Detroit Outlines Adult-Use Marijuana License Process

DETROIT, MI — Detroiters interested in obtaining one or more of the 10 Adult-Use Recreational Marijuana-related licenses can take the first step on January 19 by applying to be certified as a “Legacy Detroiter,” in advance of license application window opening on April 1, Detroit Councilman James Tate and Mayor Mike Duggan announced this week.

The officials shared details on the application process following the recent approval of an amendment to the Detroit City Code, which now allows adult-use recreational marijuana licensing in Detroit through the Medical Marijuana Facilities and Adult-Use Marijuana Establishments ordinance.

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done with input from residents, those in the cannabis industry and the administration to craft legislation that ensures equity in Detroit’s cannabis industry,” Tate said.

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The ordinance gives preference to long time Detroit residents seeking licenses that will include discounts on land, reduced application fees, technical and financial assistance to Detroit-owned marijuana business start-ups.

The ordinance also includes a social equity program, which guarantees that no less than 50 percent of all newly created recreational marijuana business licenses issued in Detroit will be awarded to Detroit Legacy applicants.

Duggan credited Tate for his extensive work crafting an ordinance that puts Detroiters first.

“Thanks to the leadership of Councilmember Tate, we have an ordinance that gives longtime Detroiters an unprecedented opportunity to benefit from this new industry in their city,” Duggan said. “Our work now will be to help applicants navigate the process so they can have the greatest chance for success in obtaining a license.”

How to apply to become a Legacy Detroiter

To qualify for the Detroit Legacy program, you must currently reside in Detroit, and be able to document that you have lived in the city for 15 of the last 30 years or 13 of the last 30 years and are low income or 10 of the last 30 years and have a marijuana-related conviction or a parent with a marijuana-related conviction.

The application to become a Legacy Detroiter will be found on the city’s website here.

The Department of Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity will begin taking applications for certification of Detroit Legacy status beginning Jan. 19, 2021.

Detroiters must submit a Detroit Legacy application and pay the associated fee to be certified and take advantage of the program benefits.

License Application Dates

All license applicants can begin applying for adult-use licenses beginning April 1, 2021, however, under the ordinance, Legacy Detroiters will be provided a 45-day window, during which only their applications will be reviewed. The applications to obtain one of the adult-use recreational marijuana-related licenses will be found on the city's website.

Legacy Detroiter Benefits

• Detroit legacy applicants will receive a 99 percent discount on licensing fees in 2021 and 75 percent discount on licensing fees in 2022.
• Legacy applicants who do not yet have a property to operate their business will be allowed to apply for a “provisional” license and will have one year to find a site.
• A 75 percent discount on city-owned land will be offered to Detroit Legacy applicants.
• Per the ordinance, the City will not issue a license if it will result in Detroit Legacy licensees being under 50 percent in the specified categories.