Former Michigan State Representative Rick Johnson has pleaded guilty in one of the biggest state capitol-level public corruption scandals in decades. 

Federal court filings allege that Johnson accepted tens of thousands of dollars from lobbyists to help clients earn medical marijuana licenses. Johnson was serving as chairman of Michigan's marijuana licensing board at the time. Among the license recipients is Green Peak Industries, known more commonly by their trade name, Skymint.

Detroit News reporter Craig Mauger helps us unpack the details of the case, and what it means for some of the biggest players in Michigan’s marijuana industry.

GUEST:

Craig Mauger, state politics reporter, Detroit News

___

Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work.

Music from Blue Dot Sessions

Former Michigan State Representative Rick Johnson has pleaded guilty in one of the biggest state capitol-level public corruption scandals in decades. 
Federal court filings allege that Johnson accepted tens of thousands of dollars from lobbyists to help clients earn medical marijuana licenses. Johnson was serving as chairman of Michigan's marijuana licensing board at the time. Among the license recipients is Green Peak Industries, known more commonly by their trade name, Skymint.
Detroit News reporter Craig Mauger <a href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/local/michigan/2023/05/01/michigan-marijuana-company-green-peak-industries-skymint-federal-corruption-probe-rick-johnson/70169175007/">helps us unpack</a> the details of the case, and what it means for some of the biggest players in Michigan’s marijuana industry.
GUEST:
Craig Mauger, state politics reporter, Detroit News
___
Looking for more conversations from Stateside? <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/programs/stateside">Right this way</a>.
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://bit.ly/358m02D">supporting our work.</a>
Music from <a href="https://www.sessions.blue/">Blue Dot Sessions</a>

Ever wondered why we call ourselves “Michiganders”? Or why we say “pop” instead of “soda”? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That’s why we’re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.

To share a story or submit your questions, head to michiganpublic.org/onhand

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

Ever wondered why we call ourselves &ldquo;Michiganders&rdquo;? Or why we say &ldquo;pop&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;soda&rdquo;? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.
To share a story or submit your questions, head to <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand">michiganpublic.org/onhand</a>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work</a>: michiganpublic.org/podfund