From Advocate to Industry Leader

the heart of northern Michigan, where the cannabis industry has seen rapid evolution, Al Witt’s journey has been one defined by persistence and an unwavering commitment to reform. Once a dispensary operator embroiled in legal battles, Witt now stands as both a leader in Gaylord’s city council and an executive at Meds Cafe, a growing chain of cannabis retail stores in Michigan.

Witt's first brush with controversy came in 2014, when Gaylord Provisions, the medical marijuana dispensary he worked at, was raided by state police. As officers clad in tactical gear stormed the premises, Witt found himself charged with multiple felonies, including marijuana delivery and maintaining a drug house. He faced a legal system that, despite the state's Medical Marijuana Act, seemed intent on criminalizing those providing medical cannabis.

“I was helping people and trying to save lives,” Witt explained at the time, speaking to what he felt was a broader misunderstanding of the nascent cannabis industry. For Witt and many others in Michigan, this was not just a business—it was about ensuring access to what was, for many patients, life-changing medicine.

Witt, along with his attorney Joshua Covert, fought back, determined to prove that he had adhered to the laws outlined in Michigan's Medical Marijuana Act. The case quickly became symbolic of the broader conflict between state regulations and local law enforcement’s efforts to stymie dispensaries.

Leadership at Meds Cafe

Today, Witt’s experience and passion have found a new outlet in his role as an executive with Meds Cafe, a prominent cannabis retailer in Michigan. As one of the chain’s leaders, Witt has helped shape the business into a consumer-first operation, bringing the same commitment to patient advocacy that once defined his time in the dispensary trenches. Meds Cafe, with its growing footprint, has become a key player in Michigan's cannabis scene, known for its deli-style flower service and deep connection to consumer rights.

The challenges Witt faced years ago now inform his leadership at Meds Cafe, where patient care and compliance with evolving laws remain paramount. He is instrumental in guiding the company’s operations in a market that continues to shift and grow, drawing from his deep well of experience in both the legal and business sides of cannabis.

Advocacy in Public Office

Witt’s role in the community, however, goes beyond the cannabis industry. In Gaylord, a small town that has seen its fair share of legal and social challenges around marijuana, Witt now serves as a city council member. His work with the council allows him to advocate not just for cannabis reform, but for the broader well-being of Gaylord’s residents.

In a region where the cannabis industry is still working to gain full acceptance, Witt’s dual role as both a civic leader and a cannabis executive has placed him at a unique intersection of public policy and business innovation. It’s a balancing act that requires navigating the complexities of local politics while advocating for continued reform in cannabis legislation.

A Legacy of Resilience

As Michigan’s cannabis industry matures, Witt's journey—from facing felony charges to sitting on the Gaylord City Council and leading a successful cannabis retail operation—serves as a powerful example of resilience and dedication. His work in the cannabis sector, coupled with his role in public service, highlights a commitment to advocacy that transcends business. For Witt, the battle has always been about more than just profits—it’s about standing up for what’s right and ensuring that patients and consumers are treated fairly.

In an industry still finding its footing across much of the United States, figures like Witt serve as reminders of the human stories behind the legal and regulatory frameworks. His efforts have helped shape not only the local cannabis economy but also the broader conversation around the role of cannabis in modern medicine and community development.