The Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) issued a notification today that the adult-use establishment licensing process will be modified regarding the touchpoints between the MRA and municipalities.

As a result of proposed updates to the administrative rules for marijuana business licensing (which are expected to take effect in early March) changes will be made to the process in which the MRA confirms municipal compliance for adult-use establishment applicants and licensees.

The MRA requests confirmation of compliance from a municipality via a signed attestation. Currently, the applicant must have this attestation completed before submitting their establishment license application. Once the updated administrative rules are effective, the MRA will request confirmation of municipal compliance from the municipality after a complete license application is submitted to the MRA. This confirmation request will come via an email and will be the opportunity for the municipality to notify the MRA if an applicant is not compliant with municipal ordinances.

If a municipality does not notify the MRA that the proposed applicant is out of compliance with municipal ordinances, and the applicant otherwise qualifies for the license, the MRA will issue a state license to the applicant.

The new process will not take effect until the updated administrative rules go into effect. The MRA will notify municipal officials when the rules and new process for adult-use licensing take effect. No changes have been proposed to the medical marijuana facilities existing touchpoints with municipalities at this time.

Questions regarding this upcoming change should be sent via email to [email protected]

Jennifer Rigterink is the League’s assistant director of state and federal affairs handling economic development, land use and municipal services issues. She can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0305.