Former Michigan House speaker admits he took bribes as head of state’s medical marijuana licensing board

[essentialsaltes]

The former head of Michigan’s medical marijuana licensing board and former state House speaker admitted to taking more than $110,000 in bribes to help businesses get medical marijuana licenses, according to a plea agreement filed in federal court.

Rick Johnson, 70, agreed to plead guilty to the felony charge of accepting a bribe, admitting he acted “corruptly,” according to the agreement.

Johnson, a Republican, served as the chair of the licensing board from 2017 to 2019 and previously served as the state House speaker from 2001 to 2004, according to state records.

 

[Fantine]

The former head of Michigan’s medical marijuana licensing board and former state House speaker admitted to taking more than $110,000 in bribes to help businesses get medical marijuana licenses, according to a plea agreement filed in federal court.

Rick Johnson, 70, agreed to plead guilty to the felony charge of accepting a bribe, admitting he acted “corruptly,” according to the agreement.

Johnson, a Republican, served as the chair of the licensing board from 2017 to 2019 and previously served as the state House speaker from 2001 to 2004, according to state records.

Let's reiterate. Michigan now has a Democratic governor, House, and Senate, but the former House speaker who has filed a plea agreement is a Republican.

 

[Pommer]

Let's reiterate. Michigan now has a Democratic governor, House, and Senate, but the former House speaker who has filed a plea agreement is a Republican.

And since 2019 Michigan has had legal recreational marijuana, with provisions for individuals to grow their own, (which would have largely made this licensing agency moot).