Michigan’s cannabis scene is thriving, and two brands tied to The Refinery Dispensaries are quickly becoming names every consumer should know: Hytek and Growing Pains. Both brands have been carving out their place in the market, not by chasing trends, but by consistently delivering flower that makes an impression long after the jar is empty. In 2025, they’re not just part of the conversation—they’re shaping it.
Growing Pains Shines at The Proper Cup
In August 2025, Growing Pains stepped into one of the toughest cannabis competitions around—The Proper Cup, hosted by the team behind Proper Doinks. Their strain Honey Banana went head-to-head in the Dessert Bracket semifinals against Preferred Gardens’ Delish, a strain already loved across Michigan.
At first, the matchup looked like an underdog story. Preferred Gardens had the reputation; Honey Banana was the challenger. But the moment the joint was sparked, that narrative shifted. Judges immediately noted the smoothness of the smoke—no harshness, no distraction, just pure flavor. The purity of the burn stood out too, with clean white ash and none of the residue that often clouds lesser flower.
Where Honey Banana really pulled away was in flavor and accuracy. From the first inhale, the taste matched its aroma perfectly, delivering the promised dessert-like sweetness with depth and clarity. The judges praised how intense yet balanced the experience was, with a richness that stayed consistent from the first puff to the roach. Its lingering coat and stain on the palate sealed the win, leaving no doubt it was a top-tier entry.
One host even compared Honey Banana’s flawless bracket run to an undefeated champion, pointing out that it wasn’t just good—it was dominant. By the end of the night, Growing Pains walked away as The Proper Cup’s official “Rising Star,” a title that carries serious weight in Michigan’s competitive cannabis scene.
This victory wasn’t about hype or clout. It was about quality. It proved that Growing Pains’ cultivation methods and strain selection can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the state’s most established players—and win.
Hytek: Bold, Loud, and Unapologetic
While Growing Pains is winning with craft and precision, Hytek is making waves for its fearless approach. Known for dropping strains like Permanent Marker and Los Muertos, Hytek doesn’t aim to blend in—it aims to redefine what high-end Michigan flower can feel and taste like.
Their bold approach has already earned recognition: Hytek was named Best Flower Brand at the Gassiest of 2023 Awards, and their releases since have only built on that momentum. Hytek is the brand for smokers who want impact: strong terps, striking bag appeal, and memorable highs that hit as hard as they smell.
Next Stop: Zalympix
Both brands now have their eyes set on Zalympix Michigan 2025, the premier cannabis competition where judge kits are already in circulation. The Championship takes place September 13, followed by an after-party in Detroit on September 15. Often called the “Grammys of Cannabis,” Zalympix is where reputations are solidified and legends are born.
For The Refinery, Zalympix is the perfect stage to showcase the dual power of their in-house brands: Growing Pains, fresh off its Proper Cup triumph, and Hytek, a proven heavy-hitter with a loyal following. Together, they’re showing the state—and the wider cannabis world—that Michigan’s best flower isn’t just competitive. It’s elite.
Why It Matters
With The Proper Cup Rising Star win on August 19th and Zalympix on the horizon, Hytek and Growing Pains aren’t just participating in Michigan’s cannabis scene—they’re helping define it. These victories prove that when flower is grown with focus, care, and creativity, the results speak for themselves.
Where to Find Out More
- Follow the full Zalympix journey at zalympix.com/michigan
- Watch Growing Pains’ Honey Banana victory at Proper Doinks on YouTube
- Visit The Refinery Dispensaries in Detroit, New Buffalo, and Kalamazoo to experience Hytek and Growing Pains for yourself!