{"id":286780,"date":"2019-10-16T15:11:07","date_gmt":"2019-10-16T20:11:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/how-to-open-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-michigan.html"},"modified":"2023-09-29T19:25:24","modified_gmt":"2023-09-30T00:25:24","slug":"how-to-open-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-michigan","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/how-to-open-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-michigan.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Open a Marijuana Dispensary in Michigan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Open a Marijuana Dispensary in Michigan<\/h1>\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Starting a marijuana dispensary in Michigan requires knowledge of compliance issues and regulations. In 2018, Michigan voted to legalize adult-use recreational cannabis. In December 2019, dispensary cannabis sales began.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\r\n

Michigan’s cannabis laws will likely change as Michigan’s cannabis industry grows. Small business owners and entrepreneurs should know the current laws before drafting a cannabis business plan.<\/p>\r\n

Note: The state of Michigan uses a different spelling to describe cannabis. Michigan laws and regulations may use the term \u201cmarihuana" instead of the more common word \u201cmarijuana." This spelling comes from the spelling in the federal Controlled Substance Act<\/a>, which used the spelling from the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937<\/a>. It is an outdated spelling but cannot be changed without an act of Congress. Michigan law also refers to dispensaries as \u201cprovisioning centers."<\/p>\r\n

What To Expect During the Application Process<\/h2>\r\n

First, there is a prequalification phase<\/a>. Everyone involved in the marijuana industry will have a background check during this phase. You will enter the license qualification phase once your application passes through the prequalification phase.<\/p>\r\n

The cannabis license qualification phase requires more specific information. The following sections give an overview of the specific elements to consider before opening a recreational or medical marijuana dispensary.<\/p>\r\n

Michigan Marijuana Facility Licenses<\/h2>\r\n

A Michigan dispensary can sell both recreational and medicinal marijuana. You can apply for a Medical Marihuana Facilities License through the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA)<\/a>. CRA is a part of Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)<\/a>. This license covers cannabis industry jobs ranging from growers and processors to medical marijuana facilities, microbusinesses, and dispensaries.<\/p>\r\n

Consider Your Location Before Starting Your Dispensary<\/h2>\r\n

The first thing to consider before opening a Michigan dispensary is the location. You need to find the right building or lot to build on and get permission and licenses from your municipality. Your facility must be at least 1,000 feet away from liquor stores, other dispensaries, and drug-free zones such as schools or daycares. Check the locations of existing Michigan cannabis dispensaries and businesses<\/a> to narrow down acceptable locations.<\/p>\r\n

In 2019, the Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) started a Social Equity Program<\/a> to promote adult use of marijuana from local dispensaries. This unique initiative aims to support communities previously affected by cannabis laws pre-legalization. As a result, these program locations<\/a> have reduced dispensary license fees and renewal fees.<\/p>\r\n

Business Models for Your Dispensary<\/h2>\r\n

The cannabis company model you choose and the people you partner with can all impact your license approval. Every person involved in your cannabis company will have to submit to a background check throughout the process.<\/p>\r\n

There are many unique elements to consider before opening your cannabis business. During the licensing process, you must submit a site plan. The plan covers everything from the building layout to security and trash management. You will also need to lobby and advocate for your license approval throughout the licensing process.<\/p>\r\n

Staying Compliant at Your Michigan Dispensary<\/h2>\r\n

The minimum age for recreational marijuana use is 21 years old. Medical marijuana license holders can apply for a recreational license when they are 21 years old. Ensuring that buyers are 21 years of age or older is essential during all cannabis product sales. If your dispensary sells cannabis to someone underage, you could lose your license and face legal consequences.<\/p>\r\n

The table below reviews the Michigan laws and regulations that your marijuana business must follow:<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Michigan Marijuana Laws<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

General Business Considerations<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

The Michigan cannabis market is fast-moving and lucrative for marijuana and cannabis products. You may want to perform a competitor analysis on local pricing. There are no dispensary license caps in the state. In Michigan, retail products are restricted to the following amounts per customer per day:<\/p>\r\n

Taxes<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

According to the Michigan Department of Treasury’s Revenue Administrative Bulletin (RAB)<\/a>, Michigan’s tax treatment of marijuana includes:

Cost To Open a Dispensary<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Retail Store Regulations<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

According to MMFLA Section 333.27504<\/a>:

Dispensary Owner Requirements<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Organizations to Know in Michigan<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n