MI: Lansing's Medical Marijuana License Applications Available Friday, Clerk Says

Ron Strider

Well-Known Member
Those interested in obtaining medical marijuana licenses for certain commercial establishments can get applications at City Clerk Chris Swope's office starting Friday, although dispensaries must wait.

The city's new medical marijuana ordinance takes effect Saturday and sets up licensing for five types of marijuana businesses:

•provisioning centers (also known as dispensaries)

•safety compliance facilities

•processor facilities

•secure transporter facilities

•grower facilities

Starting 8 a.m. Monday, Swope's office will accept applications for safety compliance, processor, secure transporter and grower facility licenses.

The office won't accept applications from provisioning centers until the city sets dates for a 30-day application period.

The news release said there is no benefit to applicants for submitting an application early.

“My goal is for this process is to be as fair and efficient as possible in the selection of provisioning centers that protects the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the city with the criteria set forth in the ordinance,” Swope said in a statement. “In addition, I know that many Lansing residents depend on these products for their well-being and we need to move quickly to reduce disruption in access.”

For all marijuana establishments to operating in the city, officials will require licenses from both the city and state.

The state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) emphasized in a statement sent Wednesday to the Lansing State Journal that compliance with local ordinances is necessary for state licensure of a medical marijuana establishment, but doesn't guarantee state approval.

"Proactive policies by local municipalities should help businesses make their preparatory plans for the state licensing process which begins December 15," said David Harns, a LARA spokesman.

Lansing's ordinance will cap provisioning centers at 25, but does not set limits on the number of other types of facilities.

During the first license application review process, up to 20 provisioning center licenses could be granted by Swope. A second phase could grant dispensary licenses for up to five more establishments.

Swope's office is expected to accept an unlimited number marijuana establishment applications, including provisioning centers.

In addition to applications, background check forms and other resources for applicants also are expected to be available Friday.

For more information about medical marijuana establishment licenses, call (517) 483-4131, visit the city clerk's office's website, bit.ly/2xRv4uL, or email city.clerk@lansingmi.gov.


Last fall Michigan lawmakers approved and Gov. Rick Snyder signed a statute creating a regulatory structure for medical marijuana businesses.

The state law called for a regulatory board, creation of review standards and one-year licenses. There is also expected to be a one-time application fee and a regulatory annual fee.

Each application for a Lansing license also will require a $5,000 fee. If the applicant doesn't receive a license, the ordinance states $2,500 of the fee will be returned. The fee to renew a license is also $5,000. If renewal isn't granted, then half of the fee will be returned.

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News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Medical marijuana license applications available Friday
Author: Eric Lacy
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Photo Credit: Eric Lacy
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