Legislative Analysis
Phone: (517) 373-8080
CHANGE AGE FOR CERTAIN MARIJUANA-RELATED
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
ACTIVITIES TO 19
Analysis available at
House Bill 4322 (H-1) as adopted http://www.legislature.mi.gov
Sponsor: Rep. Kevin Coleman
Committee: Regulatory Reform
Complete to 10-3-23
SUMMARY:
House Bill 4322 would amend several sections of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of
Marihuana Act that provide for the minimum age of an individual who is performing certain
actions and tasks involving marijuana. Currently, the minimum age is 21 years old. The bill
would lower that age threshold to 19 years old if the individual is an agent acting on behalf of
a marijuana establishment and performing certain tasks or actions.
Generally speaking, the act currently requires that an individual must be 21 years of age or
older to acquire, possess, or transport marijuana, including for purposes relating to actions
performed on behalf of a licensee, including a marijuana grower, processor, secure transporter,
a safety compliance facility, retailer, or microbusiness.
The bill would allow an individual who is 19 years or older perform certain acts while acting
as an agent of a marijuana licensee, but only if doing so as an agent of the marijuana licensees
specified.
The bill also would allow an individual who is 19 years old (rather than the current 21 years
old) to volunteer for a marijuana establishment if an agent of the establishment who is 21 years
of age or older is present and directly supervises the individual while they are volunteering and
working.
Finally, the bill would make other technical or editorial changes that would not substantially
change the act’s current meaning.
MCL 333.27953 et al.
BRIEF DISCUSSION:
Supporters argued that the bill does not have anything to do with the use of cannabis by
individuals under age 21 but instead would allow them to work in a lucrative and growing
industry. In particular, they point to several Michigan universities that have begun offering
programs related to marijuana and note the benefits that working in the industry could have for
students in these programs.
Proponents of the legislation also argued that the difference in the minimum age for working
in medical marijuana facilities (18 years old) and recreational facilities (21 years old) can lead
to difficulties for businesses. According to committee testimony, this can include a medical
House Fiscal Agency Page 1 of 2
 facility that becomes licensed for recreational marijuana needing to fire all workers under the
age of 21.
Finally, supporters argued that the bill would benefit cannabis businesses that, like many
businesses in Michigan, are struggling to fill positions by expanding the workforce that they
have access to.
FISCAL IMPACT:
House Bill 4322 would not have any notable fiscal impact on state or local governmental units.
POSITIONS:
Representatives of the following entities testified in support of the bill (4-11-23):
• Michigan Cannabis Industry Association
• Pure Brands
The following entities indicated support for the bill (5-16-23):
• Michigan Chamber of Commerce
• Common Citizen
The Cannabis Regulatory Agency indicated a neutral position on the bill. (4-11-23)
Legislative Analyst: Alex Stegbauer
Fiscal Analyst: Marcus Coffin
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their
deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
House Fiscal Agency HB 4322 as reported Page 2 of 2


Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 333.27953
House Introduced Bill: 333.27953