Rapper sparks up a deal with medical marijuana dispensary in Flint

A Michigan medical marijuana facility is partnering with a member of the Grammy-winning rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to cultivate and distribute a new strain of medical marijuana.

The Flint-based medical marijuana dispensary "The Green Oasis" and Stanley "Flesh-N-Bone" Howse say their new strain, "Phifty Caliber Kush," has a noticeable floral taste and is an effective pain reliever.

The Flint Journal's Gary Ridley broke the story and has covered this unique agreement between the rapper and Flint-area dispensary over the last few days.

The Flint-area dispensary's owner, Anthony Butler, calls the new pot strain "the best of the best."

Flesh-n-Bone Global executive Michael "Tony B." Bernardi told the Flint Journal that Howse hopes the product can provide relief for any qualified patient.

Based out of Cleveland Ohio, Bone Thugz and Harmony are best known for their hit song, "1st of tha Month," and Grammy Award winning song, "Tha Crossroads."

The rap group has been active since 1993.

Howse has branched out from his rap career. Along with his medicinal marijuana business, he has worked on projects that include screen writing, clothing design, real estate ventures, and his own record company.

Howse's rep told The Flint Journal this is one of the first partnerships between a high profile rapper and a medical marijuana dispensary.

"Howse has always been an innovator and a trailblazer and that he is proud to be at the forefront of a paradigm shift in the culture involving marijuana."

In addition to distributing "Phifty Caliber Kush," The Green Oasis could begin selling merchandise and possibly host a visit from Howse.

Flint is one of a handful of areas in the state that still allow medical marijuana dispensaries after a Michigan Supreme Court ruling allowed counties to shut down these facilities under public health code violations.

Michigan voters approved the use of medical marijuana in 2008.

- Marlon Philips, Michigan Radio Newsroom