Ex-Michigan state police crime analyst chosen to temporarily lead Michigan marijuana agency

Michigan Hashish Regulatory Company Director Andrew Brisbo, who helped create Michigan’s industrial leisure market in 2019, is leaving after three and a half years on the helm.

Whereas he prepares to settle in as the brand new director of the state Bureau of Building Codes, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday, Sept. 15 named Brian Hanna the “appearing director” of the Hashish Regulatory Company (CRA).

Hanna takes over on Sept. 19 and the state plans to conduct a nationwide seek for a everlasting director.

“Hanna’s earlier service within the Marijuana Regulatory Company, now CRA, beneath former Govt Director Andrew Brisbo will guarantee he continues the mission and ongoing work of the company,” mentioned an announcement issued by the Governor’s Workplace. “Hanna spent 5 years with the CRA because the supervisor of subject operations, inspections, and investigations.

“He has a legislation enforcement and navy background, having beforehand labored as a legal intelligence supervisor and analyst with (Michigan state police) and as a deputy sheriff for Kalamazoo County.”

Hanna mentioned certainly one of his objectives is to create a “clear and concise regulatory framework for oversight.”

“I additionally stay up for working with the administration and our legislative companions wherever attainable to proceed offering protected merchandise to customers,” Hanna mentioned. “I’m honored that Governor Whitmer has appointed me to guide this essential company and stay up for attending to work.”

The appointment of a former legislation enforcer to quickly lead the licensing company comes at a time when marijuana companies and different stakeholders are calling for higher enforcement of illicit or unlicensed marijuana that’s getting into the Michigan market.

On the remaining quarterly public assembly overseen by Brisbo on Wednesday, greater than a dozen commenters thanked the director for his work, together with Robin Schneider, director of the Michigan Hashish Trade Affiliation, the state’s larges marijuana commerce group.

“Director Brisbo, thanks a lot for your whole dedication to our program,” Schneider mentioned. “You’ve been unbelievable to work with and all of us want you the perfect.”

Brisbo made himself accessible to public, usually talking at seminars, together with marijuana advertising occasions hosted by MLive, and visiting companies within the market throughout the state.

He’s additionally identified for the marijuana-themed novelty socks usually worn beneath his gown slacks.

Below Brisbo, the Michigan marijuana market has grown from nothing to 563 retail shops. Primarily based on August gross sales, Michigan companies are on tempo to promote practically $2.5 billion value of marijuana merchandise over the subsequent 12 months.

The market has additionally turn out to be more and more saturated, leading to a pointy decline in costs during the last 12 months, inflicting some considerations throughout the market. Brisbo this week famous that marijuana flower costs dropped practically 47% between July 2021 and July 2022.

As he prepares for his new endeavor, Brisbo took to Twitter this week, posting: “Identical to John Denver, all my luggage are packed and I’m able to go.” An accompanying image depicted the again of a hatchback automobile loaded with belongings, together with a portray that reads, “Pure marijuana,” a spoof on the state’s in style tourism marketing campaign.

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