Effective March 1, 2021, applicants for multiple classes of adult-use marijuana (i.e., recreational marijuana) licenses are no longer required to hold an active medical marijuana permit to be eligible.
The Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency announced that the eligibility requirement has been removed for five license types:
- Marijuana retailer
- Marijuana processor
- Class B marijuana grower
- Class C marijuana grower
- Marijuana secure transporter
In short, as of March 1, 2021, more opportunities to become eligible for licenses became available to more competitors in Michigan fast-growing adult-use marijuana industry.
A Brief Summary of the Two-Step Application Process
The application process involves two steps. Step one is prequalification. The main applicant and any supplemental applicants must submit prequalification applications. Thereafter, background checks are conducted on the main applicant and all supplemental applicants.
The “main applicant” is the entity (e.g., limited liability company, corporation, partnership) or individual (sole proprietor) seeking to hold the marijuana establishment license. A $6,000 nonrefundable application fee is due during step one.
Once prequalification is obtained, a main applicant can move to step two and submit applications for all adult-use marijuana establishment state licenses it seeks to hold. At this time, the MRA will vet the proposed marijuana establishment.
The MRA’s vetting process includes business specifications, proof of financial responsibility, municipality information, and general employee information. Among other requirements, the establishment to be used for marijuana operations must pass an inspection by the MRA within 60 days of submission of a complete application.
In addition to comply with the MRA’s process, applicants will need to concurrently ensure compliance with any and all local regulations and permitting requirements relating to the operation of businesses within the unit of local government in which they seek to operate.
If you have any questions about the application processes—at the state and/or local level in Michigan—for either medical or adult-use marijuana, please contact Paul Mallon, Jr.
Paul C. Mallon, Jr. is Shareholder and Chair of Fraser Trebilcock’s cannabis law practice. You can reach him at pmallon@fraserlawfirm.com or (313) 965-9043.