Kevin Sabet, a prominent opponent of marijuana legalization and co-founder of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), recently engaged with The Detroit News to discuss what he termed the "collapse of legalized marijuana." In a social media post, Sabet stated, "> Appreciated talking to the @detroitnews about the collapse of legalized marijuana." This conversation highlights growing concerns about the economic and public health impacts of cannabis legalization in states like Michigan.
Sabet's organization, SAM, consistently argues that the promises of legalization have proven "empty," citing data on increased usage rates, hospitalizations, and the persistent expansion of the illicit market. His perspective emphasizes the need for public policy to prioritize health and safety over corporate profits. Sabet has long warned against the emergence of a "Big Marijuana" industry akin to Big Tobacco.
Michigan's recreational cannabis market, legalized in 2018, has seen significant growth but also faces considerable challenges. Recent reports from March 2025 indicate that the state's legal cannabis industry experienced a third consecutive month of declining sales, alongside a nearly 30% year-over-year drop in average retail prices for recreational marijuana flower. This price erosion, while beneficial for consumers, strains the profitability and sustainability of licensed businesses.
Beyond economic pressures, public health concerns have emerged. The Detroit News and Chalkbeat reported in May 2024 on an increase in unintended health problems for children in Michigan, including a dramatic rise in pediatric emergency department visits due to marijuana ingestion. School and city officials in Detroit are actively seeking solutions to address these outcomes, which are seen as unintended consequences of increased cannabis access.
Furthermore, Michigan's legal framework has faced regulatory hurdles and local battles. The rollout of recreational dispensaries in Detroit, for instance, was significantly delayed by legal disputes over licensing and efforts to ensure social equity. While some court rulings have aimed to curb the illicit market, the state continues to grapple with the complexities of regulating a burgeoning industry while addressing public safety and health.