Michigan updates licensing eligibility requirements for the cannabis industry

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Michigan relaxes its cannabis licensing structure, which should lead to greater participation

On February 26, a reminder was issued by the Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) of Michigan, stating that, beginning today, an active medical marijuana license won’t be longer required for the applicants to be eligible for certain adult-use licenses. Among those included in the restructuring are Class B Marijuana Grower, Class C Marijuana Grower, Marijuana Processor, Marijuana Retailer and Marijuana Secure Transporter, and the changes should help Michigan experience rapid growth of its cannabis industry.

On November 13 of last year, an advisory bulletin was released by the MRA that included some updates in regard to the application process for a state license under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA). Today, the requirement that an applicant currently have an active state operating license in order to qualify for multiple licenses has been rescinded. In the MRA Advisory Bulletin dated October 6, 2020 there is more information explaining why this eligibility requirement has been eliminated. The step-by-step instructions, applications, and other educational resources are going to be updated so they can be consistent with this current change in eligibility.

Andrew Brisbo, MRA Executive Director, said, “Beginning Monday, business entry into the adult-use marijuana market will be more accessible for all Michiganders, as the requirement to hold a license on the medical side of the industry will be removed.”

Starting today, all applicants must use the updated application and resources that will be posted on the MRA website; however, people are being advised that, due to the numerous changes the website will be suffering, they may experience brief interruptions to service.
It’s also important to note that some of the licensees and applicants may temporarily lose access to records they have submitted and/or have pending with the MRA during intermittent system updates.