Governor Whitmer Announces New Social Equity Program Enhancement in the Cannabis Industry

The Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) is committed to continuous improvement and announced today a new process by which social equity program participants – whose prequalification status has expired – are now eligible to apply anew for prequalification without having to pay an additional application fee.

“Removing this barrier to entry for social equity program participants in the cannabis industry will lower the cost of doing business and promote sustainable small business growth in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “This essential update will directly benefit business owners who have been most impacted by unfair laws and practices and ensure that Michigan continues leading the way in building an equitable, just, and prosperous cannabis industry.”

While social equity applicants will be required to submit a new prequalification application to start the background review process, a new application fee will not be charged.

“Listening to stakeholders is very important to the success of this industry and is one of my top objectives,” said Acting CRA Executive Director Brian Hanna. “I am proud that my team has found a way to make this improvement to our processes a reality for our social equity participants.”

For further information on the application process, please visit the CRA website.