Unlicensed medical marijuana dispensaries have been given a grace period extending to December 31st. Since September, Michigan state has been trying to figure out a way to close down these dispensaries. The dispensaries that are currently operating have been operating under the temporary emergency rule as they wait for the official license.
Andrew Brisbo, the director of the Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation, quoted “As dispensaries have either gotten licenses or been denied a license, the number of unlicensed dispensaries that are operating has dropped from more than 200 to 98.” On the other hand, there are at least 40 medical marijuana dispensaries that have been fully licensed by the state.
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has been flooded by a number of court rulings and the need to make sure that there are enough licensed medical marijuana dispensaries around the state. These dispensaries are set to supply up to 300,000 medical marijuana cardholders.
The City of Lansing
The city of Lansing has been going through the applications of 25 medical dispensary licenses and wishes to start passing out the approvals. The dispensaries, however, cannot receive the state license to sell medical marijuana until they receive a community go-ahead from where they are located.
The Lansing City Attorney disclosed that no licenses can be issued until each and every dispensary has gone through the appeals process. He continued saying that almost a quarter of his staff are devoted to medical marijuana.
The Director of the Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation was quoted saying that the state was trying to resolve the case before the state Court of Claims. He promised that none of the unlicensed dispensaries will be shut down before Dec. 31. However, On Jan. 1, there will be a new governor which could lead to a rule change.
