LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Two Michigan representatives on opposite sides of the political aisle are working together on a plan to modernize Michigan’s marijuana laws.

Reps. Graham Filler (R-Duplain Township) and Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (D-Ypsilanti) said House Bills 5884-85 would merge the regulations for recreational adult-use and medical marijuana into the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, thus repealing the older medical marijuana law.

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“Streamlining and simplifying these laws is a win for everyone involved – from businesses to patients to regulators,” said Filler. “By modernizing the regulatory process, we can help businesses cut costs and increase efficiency.”

Wilson, Jr. added, “This is about making Michigan an attractive and stable place for marijuana businesses to thrive,” said Wilson, D-Ypsilanti. “This is a forward-thinking approach that positions Michigan as a leader in the industry.”

Currently, marijuana licensees in Michigan are regulated under two different state laws: the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act, created by the Legislature in 2016 to oversee facility regulation and licensing, and the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, which voters passed in 2018.

This dual regulatory system has created burdens for businesses as well as the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency. For example, marijuana licensees must renew both a medical and recreational license annually to grow, process, transport, or sell marijuana.

The House bills have been referred to the House Regulatory Reform Committee for consideration.