Keep Every Neighborhood Safe
Fair Taxes, Real Enforcement, Safer Communities
Fair Taxes. Real Enforcement. Safer Communities.
Respecting the Voters, Protecting Michigan Families
Michigan voters approved a legal, regulated cannabis market in 2018. State government has a responsibility to respect that decision while promoting workplace and community safety, keeping intoxicating products out of the hands of children, protecting consumers, and enforcing the law against those who refuse to follow it.
As Governor, John James will FULLY FUND law enforcement, Back The Blue, and get activist prosecutors and judges out of the way of public safety. Violent criminals will be held accountable, and mental health will be a real priority, getting people the help they need before tragedy strikes. Michigan families deserve to feel safe again.
John James is proud to be endorsed by the Police Officers Association of Michigan, Fraternal Order of Police of Michigan, and Southeast Michigan Association Chiefs of Police.
The Marijuana Black Market Is Thriving
In August 2026, Detroit police shut down a gas station selling marijuana and THC vapes — including to a minor — and seized nearly $400,000 and five firearms (The Metro Detroit News, 8/14/26). In Washtenaw County, roughly 500 pounds of black-market marijuana was found after a fire, yet no charges were filed (The Detroit News, 8/13/26).
What’s worse? Chinese-run black market operations have a foothold in Michigan. In 2025, roughly $10 million in marijuana was seized at an illicit grow operation in Lake County; all nine people arrested were born in China (MLive, 10/5/2025). Similar operations in Michigan and around the country have been linked to sophisticated Chinese organized crime networks that target states with lax or confusing marijuana laws and weak enforcement. As Governor, we will end these illicit grow operations and cut off the CCP’s foothold in Michigan.
The Solution
1. Repeal or Sharply Reduce the 24% Wholesale Tax
The new 24% wholesale tax (on top of the existing 10% excise + 6% sales tax) drives up prices, gives illegal operators a competitive edge, and has already fallen far short of revenue projections. As Governor, I will work to repeal or sharply reduce it.
2. End Intoxicating Sales by Unlicensed Operators
Delta-8, THCA, and synthetic cannabinoids must not be sold at gas stations or smoke shops without the same age limits, testing, and labeling required of licensed cannabis. Intoxicating products belong in the regulated market — not next to the candy bars.
3. Enforce the Law the Voters Approved
Aggressively target illegal trafficking, unlicensed operators, sales to minors, tax evasion, and product diversion — while letting law-abiding businesses operate without unnecessary interference.
4. Strengthen the Cannabis Regulatory Agency
Focus the CRA on real enforcement, consumer and workplace safety, and protecting kids. Eliminate rules that burden compliant businesses without improving public safety, and give the agency the tools to hold unlicensed operators accountable.
The Principle
Protect kids. Promote safe workplaces and communities. Protect consumers.
Respect the voters. Respect law-abiding citizens and businesses. Enforce the law.