.com...Find us on social media and podcast platforms:✅ Facebook:   / thedalesreport  ✅ Twitter:   / thedalesreport  ✅ Instagram:   / dalesreport  ✅ LinkedIn:   / the-dales-report  Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/TDRTradetoBlackon...Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/TDRTradeToBlackon...Website: https://thedalesreport.com/For copyright matters, contact:[email protected] Disclaimer (Financial Interests)The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company, organization, or employer. The content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as financial, investment, or legal advice.The hosts and/or guests may hold positions in the companies, stocks, or financial instruments discussed during the show. These holdings should not be considered endorsements or recommendations to buy or sell any securities. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers are not liable for any decisions made based on the information discussed.Full Disclosures: https://thedalesreport.com/website-te...