Michigan Releases Advisory Bulletin Outlining New Process for Cannabis Licenses

November 17, 2020

Overview

Last month, Michigan announced that it will begin accepting applications for any cannabis applicant, regardless of previous medical licensure, starting on March 1, 2021. Starting next year, applicants will no longer be required to hold an active medical marijuana license to be eligible for the following adult-use licenses:


•    Marijuana Retailer
•    Marijuana Processor
•    Class B Marijuana Grower
•    Class C Marijuana Grower
•    Marijuana Secure Transporter

On November 13, the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) issued an advisory bulletin and announced the new application process. Through February 28, 2021, there will be a two-tiered process available for applicants. Those who do not hold an active state medical marijuana license must begin with the Step 1 prequalification process and follow instructions for new applicants. Once the Step 1 prequalification is approved, the applicant must then wait until March 1, 2021 to submit their Step 2 license application. Those applicants who already hold an active medical marijuana license may apply through an expedited Step 1 prequalification up until March 1, 2021. After approval, these applicants may submit their Step 2 prequalification for the licenses outlined above. 

After March 1, 2021, all applicants will complete the same Step 1 prequalification process, regardless of previous approval under the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act. However, if a supplemental applicant has already been prequalified, the MRA will expedite their processing, since background checks have already been completed.      

If you would like assistance in starting your own cannabis business, contact John Mackewich at 419-346-4155 or at mackewich@marshall-melhorn.com.

Disclaimer / Attorney Advertisement

This blog is made available by Marshall & Melhorn, LLC and Marshall & Melhorn, PLLC (“Marshall Melhorn” or “the Firm”) for informational purposes only.  It is not meant to convey the Firm’s legal position on behalf of any client, nor is it intended to convey specific legal advice.  Any opinions expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of Marshall Melhorn, its members, or its clients.  Accordingly, do not act upon this information without seeking counsel from a licensed attorney.  This blog is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.  Communicating with the Firm through or regarding this website by email, blog post, or otherwise, does not create an attorney-client relationship for any legal matter.  Therefore, any communication or material you transmit to the Firm through or regarding this blog, whether by email, blog post or any other manner, will not be treated as confidential or proprietary.  The information on this blog is not guaranteed to be complete, accurate, and/or up-to-date.  Marshall Melhorn makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the operation or content of the site.  Marshall Melhorn expressly disclaims all other guarantees, warranties, conditions and representations of any kind, either express or implied, whether arising under any statute, law, commercial use or otherwise, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title and non-infringement.  Legal advice is not being conveyed and Marshall Melhorn or any of its members, employees, agents or affiliates shall not be liable, directly or indirectly, under any theory of law (contract, tort, negligence or otherwise), to you or anyone else, for any claims losses or damages, direct, indirect special, incidental, punitive or consequential, resulting from or occasioned by the creation, use of or reliance on this site (including information and other content) or any third party websites or the information, resources or material accessed through any such websites.  Some states do not allow disclaimers regarding warranties or limitation of damages, so these disclaimers may not apply to you.  In some states, the contents of this blog may be considered ATTORNEY ADVERTISING MATERIAL.  If applicable, please note that prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Please be mindful that possessing, using, cultivating, distributing and/or selling marijuana is a federal crime, and no information we give is intended to provide any guidance or assistance in violating federal law.  Please also note that we are not providing advice regarding the federal, state or local tax consequences of engaging in any business in this industry.