Michigan Marijuana Business Licenses

Medical Marijuana in Michigan

In 2016, Michigan passed a series of bills—HB 4209, HB 4210, and HB 4827, collectively the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (“MMFLA”)—implementing a medical marijuana licensing process and authorizing a commercial, regulated system. This provided an additional source of medicine for medical marijuana patients who previously had to cultivate their own, under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (“Proposal I”) of 2008.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (“LARA”) Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation (“BMMR”) began accepting medical marijuana license applications on December 15, 2017.

Recreational Marijuana Use in Michigan

On November 6, 2018, Michigan voters passed the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (“MRTMA”), making it the first state in the Midwest to authorize a recreational marijuana market. By December 2019, legal recreational marijuana dispensaries began opening its doors to Michigan residents (21+).

Applications for Medical Marijuana Business Licenses

Currently, the Marijuana Regulatory Agency (“MRA”) is authorized to accept Medical Marijuana Licenses under the five (5) categories prescribed below:

1. Grower (Class A, B, C)
2. Processor
3. Secure Transporter
4. Provisioning Center (Dispensary)
5. Safety Compliance Facility

The medical marijuana business licensing application process is divided into two (2) steps:

Step 1: Pre-qualification Application

• Background checks
• $6,000.00 nonrefundable fee for the Main Applicant
• Valid for two (2) years after MRA issues notice of pre-qualification

Step 2: Medical Marijuana Facility Licenses Application

• Review of the proposed facility
• Facility should be fully built & ready to pass an inspection within sixty (60) days after Step 2 Application is submitted
• Licensure fees vary

For more information, click the MRA’s Application Instructions to find further details and forms.

Applications for Adult-Use Marijuana Business Licenses

Currently, the Marijuana Regulatory Agency (“MRA”) is authorized under the MRTMA to accept Recreational Marijuana Business Licenses. The following are the nine (9) license categories provided:

1. Recreational Marijuana Cultivation (Class A, B, C)
2. Processor
3. Retailer
4. Safety Compliance Facilities
5. Secure Transporter
6. Designated Consumption Establishment
7. Excess Marijuana Grower
8. Marijuana Event Organizer
9. Temporary Marijuana Event

The recreational marijuana business licensing application process is divided into two (2) categories:

Step 1: Pre-qualification Application

• Background checks
• $6,000.00 nonrefundable fee for the Main Applicant
• Valid for two (2) years after MRA issues notice of prequalification

Step 2: Marijuana Establishment License Application

• MRA must make license determination with ninety (90) days
• Establishment should be fully built & ready to pass an inspection within sixty (60) days after Step 2 Application is submitted

As there is an open application process for both Medical and Recreational Marijuana Business Licenses in Michigan, now is the time to get started with your business plan. In addition, if you are interested in acquiring a Michigan Marijuana Business License, contact us to discuss your options. Schedule a 30-minute phone call to further discuss your options here.

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Last Updated: July 21^st, 2023