LANSING, Mich. — A Macomb Daily report revealed a disastrous fire on Tuesday in an industrial building in Roseville was caused by a large, illegal cannabis grow operation. The fire could have resulted in serious injury or death. The unlicensed, unregulated grow operation, which for years had also resulted in odor complaints from nearby residents, is the latest example of the need for all cannabis in Michigan to be tested, clearly labeled, tracked and licensed, the Michigan Cannabis Manufacturers Association said today.
Police discovered a butane-fueled cannabis processing system and electrical extension cords running throughout the building, according to the Macomb Daily report. Had the butane been exposed to fire for a longer period of time, it would have exploded and “caused significant damage to anyone in the vicinity,” including in the nearby residential area, according to the report. The City of Roseville does not issue licenses for marijuana grow operations.
“This is just the latest example of unregulated, unlicensed cannabis operations wreaking havoc in local neighborhoods across Michigan, and residents have had enough,” said Stephen Linder, Michigan Cannabis Manufacturers Association executive director. “It is yet another reason to support the Michigan Cannabis Safety Act, which helps prevent odor complaints and the fires, explosions and other disasters that continue to pose a threat to the health and safety of communities and neighborhoods across Michigan.”
The Michigan Cannabis Safety Act, House Bills , requires unlicensed marijuana growers to report their addresses to local police and fire departments and other local authorities. The legislation also gives communities tools to keep their neighborhoods safe from unlicensed, unregulated cannabis operations.
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The Michigan Cannabis Manufacturers Association is an association of many of the state’s largest growers, processors, and vertically integrated cannabis licensees. All members of the MCMA must be licensed by the Marijuana Regulatory Agency.