Michigan Bill would allow people under the age of 21 to work in the cannabis industry

The Michigan House Committee on Regulatory Reform held a testimony hearing on Tuesday about allowing people under the age of 21 but at least 18 to work in Michigan’s cannabis industry, Fox47News reported.

Currently, employees in dispensaries and adult cultivation facilities are required to be at least 21 years of age. State Rep. Kevin Coleman (Democratic Party) is trying to change that.

“People have to be 21 years old to work with cannabis and that doesn’t matter whether it’s the scientific aspect, cultivation, marketing or sales, so House Bill 6061 is easy, it would be the age of Lower 21 to 18. said Rep. Coleman during his testimony.

One of his arguments for driving this change is a shortage of cannabis workers.

“We have people, young people who are in these college programs or who are trying to start their careers, who can’t get involved in the industry because they’re maybe 18, 19, 20 years old. We want to give young people an opportunity to learn on the job,” said Coleman.

Committee members raised questions about the risk that younger workers might start using cannabis. Micah M. Siegal, testifying on behalf of a Lansing-based marijuana dealer, Pure Options, argued that the risk was low.

“Our products are extremely regulated and the transactions we are involved in are always on camera. Because of this regulatory oversight, the risk of product diversion to minors is minimal,” Siegal said.

The bill remained in committee.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.