A Look Back, A Blaze Ahead
The past five years have brought sweeping change across the cannabis landscape. For consumers, this period has meant more access, better quality, and an explosion of innovation. Let’s take a closer look at what defined the cannabis industry in the early 2020s.
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A century ago, the 1920s were marked by prohibition, speakeasies, and a cultural shift that reshaped America’s identity. Fast forward 100 years, and here we are in a new kind of “Roaring 20s,” one where cannabis has emerged from the shadows, blazing trails of progress across Michigan, the Upper Peninsula, and the nation.
Cannabis has moved from whispered conversations to front-page headlines, from clandestine sharing to community-centered retail, and from stigma to acceptance. As we reflect on the first half of this decade, one thing is clear: the fire is only getting started.
A Half-Decade of Cannabis Progress
Legalization Takes Root
In Michigan, cannabis went from a fledgling recreational market to one of the most robust in the nation. By 2025, cannabis sales consistently rivaled—and in some months surpassed—alcohol sales. Across the U.S., more than half the states now allow for recreational use, and the push for federal reform has never been stronger.
Product Innovation Blooms
The range of available cannabis products has expanded far beyond flower and pre-rolls. Consumers now enjoy infused beverages, fast-acting edibles, precision-dosed capsules, solventless concentrates, and more. For the everyday customer, this innovation has meant more ways to fit cannabis in to their lifestyle, whether winding down at the end of a long workday, seeking natural alternatives for wellness, or simply adding some sparkle to a weekend gathering.
Normalization & Community Acceptance
Once taboo, cannabis is now welcomed into mainstream conversations. From city council meetings to kitchen tables, from medical research labs to community festivals, cannabis is being embraced as part of everyday life. This cultural shift has meant more education, fewer barriers, and a stronger sense of community around safe, responsible use.
“The 1920s were remembered as an age of energy, reinvention, and cultural change. Our 2020s are proving to be no different.”
Looking Ahead: The Next Half of the Decade
If the first half of the 2020s has taught us anything, it’s that progress doesn’t slow down. What might the second half of this decade hold for cannabis? Here are some predictions:
Challenges at the State Level
Of course, not every change ahead is a step forward. In October 2025, the Michigan Legislature passed a new 24% wholesale tax on cannabis, an unprecedented move that threatens to roll back much of the progress consumers and businesses have worked so hard to achieve.
For retailers, this tax increases the cost of doing business, putting pressure on already thin margins. For consumers, it risks higher prices at the register, fewer product options, and slower industry growth. And for the industry as a whole, it creates barriers that could push some people back toward the unregulated market, undermining years of work to build a safe, accessible, and community-driven cannabis culture.
This new challenge is a reminder that our work is far from over: We must continue to advocate for fair policies that keep cannabis affordable, equitable, and thriving in Michigan.
Federal Reform Will Accelerate
The momentum toward nationwide legalization is undeniable. By 2030, we may see cannabis rescheduled or even descheduled, opening the door to interstate commerce and banking reform.
Cannabis Tourism Will Thrive
Just as breweries and wineries have become destinations, cannabis lounges, events, and tourism experiences will become major draws, especially in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula.
Personalized Cannabis
With advances in research and technology, expect to see more tailored product recommendations based on cannabinoids, terpenes, and even genetic factors to help customers find exactly what works for them.
Everyday Normalization
By the end of the decade, cannabis use may be as unremarkable as ordering a craft beer at dinner. The stigma will continue to erode, making space for cannabis to be part of wellness, culture, and creativity.
The Fire Burns on
The 1920s were remembered as an age of energy, reinvention, and cultural change. Our 2020s are proving to be no different. Cannabis has gone from prohibition to celebration, from the shadows to the spotlight. And The Fire Station has grown from a single spark to the U.P.’s largest cannabis retailer—always with our eyes on what matters most: you, our customers. As we head into the second half of this decade, we’re proud to look back on how far we’ve come and excited to blaze ahead into what’s next. After all, the Roaring 20s are just getting started.
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