Come March, Detroit dispensaries will have a 30 day window during which they can apply for a medical cannabis license to legally remain in operation, as per a controversial set of ordinances passed by the city council last year.
The application process begins at 9 a.m. on March 1, and applications will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Melvin Butch Hollowel of the Detroit Corporation Counsel said there are 211 unlicensed dispensaries currently operating in Detroit. “We wanted to make it clear in writing. Put all of the centers on notice,” he said, so information about the upcoming changes has been sent to all of Detroit’s dispensaries.
The new ordinance places 1,000-foot buffer zones between dispensaries — the same buffer will also apply to dispensary locations near city parks, schools and churches. Successful applicants will already have a site, security plan and background checks in place. Medical cannabis licenses in Detroit will need to be renewed on an annual basis.
Applications that are denied can be resubmitted with an appeal.
Companies that are caught violating medical cannabis licensing laws may face fines of up to $500 and/or 90 days in jail.
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