A few weeks after the Detroit City Council officially moved forward with allowing recreational marijuana facility to operate in Detroit, the licensing process has been ironed out.
The first step in the process begins on January 19th, where interested applicants may apply to be certified as a “Legacy Detroiter.” The newly approved ordinance gives preference to long-time Detroit residents that seek licenses and includes discounts on land, reduced application fees, and technical and financial assistance to new Detroit-owned marijuana business.
The ordinance also includes a social equity program (SEP) which guarantees that
no less than 50% of all newly created recreational marijuana business licenses for retailers, growers, processors, microbusinesses, designated consumption and marijuana event organizers issued in Detroit will be awarded to Detroit Legacy applicants.
“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,” said Councilman James Tate, after the ordinance was formally approved.
“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,” added Mayor Mike Duggan, in praise of the ordinance. “Our work now will be to help applicants navigate the process so they can have the greatest chance for success in obtaining a license.”
To qualify for the Detroit Legacy program, one 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 if you are low income. Additionally, those who have lived in the city for 10 of the last 30 years and have a Marijuana conviction or have a parent with a marijuana conviction, will also be eligible.
The deadlines for application are as follows:
- Detroit Legacy applicants:
- Application review begins May 1, 2021
- General applicants with existing medical marijuana license:
- Application review begins June 16, 2021
- General applicants without an existing medical marijuana license:
- Application review begins August 1, 2021
Those applying will need to submit documentation to certify their legacy status, which can include pay stubs, tax returns, mortgage or rental lease documents. The application form to become a Legacy Detroiter will be found on the city’s website at www.detroitmeansbusiness.org.
