In an unwavering decision by the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), Youssef Barakat is now permanently banned from the state's cannabis industry. According to FOX 2 Detroit, Barakat was found to have violated numerous regulations under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act, which led to the CRA prohibiting him from any participation in marijuana businesses across Michigan.
This stems from a history of negligence at his Big Rapids and Bay City marijuana dispensaries, where serious security and protocol lapses were discovered. In one case, Barakat's Big Rapids establishment sold cannabis to a minor - a 20-year-old undercover cadet from the Michigan State Police, as detailed by Metro Times. This interception of cannabis, sold without required labeling, was further exacerbated by the absence of a legally registered employee during the transaction, an issue Barakat admitted by neglecting the necessary background checks on his staff.
The CRA's investigation unsurprisingly uncovered more infractions. For instance, an inspection revealed that one of Barakat's shops was running without basic electricity and functioning security systems, including video-surveillance. The business's operational permit was previously revoked by the city of Big Rapids, however, Barakat failed to report this significant change to the CRA, as reported by Metro Times. Barakat reportedly also used cannabis on the premises.
Further compounding his violation record, unsecured cannabis product was found by CRA inspectors at another shop. Almost a kilogram of unmarked marijuana flower was discovered just lying under a counter. In an interview, the property's landlord disclosed to the CRA that they found doors unlocked and the shop left unstaffed, a situation rife for potential theft and security breaches, reported by FOX 2 Detroit. It was clear that Barakat's approach to business management deviated significantly from state-mandated standards.
Barakat's inclusion on the Involuntary Exclusion List means he faces a strict barrier from entering back into Michigan’s marijuana market. He joins other names on this list, which serves as a caution to all license holders in the state to stay compliant and avoid affiliations with those who have not resolved issues flagged by the CRA. This mandate is enforced to safeguard the integrity of Michigan's regulated cannabis industry, affirming the CRA's zero-tolerance policy on such severe lapses in safety and legal compliance, MJBizDaily notes.
