Common Citizen is a vertically-integrated, Michigan-based cannabis enterprise operating exclusively within the state. Their retail locations, called "chapters," currently serve customers in Flint, Battle Creek, and Detroit, with four additional locations in development. All products are grown and produced in Michigan "by Michiganders for Michiganders."The company cultivates more than 60 unique cannabis strains at their 70-acre greenhouse facility in Marshall, one of the most technologically advanced cultivation centers in the Midwest. Their product range includes bulk flower, prepackaged flower, pre-rolls, mini pre-rolls, vape cartridges, and concentrates. Products are organized into four categories based on human need states: Daily Dose (wellness), Sweet Relief (medical), Time to Shine (high-THC recreational), and Unplug (relaxation).Quality standards include PJRFSI certification, approved pesticide usage, sanitary storage environments, and detailed labeling practices. The company operates under Good Manufacturing Practices principles, exceeding state requirements for safety and consistency.
Common Citizen was founded in 2017 by four Detroit-area engineers who saw the transformative potential of Michigan's emerging cannabis market. Led by CEO Michael Elias, whose 22-year healthcare background includes running hospitals and driving lean manufacturing processes, the company secured 45 licenses - the largest number awarded in Michigan at the time.The company's first dispensary opened in Flint in May 2019, marking the beginning of their mission to normalize cannabis consumption and break down social stigmas. Their Flint location won a design award from the International Council of Shopping Centers, setting the standard for welcoming, café-style dispensary experiences.Today, Common Citizen operates three retail locations ("chapters") in Flint, Battle Creek, and Detroit, with four more in development. The company's 70-acre state-of-the-art greenhouse facility in Marshall grows over 60 unique cannabis strains using controlled environment agriculture technology. Major partnerships include an exclusive Michigan deal with Mike Tyson's Tyson 2.0 brand, demonstrating their industry leadership and commitment to bringing premium cannabis to the state.
Common Citizen is not only a brand, but also a movement for social change, believing everyone should have the right to choose what elevates their everyday. Their human-centric, purpose-driven mission centers on the belief that "the hero of the story isn't the plant, it's the people that consume it."The company operates on two core principles: "cannabis for humanity" and "change for the better." Cannabis for humanity means putting people first in everything they do - from safe, high-quality products to world-class customer experiences and caring workplace environments. Their goal is to accelerate the normalization of cannabis consumption by creating spaces where consumers can see themselves reflected. By targeting the 88% of people who don't currently consume cannabis, they're working to break down barriers and eliminate stigma around the plant.
At Calm Effect, we're impressed by Common Citizen's genuine commitment to putting people before profits. Their innovative approach to retail - organizing products by human need states rather than traditional categories - shows they truly understand their customers' diverse needs. The company's healthcare-grade approach to operations, led by CEO Michael Elias's hospital management background, ensures consistently high safety and quality standards.We love their dedication to technological excellence and data-driven decision making, which translates to better inventory management and fresher products for consumers. Their focus on education and personalized service through "Chapter Advisors" creates a compassionate, welcoming experience that makes cannabis accessible to newcomers and experienced users alike. Most importantly, they're Michigan-owned and operated, supporting local communities while maintaining the highest cultivation and retail standards in the state. For deal-seekers, their economies of scale approach means premium quality at competitive prices.