The Ultimate Guide to Michigan Cannabis Regulations, Rules, Laws & Licensing

Like many other states, Michigan has joined the marijuana industry with some fairly recent changes to its legalization. Currently, the goal is to continue to improve how we regulate cannabis locally in addition to as a country. The Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency was designed as a national model for a pro-cannabis regulatory program. The goal is to stimulate business growth while preserving safety for everyone who interacts with the industry at any touchpoint. This guide is designed to help you navigate through Michigan’s laws and licensing requirements.

Michigan Marijuana Business

In November of 2020, the Detroit City Council made history when they altered an existing ordinance to allow the recreational use and sale of cannabis within the city of Detroit. With this change, cannabis became legal to all adults of age 21 or older. The legalization of adult-use sales also triggered a big change in the use of dispensaries.

To stimulate growth in the local economy, Detroit created a legacy program that was specifically aimed to help citizens in the area join the budding industry. With the help of this program, longtime Detroit citizens could more easily get moving and join the cannabis industry by obtaining a dispensary license.

In addition to gaining access to the special program, the program catered to locals in other ways. In direct support of the local economy, Detroit decreed that a minimum of 50% of recreational marijuana business licenses were promised to locals. These licenses spanned across growers, processors, micro-businesses, cannabis events, and retailers as well.

Important Update on Detroit Recreational Marijuana Licenses

As of January 2021, Detroit residents began to have their applications certified in line with the legacy program and its rules. At this time, residents gained the ability to start the application process with the Civil Rights, Employment, and Opportunities (CRIO) department.

In line with the legacy program, certain limitations are in place to determine which residents qualify. These limitations are linked to how long the individual has lived in the area, as well as certain details about their background.

One of the Following Requirements Must Be Met:

  • Detroit residents living in the area for a minimum of 15 out of the last 30 years
  • Detroit residents with proven low-income who have lived in Detroit for 13 out of the last 30 years
  • Detroit residents with a previous marijuana conviction—or a parent with a marijuana conviction—who have lived in Detroit for a minimum of 10 out of the last 30 years

In May 2021, the city of Detroit began issuing licenses for recreational marijuana dispensaries. They promised up to 75 licenses within the city during this time, allowing for multiple cannabis dispensaries within city limits.

To assist with the application process, potential applicants have been encouraged to use the pre-qualification process. This is provided by the Marijuana Regulatory Agency, and can take several months to hear back on.

As a part of the legacy program, Detroit residents also have access to additional benefits to encourage more to apply. First, citizens meeting the outlined legacy qualifications can receive a notable discount on the application fee, which is $6,000 for those who do not apply. Additionally, Detroit residents can see a reduction in the business license fees provided by the Buildings, Safety, Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED). The licenses, which traditionally cost $1,000 are reduced to a mere $10. As a final perk, applicants can also qualify for a 75% discount on properties that are owned by the city when the intent is to use them for business purposes.

Understanding that not everyone has a property in advance, applicants do not exclusively need a permanent license, which is dependent upon having a finalized and proven address. Provisional licenses can be received and will support business operations for up to one year.

Michigan Cannabis Laws, Rules, and Regulations

In Michigan, cannabis is legal for adults that are 21 or older. The laws permit adults to purchase and use cannabis from legally approved businesses, but it does get a bit more limited around personal use.

Michigan requires all cannabis consumption to be done in private. It is not legal to openly consume cannabis in public places at this time according to the existing state laws.

Laws, Rules, Bulletins, Grants & Other Resources

Michigan Medical Marijuana Program (Patients/Caregivers)

Marijuana Facility/Establishment Administrative Rules

Marijuana Facility/Establishment Laws

Bulletins

Grant Information

Other Resources

Michigan Cannabis License Applications

Below you will find Michigan’s forms and applications required by the state to participate in various cannabis businesses and occupations.

Michigan Cannabis Business License Applications

Adult-use Establishment Licensing

Michigan Medical Marijuana Program (Patients/Caregivers)

Other

License Renewal Applications

License Modifications Forms

Michigan Cannabis Business Forms:

Additional Information:

Michigan Marijuana Business License Fees schedule

All of the most current fee information below was provided in this document: Provisioning centers will see their license renewal fees drop to at least $52,000. The biggest growers in the state that hold class C licenses will see their renewal fees increase slightly to $67,000.

Application Fees

There is a nonrefundable $6,000 application fee for prequalification. Upon licensure, an initial licensure fee will be assessed. The initial licensure fee varies by license type (see table below for current fees). After a year, the license must be renewed. The renewal fees also vary by license type (see table below for current fees).

Initial Licensure Fees

Renewal Fees

The renewal fees for marijuana grower, excess marijuana grower, and marijuana processor licenses will be determined based on the gross weight transferred by the licensee.

The renewal fees for marijuana retailers and marijuana microbusiness licenses will be determined based on the gross retail sales by the licensee.

The renewal fee for a marijuana secure transporter license will be determined based on the net weight transported by the licensee.

The renewal fee for marijuana safety compliance facilities will be determined based on the number of tests completed by the licensee.

The MRA will determine whether the licensee is in the top third, middle third, or bottom third in that fiscal year compared against all other licensees for the license held. The licensee will then pay the corresponding fee.

Additional Information and Resources

METRC Adult-Use Information

METRC Medical Information

Bulletins

Frequently asked questions

Educational Information

Medical and Retail Marijuana Universal Symbol Examples:

Federal Regulations referenced in Rules M 103 and R 103:

Contact Information

Michigan MED Cannabis Industry Compliance Tools

MED Resources and Statistics

Additional Resources

Contact Michigan MED

MED Office Locations:

Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Marijuana Regulatory Agency
Licensing Division
P.O. Box 30205
Lansing, MI 48909
517-284-8599
MRA-MedicalMarijuana@michigan.gov

Strategic Plan (Licensing)
Michigan Medical Marijuana Program
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Marijuana Regulatory Agency
Michigan Medical Marijuana Program
P.O. Box 30083
Lansing, MI 48909
517-284-6400
MRA-MMMPINFO@michigan.gov

Strategic Plan (MMMP)
Enforcement Division
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Marijuana Regulatory Agency
Enforcement Division
P.O. Box 30205
Lansing, MI 48909
517-284-8599
MRA-Enforcement@Michigan.gov

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