Michigan will consolidate cannabis and hemp regulations to increase efficiency.
On Friday, February 11, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced executive action to consolidate state regulatory bodies for cannabis and hemp processing, distribution, and sales.
Whitmer’s Executive Order 2022-1 also renames the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.
According to Whitmer, the administrative changes will help Michigan continue expanding the hemp and marijuana economy, creating jobs, and investing in communities.
“Consolidating multiple government functions into the newly names Cannabis Regulatory Agency will help us continue our growing economy and creating jobs,” says Whitmer. “And to be blunt-safe, legal cannabis entrepreneurship, farming, and consumption helps us put Michigander 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.”
Previously, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) handled hemp regulation while the Marijuana Regulatory Agency regulated the marijuana industry.
Under Whitmer’s Executive Order, the Marijuana Regulatory agency becomes the Cannabis Regulatory Agency, which will regulate hemp and marijuana processing, distribution, and sales.
MDARD will continue to provide oversight for hemp cultivation.
According to Whitmer, the restructuring will facilitate a more effective, efficient administration and enforcement of all cannabis regulation policies in Michigan.
The executive order will take effect on April 13, 2022 at 12:01 a.m.
