LANSING, Mich. — Governor Whitmer signed another executive order on Tuesday, this time moving marijuana regulation into a centralized agency.
Executive Order 2019-07 established the Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
The combination of authorities, functions, and duties into one agency should allow Michigan to be more efficient in regulating both medical and adult-use marijuana.
“I’m confident that the MRA is prepared to implement a fair and effective regulatory structure that protects Michiganders while providing an opportunity for businesses of all sizes to thrive,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Having a single state agency dedicated to administering all state laws relating to marijuana will allow Michigan to continue to lead the nation in this emerging industry.”
The Marijuana Regulatory Agency will hold four public meetings each year in which they will receive public input while also providing information on the administration of the state’s marijuana laws.
“It is our intention to have an initial set of industry ‘emergency rules’ in place this summer and to be prepared to begin accepting business applications this fall,” said newly appointed MRA Executive Director Andrew Brisbo. “Giving local municipalities, other state agencies, and potential business owners enough time to plan and prepare will allow for a successful rollout of the new adult-use marijuana law.”
The staff of the MRA has already processed over 180,000 applications for marijuana registry cards.
They want to be the national model for a regulatory program that stimulates business growth while preserving safe consumer access to marijuana, according to a press release.
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