Are New Regulations Threatening the Cannabis Industry in Michigan?

Michigan first approved medical marijuana back in 2008, but the process up to this point has been anything but smooth. With Michigan becoming one of 29 states that legally allows medical marijuana, the state is now experiencing issues with new guidelines being developed that are temporarily making dispensaries close up shop until further notice.

Early in September, the Executive Marijuana Board met to discuss a motion to close all Michigan marijuana dispensaries for the time being until new state guidelines have been set in stone. In the meantime, the board is looking to vote in favor of dispensaries in Michigan to shut down until each one is licensed throughout the state.

Now with more marijuana dispensaries in Michigan deciding to temporarily close their doors to be compliant with the state’s Executive Marijuana Board and to be eligible for licenses in the future, what can be expected in the new marijuana licensing process in the months to come?

Recently, Alex Leonowicz, a lawyer at Howard & Howard in Royal Oak, explained to the Oakland Press how applicants can expect the process of obtaining marijuana licensing to be similar in intensity to that of getting a liquor and gaming license. The Michigan Medical Marijuana Licensing Board is set to begin issuing licenses as early as 2018 and new businesses can expect an extensive background check before they set up shop. With new guidelines taking effect in mid December, applying for one of the five new medical marijuana licenses could be a slow process as dispensaries wait for regulations to be published.

In addition to licensing issues and some dispensaries potentially going out of business because of these new regulations, the well-being of the patients who rely on these dispensaries for medical marijuana still remains. Even with the cease in operations, many dispensaries in Michigan beleive the board is working to carry out the licensing process quickly so patients can continue getting their medicine as soon as possible.

These new regulations are expected to take out any legal uncertainty there currently is with medical marijuana dispensaries. And with that, the cannabis industry is expected to continue on a steady rate of growth in all states that have legalized it.