What is a Michigan dispensary license, and why is it important for cannabis entrepreneurs?

A Michigan dispensary license allows individuals to operate retail locations for the sale of cannabis products legally. It is essential for entrepreneurs looking to enter the state's cannabis market.

How many types of dispensary licenses are available in Michigan?

Michigan offers various types of dispensary licenses, including adult-use (recreational) and medical licenses, and it distinguishes between retail and microbusiness licenses.

Is it legal to operate both medical and adult-use dispensaries under the same license in Michigan?

While it is possible to operate both types of dispensaries under separate licenses, a single license cannot cover both medical and adult-use.

Michigan Cannabis License Solutions

The Cannabis License Experts (or CLE) experienced team will allow you to get your Michigan Cannabis License faster and with an unmatched success rate. Having to repeat your Michigan Cannabis License application process will set your business back by months and significantly impact your earnings potential. Let us show you how we’ll help you on your path to a marijuana business license in Michigan and much more by booking your free consultation today.

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Market Overview - Marijuana Business License Michigan

Michigan’s first recreational dispensary opened less than 2 years after the state became the third largest cannabis market in the U.S. behind California and Colorado. Similar to other dual licensing states, new applicants and out of state license hopefuls need a high degree of political savvy to navigate the regulatory barriers to entry and onerous nuances of this Midwest marketplace. A 2018 initiative to legalize recreational use (the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act) passed with sales of recreational cannabis starting in December 2019. With recreational marijuana now legal, new license types enter into this growing market. Overall sales exceeded $950 million in 2020 with year-to-date sales of recreational and medical marijuana passing $1 billion in 2021, according to the Marijuana Regulatory Agency.

Book a free consultation today to learn more about how Cannabis License Experts can assist you and your team on the path to getting your Michigan Cannabis License.

Marijuana Business License Michigan Licensing Requirements, Timelines, and Selection

The Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) regulates the state's adult-use marijuana establishments and licensees in accordance with the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA). The Marijuana License Application Process is a 2 step process. Step One of the application process is prequalification of Main Applicant (MA) and Supplemental Applicants (SA) and Step Two allows for completed processing and approval. Co-Location and Vertical Integrated licensees, depending on municipality regulations. Per 1300.06(a)(1) the maximum number of locations for both Medical Marihuana Provisioning Centers and Marihuana Retailers shall be capped at 28. No single location operators may serve as both a Medical marihuana Provisioning Center and a Marihuana Retailer.

Note: Applications are not being accepted for New Provisioning Centers or Adult Use Retail Locations at this time. However, existing Provisioning Centers may add Adult Use Retail or vice versa during open windows.

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Some of the World’s Largest Brands have Trusted CLE to Support their Cannabis Journey.

5 Star Google Reviews

Matthew Caton Yield Cannab

Canna License Experts, and their team were retained by our company to help us along the way with a retail canna license. Brian Wolf along with Kalpna Mistry and their team of experts were there the entire way through the process. Thanks again to Brian and Kalpna for all you support from our family at YIELD Cannab Co.

Lin Yan GMLL Pharma

We have contacted a few licensing company before I decided to contact with Canna licensing Experts. So far I think I have made the right choice and I am happy with the work they have done for us. The team answer questions promptly and never leave us alone. Not to mention their charge are reasonable comparing the similar type of consulting company and quality of their job.

Joseph Dow Dow Testing Labs

Brian and Kalpna at Cannabis License Experts were very pleasant, informative, and knowledgeable regarding licensing. They helped us fill out all the forms needed and guided us through the entire process. I am sure that without their guidance our application would still be in process, or have been dismissed because of some missing information.

Marijuana Business License Michigan Cannabis License Types

Medical Licenses

The existing medical categories for medical marijuana licenses include:

Note: Excess Marijuana Grower has been added to accommodate large grow licenses in order to become mega-growers for both medical and recreational use.

Adult Use Licenses

There are six new categories of Michigan Cannabis Licenses for recreational use:

Michigan Cannabis Class A Grower License
Michigan Cannabis Marijuana Microbusiness License
Michigan Cannabis Designated Consumption Establishment License
Michigan Cannabis Marijuana Event Organizer License
Michigan Cannabis Temporary Marijuana Event License
Michigan Cannabis Marijuana Testing Facility License

Total # Michigan Marijuana Licenses
Grower 906 active *between 308 companies
Processors *unknown at time of this report
Testing facilities *unknown at time of this report
Retail stores 712
Secure Transporters *unknown at time of this report
Basic Demographic Information
Resources include the US Census Bureau, City-Data.com, and any additional relevant resources.
Total # of Counties	83
Total # of Cities/Towns	1,240 townships, 276 cities, and 257 villages
County population in 2019	670,031

City of Detroit

Median Age

$35

Medial Income

$99K

Median Home Price

$860/Month

Fair Market Rent

Business Climate

Overall, the majority of the state has embraced the formal legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational use. With few notable exceptions, licensing of all cannabis operations continues to be moving at a reasonable pace.

Ranking in the upper middle of an overall state review, Michigan has earned numerous accolades for its favorable business climate. The Wolverine State offers a diverse and abundant workforce, business-friendly environment, low cost of living and global supply chain assets, including available business resources and capital.

Marijuana Business License Michigan Financial Requirements

Common for most jurisdictions as a mandatory component of the Michigan Cannabis License application is the requirement for a minimum amount of liquid cash on hand. This is to ensure that applicants have the financial wherewithal from the Michigan Cannabis License process through to the initial 2-5 years of operation. Under state law designed to ensure that the businesses will succeed, medical marijuana applicants have to prove that they have assets worth $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the license, to qualify for an industry license. The recreational market has no capitalization requirements. Michigan Cannabis License Application fees for different categories of licenses range from just $1,000, up to $40,000. The Michigan Cannabis License fee amount depends on the Michigan Cannabis License type, with the largest grow and processor licensees charged $40,000, and the smaller businesses being charged $1,000.

Real Estate & Zoning

Consideration for regional and local zoning with regard to allowed proximity to certain business types, schools, and other prohibited areas should be researched according to local and municipal rules. Possession of real estate is often a requirement for licensing prior to application submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who regulates cannabis in Michigan?

In Michigan, cannabis regulation, licensing and enforcement is overseen by the state’s appointed Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), previously known as the Marihuana Regulatory Agency (MRA).

What is the timeline for processing adult use cannabis facility license applications?

Michigan accepts license applications for most license types on a rolling basis. The cannabis regulatory agency is required to give approval of an adult use establishment license application within 90 days of receiving a complete application.

Can cannabis products be delivered into municipalities that don’t allow cannabis businesses to operate in their jurisdiction?

Yes, while municipalities can ban cannabis businesses from locating within their jurisdiction they cannot restrict businesses from transporting cannabis through their jurisdiction.

How many microbusiness licenses can one licensee hold?

Currently, licensees can hold only one microbusiness license at a time. After January 1, 2023 this rule may change.

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Applying for a Marijuana Business License in Michigan and unsure where to start?

Applications for a cannabis license in Michigan are accepted on a rolling basis at the state level and new jurisdictions are consistently developing ordinance’s designing the framework for Michigan cannabis licensing at the local level. Cannabis License Experts can help guide you through the cannabis licensing process in Michigan from start to finish both at the state and local level. Not sure where to start? CLE can develop a preliminary business and feasibility plan to help give an understanding of business viability within the local climate.