Legendary activist, tireless advocate for Michigan Cannabis legalization, and frontline soldier for those affected by the war on cannabis.
You will be remembered and have a chapter in the history of the end of cannabis prohibition.
Carry on wherever you are. Carry on.
#michiganrickthompson
DALE “RICK” THOMPSON
DOD 9-18-23
MLive
Michigan marijuana legalization ‘warrior’ Rick Thompson dead at 57
FLUSHING, MI — Five years ago, marijuana advocate Dale “Rick” Thompson and others delivered petitions that would lead to marijuana legalization in Michigan. He was proud.
As Michigan’s multi-billion-dollar marijuana industry continues to grow and thrive, Thompson recently lay dying of cancer reflecting on his life.
Through the pain and sickness, Thompson maintained his sarcastic wit, poise and compassion for others, friends say.
The 57-year-old father of three children, and a grandfather, died at his home with family in Flushing, where he lived with his elderly mother, on the morning of Sept. 18. He was diagnosed with colon cancer nearly three months ago.
Thompson, a 1983 Flint Central High School graduate, attended the University of Michigan-Flint and Northern Michigan University. He worked in retail as manager at Art Van Furniture before devoting himself to the cannabis legalization movement full time in about 2010.
Thompson’s work revolved around marijuana, a plant, but it was the people who used that plant who motivated and inspired him, said Anton Harb Jr., a friend of Thompson’s and an advocate for veteran marijuana access.
“His greatest superpower was his empathy,” said Harb, who’s looked up to Thompson as a mentor since they met in 2018. “He loved life, he loved cannabis and he loved seeing a smile on people’s faces.”
Since about 2010, if there was a battle in Michigan surrounding legalization or access to marijuana, Thompson was on the frontlines.
“Warrior,” “advocate” and “crusader” are some of the words friends and colleagues used to describe him following news of his death.
More posts
Oregon governor signs a bill recriminalizing drug possession
Oregon governor signs a bill recriminalizing drug possession into lawOn April 1, 2024, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed House Bill 4002 into law, effectively recriminalizing the possession of small amounts of certain controlled substances. This legislation marks a...
Why Better Made is suing several Michigan marijuana companies
Better Made vs. Cannabis Companies: A Michigan Trademark DisputeSummary Better Made, is embroiled in a legal battle with over a dozen cannabis businesses in the state. The lawsuit, filed in March 2024, centers on allegations of trademark infringement. Better Made...
John Sinclair, the inspiration for Ann Arbor’s Hash Bash, dead at 82
John Sinclair, the poet whose imprisonment for marijuana inspired the start of Ann Arbor’s long-running annual Hash Bash in the 1970s, has died. He was 82.Sinclair's passing occurred on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at a Detroit hospital, merely four days prior to his...
Is a Verbal Agreement Legal?
Is Oral Legal?Verbal agreements, also called oral contracts, can be legal and enforceable in Michigan, but with some limitations. Here's a breakdown: Generally Enforceable: Michigan law recognizes verbal contracts as valid if they meet the standard elements of a...
Squatters and the Law in Michigan
Squatters and YouSquatting, in one definition is the act of occupying a property without legal permission, can be a headache for both property owners and squatters themselves. Sorry to cause you a such a headache squatter. Michigan has specific laws addressing...
Adverse Possession in Michigan – Can Someone Claim Your Property?
Understanding Adverse Possession in MichiganMichigan recognizes adverse possession, a legal doctrine allowing someone to acquire ownership of real property they've occupied for a specific period, even without a formal title.The Statute: MCL 600.5801 The relevant...
Disciplining Student’s Speech Violates First Amendment
You go girl!!!A public high school was found to have violated the First Amendment when it suspended a student from her cheerleading team for using profane speech off campus. Mahanoy Area Sch Dist v BL, No 20-255, ___ US ___ (June 23, 2021). The U.S. Supreme Court has...
Red Flag Rules for Extreme Risk Protection Orders-Firearms Act
Michigan Supreme Court - These changes follow the creation of the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act and amendments to the Firearms Act. Red Flag Laws.Effective February 13, 2024On February 6, 2024, the Michigan Supreme Court issued ADM File No. 2023-24, which adopts...
Marijuana reform advocates demand apology from Kamala Harris
So SorryMarijuana reform advocates demand an apology from Kamala Harris for locking up pot smokers and slam her 'political hypocrisy' for now saying no one should 'go to jail for smoking weed!'Marijuana reform advocates are urging Vice President Kamala Harris to issue...
Federal Agency Smack Down on a Michigan Credit Union’s Cannabis Banking
Apple to ApplesAn independent federal agency has recently cited a Michigan credit union for non-compliance with regulations regarding banking services for the marijuana industry. Consequently, the financial institution has been directed to halt the opening of new...
