Governor Gretchen Whitmer has taken action to consolidate the regulatory bodies within the State of Michigan that oversee cannabis and hemp processing, distribution, and sale to improve efficiency. The administrative changes are designed to help the state continue growing the hemp and marijuana economy, and create jobs according to a statement from the Governor’s Office.
Whitmer said, “Consolidating multiple government functions into the newly named Cannabis Regulatory Agency will help us continue growing our economy and creating jobs.” “And to be blunt—safe, legal cannabis entrepreneurship, farming, and consumption helps us put Michiganders first by directing the large windfall of tax revenue from this new industry to make bigger, bolder investments in local schools, roads, and first responders.”
Currently, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) regulates hemp, while the Marijuana Regulatory Agency regulates marijuana.
Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2022-1 renames the Marijuana Regulatory Agency as the Cannabis Regulatory Agency and tasks it with regulating the processing, distribution, and sale of both hemp and marijuana going forward.
Oversight of hemp cultivation will remain with MDARD. This restructuring will allow for a more effective, efficient administration and enforcement of Michigan laws regulating cannabis in all its forms. The executive order was filed with the legislature and will take effect in 60 days.
