The bill amends the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act to modernize terminology and regulatory provisions concerning medical cannabis in Michigan. It replaces the term "marijuana" with "cannabis" throughout the text and establishes a new cannabis regulatory agency responsible for overseeing the licensing and regulation of various cannabis-related facilities, including growers, processors, provisioning centers, secure transporters, and safety compliance facilities. The bill also outlines the powers and duties of state and local governmental entities, creates an advisory panel, and provides immunity from prosecution for compliant activities. Additionally, it mandates the agency to develop rules for the safety and integrity of cannabis operations, including testing, labeling, and packaging standards, while emphasizing the need for a statewide monitoring system to track cannabis transactions.

Moreover, the bill makes specific amendments regarding processors and safety compliance facilities in the cannabis industry. It removes the provision that allowed processors to transfer cannabis plants and usable cannabis from individuals formerly registered as primary caregivers for a limited time after obtaining a processor license. The updated requirements for processors include having an active employee with at least two years of experience as a registered primary caregiver until December 31, 2021, and prohibiting them from being registered primary caregivers themselves or employing individuals who are. The bill also sets forth requirements for safety compliance facilities, such as the need for accreditation within one year of receiving a license and adherence to strict testing standards to ensure the safety and quality of cannabis products.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 333.27102