A new sort of cannabis industry blew up after the MMMA passed in November 2008. Dispensaries, grow supply stores, growing facilities, clinics and other support businesses cropped up across the state, and advocates claimed that thousands of jobs were created, not to mention work for carpenters and electricians setting up grow rooms. Then, led by state Attorney General Bill Schuette, prosecutors in many counties across Michigan began busting dispensaries and patients, successfully getting judges to deny card-carrying individuals the right to defend themselves using the MMMA. The effect has been tough on an industry that seemed to be prospering for a short while. D'Angelo sees that as a temporary setback.

"I think we're on the verge of victory," he says. "If you look at the long-term trends in polls, over the entire time you've seen two converging lines. The line against marijuana is moving downward; the other line, supporting marijuana, is moving upward. Those two lines just crossed. That trend line has never gone backwards at all. I believe it will continue moving in that direction. ... The only people deeply invested in moving this war on cannabis forward are the prosecutors. I think it's because they like the power that the war on cannabis has delivered into their hands. What we're seeing now is the last hurrah of prohibitionists, who know their days are numbered."

You can put that in your pipe and smoke it. Preferably at the Hash Bash.

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