“John James is the clear choice for the cannabis industry,” Michigan Cannabis Industry Association (MiCIA) Executive Director Robin Schneider said in a press release on Wednesday, referring to the GOP candidate.

Schneider, from the Michigan cannabis trade association, said on Wednesday that “John has taken the time to meet with MiCIA members to better understand the serious financial challenges we face due to the unconstitutional 24 percent cannabis tax established last year.”

“He has released clear statements about this stance on cannabis, and he has been fully transparent,” he said. “We welcome his vocal and committed support of our industry.”

Schneider, from MiCIA, said that the cannabis industry, “which has been an economic driver for Michigan, now faces a devastating financial reality.”

“We need a leader who will boldly support the cannabis industry and fight for our workers and our businesses,” he said. “John understands that the unlawful 24 percent tax pushes customers to the illicit market, and he has vowed to repeal or sharply reduce the tax. He pledges to work to eliminate rules that burden compliant businesses while promoting workplace and community safety, keeping intoxicating products out of the hands of children and protecting consumers.”