Michigan opened up to accept a new round of applications for adult-use licenses last week (March 1st), and the Detroit Legacy Program opens up April 1st! Here’s what you need to know about Michigan’s cannabis application process.
Types of Licenses Being Offered
Michigan opened up on Monday, March 1st for adult-use licenses. This round is more accessible to all Michiganders because applicants are no longer required to hold an active medical marijuana license to be eligible. The following adult-use licenses are available: Marijuana Retailer, Marijuana Processor, Class B Marijuana Grower, Class C Marijuana Grower, and Marijuana Secure Transporter.
The Detroit Legacy Program
This program is new and opens up it’s application round on April 1st. To qualify for this program, you must currently reside in Detroit and be able to document that you: lived in Detroit for 15 of the last 30 years, or live in Detroit for 13 of the last 30 years and are low income, or lived in Detroit for 10 of the last 30 years and have a marijuana conviction or have a parent with a marijuana conviction. There are a multitude of benefits to becoming a certified Legacy Detroit applicant including:
- At least 50% of licenses in most of the 10 license categories must be awarded to certified Legacy Detroiters.
- A 99% discount on licensing fees in 2021 and 75% discount on licensing fees in 2022.
- A 75% discount on city-owned land.
- Ability to apply for a one-year “provisional” license if the applicant does yet own a property
There’s only a 45-day window for submitting and reviewing these applications, so the time to act is now!
Basic Overview Of the Application Process
Before submitting your actual application, a prequalification application must be submitted. This includes information about you and your business, including tax records and a background check. If applying for the social equity program as a qualified member of a disproportionately impacted community, you must apply with the Social Equity Program prior to submitting a step 1 application for prequalification. There is a $6,000 non-refundable application fee. The main application consists of attestations, entity information documents, regulation documents, tax compliance documents, and litigation documents (if applicable).
Changes To The Previous Application Process
New application requirements and regulations just became accessible on Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency website on Monday, March 1st. Previous versions of the application will not be accepted, so it’s important to adhere to the new guidelines. Paper applications are not preferred, as the online application is specifically designed to ensure that all pieces of the application are completed appropriately.
Make your list of questions and contact Canna Business Services for assistance with preparing your Michigan application.