GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — What had been one of Michigan's fastest-growing industries is now facing what one official called "big challenges."

"Two of those big challenges had to do with the issue of these large illicit grows," said Derek Sova, a policy and legislative specialist for the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA).

Sova made his comments as he spoke before state lawmakers on the House Committee on Regulatory Reform last Thursday.

Recreational marijuana was first legalized recreationally in Michigan roughly seven years ago, following a statewide vote in 2018.

Now, lawmakers on the committee are considering new legislation meant to crack down on the black market.

"So, Michigan has really become, [in] a lot of ways, sort of a central location for illicit operations, because th

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