In a classroom near filled, John Sismore, a 43-year-old general contractor who has been struggling to find work ever since the housing bubble popped, sits alongside Debbie Warner, 37, who still cannot find work since being laid off at General Motors Power Train in Toledo, nearly 18 months ago. It seems to be the central story of the mid-west region in the last 3 years, economic downturn, but something is driving these people to move Michigan.

The catalyst is Michigan’s medical marijuana law, which despite having a sizable amount of negative press as of late, is still driving people to the Metro Detroit region.

John and Debbie are part of a October class of 35 students at Med Grow Cannabis College in Southfield, about 25 of their classmates are also from out of state. “Nearly 60 percent of all our business this month is from out of state” said Nick Tennant, who is the 25 year old Founder of Med Grow. “See that couple there, they are from Illinois, they are looking for a house in Madison Heights after class lets out today.” said Tennant.

Tennant estimates that over 400 people from out of state have graduated from the Med Grow program in the past year. Med Grow even has a program with accommodations, geared specifically for people from out of state. “Before most people think about moving here, they want to become educated about the [medical marijuana] industry in Michigan, that is where we come in.”

“I’ll have my residency in 14 days, and my caregivers card legal 21 days after that.” John proclaimed. Tennant looks toward John, smiles and says “It’s good to give people a second chance, its tough out there, and we here to help.”

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