HOUGHTON, Mich. (WLUC) – Andrew Brisbo, the Executive Director of Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency, has been visiting dispensaries around the Upper Peninsula to learn more about their operations.

“Certainly the upper peninsula has slightly different market dynamics than we have downstate. So I think I needed to hear about what their struggle were, as well as what ideas they had on how we can improve the regulatory environment so that they can have success as a business while ensuring that we’re protecting consumers and patients,” said Brisbo.

Brisbo was impressed by the dynamics of the marijuana industry in the U.P.

“One positive aspect I’ve seen in talking to people in the Upper Peninsula is the cooperative nature of business operators here. They’re kind of all in it together. There’s a lot of market in the Upper Peninsula, and not a lot of participating communities yet. I think they’re focusing on working together to ensure that everyone is successful, you know a rising tide lifts all boats,” added Brisbo.

The dispensaries appreciated the opportunity to share ideas and meet personally with the director.

“I think it’s great that we are working with the government, locally and at a state wide level, because it’s important that we’re licensed and we’re doing things the right way,” said Penny Milkey, General Partner of Northern Specialty Health.

Also on the trip Brisbo spent time discussing with Northern Michigan University and Lake Superior State University on their degrees in marijuana science.

“I want to give them a regulators perspective on their degree programs, and what they’re doing in terms of research and education, as well as establishing cooperative partnerships to encourage their success and to inform the regulatory program, so that ultimately it would lead to better business success in Michigan,” said Brisbo.