IndustryDevelopments | International & State Massachusetts Hemp growers in the state can now sell smokable flower and hemp extracts to the 236 marijuana retailers in Massachusetts. The new rule gives Massachusetts hemp farmers instructions for testing and labeling their products for sale to adult-use or medical marijuana shoppers. The change was made by Massachusetts lawmakers late last year and applies only to farmers growing hemp in the state; out-of-state hemp products remain off-limits for Massachusetts marijuana retailers. The state has about 65 hemp farmers on 407 acres and 95,000 indoor square feet. Michigan A series of bills aimed at medical cannabis caregivers introduced in the Michigan Legislature-and supported by large marijuana businesses-was met with backlash from MMJ patients who want the caregiver system to remain untouched. The legislation, aimed at cracking down on the state's illicit cannabis market, pits big industry players against grassroots activists and MMJ patients. The three bills would shrink the number of allowed patients per MMJ caregiver from five to one, reduce the overall number of marijuana plants each caregiver is allowed to cultivate and decrease the amount of MMJ that caregivers are allowed to have on hand. The Michigan Cannabis Manufacturers Association is the highest-profile supporter of the bills. 32 Marijuana Business Magazine | November-December 2021