Michigan Gov. Vetoes Three Cannabis-Related Bills Passed During ‘Lame Duck’ Session

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) vetoed three cannabis-related bills as 2022 ended, including a measure that would have amended state law to make it easier to transfer medical cannabis products from one facility to another, Michigan Advance reports.  

In a statement announcing the vetoes, Whitmer said the bills were “rushed through a lame duck session,” according to an MLive report. 

Whitmer also vetoed legislation that would have changed some language and definitions in the state’s Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act, including updating the title for the recently renamed Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA). Another vetoed proposal would have prevented the CRA from denying a person a cannabis license based on their spouse’s job, including if the spouse works for the state or federal government. Bill sponsor Rep. Pat Outman (R), said in June when testifying to his legislation that the change would bring “much needed clarity to Michigan’s adult-use marijuana laws,” according to MLive. 

In her veto statement, Whitmer did not specifically address the cannabis-related measures, saying that she looks “forward to working with the new Legislature in January on priorities that will continue our economic momentum, help lower costs, and expand education supports for Michigan students.” 

“It is time to be serious about solving problems and getting things done that will make working families’ lives better right now.” — Whitmer, in the veto message, via Michigan Advance. 

 All of the vetoed bills were introduced by Republican lawmakers and during the 2022 midterm elections, Democrats flipped both chambers of the state Legislature.