MI bills merging cannabis licenses garner bipartisan backing

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Michigan state law requires cannabis businesses to have different licenses for growing, processing, transporting, and selling marijuana. But a bill with bipartisan support in Lansing would consolidate all of that if the governor signs it into law.

Currently, two state laws, the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act, passed in 2016, and the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, passed in 2018, essentially force cannabis businesses to maintain separate licenses for medical and recreational activities every year. For them, it’s expensive and logistically overwhelming.

“Recreational, medical, our grow (operations),” said Brianna McNally at the Pharmhouse Wellness Dispensary in Grand Rapids. “Not even that, we have to follow each and every rule, so the different penalties. We have to make sure everything is up to par. We have licenses hanging all around the Pharmhouse of everyone that we have to have.”

If passed, House Bills 5884 and 5885 would simplify this process by consolidating licenses under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act. Supporters also believe this change would substantially reduce costs for businesses.

“That’s a little extra money that we could spruce up the place, get more bud for our customers,” McNally said. “So, I think that’ll be great.”

St. Johns Republican Rep. Graham Filler co-authored the bills with Ypsilanti Democrat Rep. Jimmie Wilson Junior.

“I think this is going to further influence and positively impact that regulated market in Michigan — more stability, more efficiency,” Filler said.

If signed into law, fewer licenses could decrease the state’s tax revenue. But Filler believes that will be offset by businesses wanting to open or grow in Michigan.

“You want to see if the state is passing laws, rules and regulations that make your job easier to sell your thing, grow your thing, or build your thing. This goes to the heart of it,” he said. “This will make Michigan more attractive for investment for cannabis and cannabis businesses.”

McNally added, “A lot of people get scared when they say, ‘You got to have this, this and this’, then more money. They get discouraged. (The bills) will help some of them who didn’t try to actually try this time and be able to fully do what they want to do.”

As of late July, the bills are in committee. But Filler believes their bipartisan support will likely lead to a vote this fall.

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