Marijuana is one of the most controversial subjects in legalization. But despite the difference of opinions all over the world, its popularity has not waned over the years and other uses for this herb are still being discovered. In the US, the possession of marijuana continues to be illegal at the federal level although acknowledged uses for it have been decriminalized in several states.
In 2018, Michigan became the 10th state to legalize the use of marijuana for recreational purposes with the passing of the Medical Marijuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA). Before this, medical marijuana has been allowed in Michigan cities since 2012. Even as far back as 1972, Ann Arbor has been lenient with marijuana in their legislation.
Knowing the demand for this medicinal drug, like other entrepreneurs, this recent vote might pique your interest in starting your own cannabis farm. But before you emblazon your own Michigan storefront with Dispensary Kalamazoo, here are some things you need to know:
1. Like any business, you need a license to operate. Depending on the size of the operations you are planning, the fee starts at $6,000 for every license you will require. This state license can be obtained from the Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) and you will also have to check on your local municipality if you need a permit from them as well.
2. For obvious reasons, your application will automatically be denied if you have been charged for distributing illegal substances to minors up to 10 years prior. Even simply excluding this information in your request is absolutely not recommended as the state will conduct background checks on all applicants. Aside from convictions, your license can also be rejected if you hold elected office. Government workers in Michigan or other states are also ineligible.
3. Since your business will have physical operations, your facilities will need to be inspected. This is a requirement before you plan to open a shop. Your establishment must be ready for the assessment that can be conducted immediately or up to 60 days once you have submitted your application.
4. Once you have started operating, you will need to fill out and submit a financial statement to the MRA every year. This Annual Financial Statement also comes with its own Contact Authorization form and the two must be submitted together. The deadline will be announced on the MRA site and the forms may be sent via email.
5. The rules stipulate that your product must be tested before you can start selling. Since marijuana acts like a drug and might be used by those already experiencing ailments, the state needs to ensure that it is safe for general use by consumers.
Legalization for marijuana especially in Michigan is still in its infancy and as soon as this coming November, several sections of the MMFLA will be up for review. It is best to demonstrate compliance with the current state legislations to ensure the longevity of your business. After all, it can take up to several months for some varieties of this plant to grow!
