Letter from the Editor

Like it or not, weed is about to become a regular part of society in Michigan.

Depending on when you’re reading this, the plant may already be legal. And at some point over the next year or two, legal dispensaries will dot the landscape, serving anyone 21 or older. You may even see more stories and ads around weed in this very magazine.

That being said, if you’re a teetotaller, your daily life likely won’t change a bit. It’s still illegal to blaze up a fat joint out in public, or even hit a smooth vape indoors. Also, despite your worst fears, the schools simply won’t be overrun with the Devil’s Leaf — trust me, the teens have been smoking for years.

Still, people on both sides have a lot of questions. In order to make sense of it all, we brought on reporter Andy Balaskovitz to ask around the state and figure out exactly what comes next. With a three-page spread starting on page 18, there’s a good chance your question is answered. It’s the first part in our new effort to cover more news and issues that affect all of us, so keep an eye out for that.

In the meantime, we’re not at all straying away from covering entertainment, arts and culture. This month, we also looked back on 2018, a year that has stretched on for an eternity and then snapped to a close like a rubberband. In our Rearview Mirror section, we highlight some of the best bands and beers from the year past, while also remembering the dozens of new restaurants, breweries and shops that opened. In just about every industry, West Michigan continues to grow.

You’ll also find a Last-minute Gift Guide for those of you who either didn’t find everything you need in last month’s issue or just decided to put it off. No worries, we’re not here to judge.

’Til next time, 
Josh Veal, Managing Editor

On the Cover: Michigan's Gift to Voters. Photo by Katy Batdorff, Illustration by Kaylee Van Tuinen.

Rearview Mirror: Top 5 Albums of 2018, 2018 Biz Beat, Top 9 Beers of 2018

Holiday Gift Guide: Last Minute Gift Guide, Fashionista, Beer Geek, Granola Mom

Music: Touring: Harry and the Potters

Dining & Drinking: Dining: Danzon Cubano, Drinking: Beaver Island, Last Call: Mexo GR

Scene: What's going on, Style Notes: Coat Check, Michigan's Gift to Voters, Local Artist Markets, Holiday Events

Sights: Comedy: Tom Green

Revue Arts

Visual arts, classical and jazz music, theater, arts event previews and more. (See the center of this issue)

- November 2018: Holiday Gift Guide
- October 2018: The Beer Issue
- September 2018: The Arts Issue
- August 2018: Best of the West
- July 2018: Summer Fun Issue
- June 2018: The Music Issue
- May 2018: Wine & Spirits Issue
- April 2018: Food Issue
- March 2018: Cooking Issue
- February 2018: Wintertime Blues
- January 2018: Revue turns 30

- December 2017: Guide to the holidays
- November 2017
- October 2017: The Beer Issue
- September 2017: The Arts Issue
- August 2017: Best of the West winners
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
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- December 2015
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- Dec. 2012
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- Dec. 2011|
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