Michigan Gov. Whitmer consolidates cannabis and hemp regulation to increase efficiency

By Maureen Meehan

Three years after its inception, the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency is getting a new name. The agency will be renamed the Cannabis Regulatory Agency and will take on the task of overseeing the processing, distribution and sale of hemp, in addition to its current regulation of the marijuana industry.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a press statement that these administrative changes will help the state continue to grow the hemp and marijuana economy, create jobs and invest in local communities.

Photo by Mike Kline/Getty Images

RELATED: How Much Weed Was Sold in the Top Selling Cannabis States? Arizona and Michigan break records again

“The consolidation of several government roles into the newly designated cannabis regulator will help us continue to grow our economy and create jobs,” Governor Whitmer said. “And to be on the safe side, legal entrepreneurship, cultivation and use of cannabis is helping us put Michiganders first by channeling the big bonanza of tax revenue from this new industry to encourage bigger, bolder investments in local schools, roads and first responders.”

The change, made by executive order and scheduled to take effect in 60 days, “will allow for more effective and efficient administration and enforcement of Michigan’s laws governing cannabis in all its forms,” ​​Whitmer’s office said in the statement. Michigan is the home state of Benzinga.

The Marijuana Regulatory Agency was created by executive order in the spring of 2019 to oversee the regulation of medical and recreational marijuana following the legalization of cannabis for adult use through a ballot initiative in 2018.

Michigan’s cannabis industry

Since legalization, Michigan’s cannabis industry has grown by leaps and bounds and has experienced some growing pains along the way.

RELATED: Michigan government ends ban on medical marijuana business licenses for prior pot convictions

There have been legislative spats over caregivers, business expansion, market growth, falling prices and a historic recall that continues to rock the industry.

For all the bumps along the way, Michigan’s recreational marijuana market has grown into a nearly $2 billion annual industry when medical and recreational marijuana sales are combined.

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

Post a comment:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *