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As Michigan’s cannabis market continues to grow, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer variety of products on dispensary shelves.

Walking into a dispensary can be a sensory overload — rows of flower jars, glistening concentrates, and pre-rolled joints promising everything from deep relaxation to boundless energy.

But with hundreds of choices, how do you know what’s really worth your time and money?

That’s where Metro Times comes in.

I’m Steve Neavling, a seasoned cannabis consumer and reporter who used to grow weed as a caregiver. I’m launching a new weekly column dedicated to reviewing weed products sold at Michigan dispensaries. My goal is simple: to cut through the noise and guide you to the best cultivators and strains in the state.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your journey with cannabis, my column will serve as your go-to resource for making informed decisions.

Why am I doing this? Because Michigan’s cannabis scene is booming — the Great Lakes State reportedly surpassed the mighty California as the top cannabis market in the U.S. by sales volume — and with new growers and products constantly hitting the market, finding quality cannabis can be a challenge. The last thing anyone wants is to spend money on a strain that doesn’t deliver on its promises.

I’ll be putting both popular and under-the-radar products to the test, sharing insights into flavor profiles, potency, and effects — so you can pick the right match for your needs.

There are nearly 2,000 cannabis growers in Michigan, and they are vastly different in quality, strength, and taste. Some are potent, pungent, and coated in trichomes; others are dry and tasteless.

In addition to flower, dispensaries sell live rosin, edibles, vape cartridges, and topicals.

My goal is to help you find the right strains, cultivators, and types of cannabis, while learning about the people behind the businesses.

And remember, THC isn’t the only part of marijuana that matters. While THC is responsible for the primary psychoactive effects, other components like terpenes and cannabinoids play crucial roles in shaping your overall experience. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis that can influence the flavor, smell, and even the type of high you get. Different combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes can create a range of effects, from calming to uplifting, making it essential to consider more than just THC percentage when choosing a product.

In this weekly column, which launches next Friday, you won’t just get reviews; you’ll learn about the people behind the cultivation, the stories that shape these strains, and what makes some stand out from the rest. The aim is to empower you with knowledge, so each trip to the dispensary feels less like a gamble and more like an exciting discovery.

Stay tuned as I kick off this journey to explore, evaluate, and elevate your cannabis experience.

If you are a cannabis business in Michigan and want us to review your products, email us at steve@metrotimes.com.

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