- The City has enacted Ordinances allowing proposed Medical Marijuana Caregiver Centers (MMCC’s), to apply for a business license needed to operate in M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4, B-2, and B-4 zoning districts. The Ordinances amend Chapters 24 and 61 of the 1984 Detroit City Code, and are available online on the City’s website.
- A licensed MMCC will be permitted to distribute and cultivate medical marijuana in a commercial building in accordance with the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (MCL 333.26421)
- Spacing requirements for MMCC’s:
–1,000 radial feet from a “Drug Free Zone,” which includes arcades, child care centers, educational institutions, libraries, outdoor recreational facilities, schools and youth activity centers, and public housing
–1,000 radial feet from another MMCC
–1,000 radial feet from a Controlled Use (e.g. liquor store)
–1,000 radial feet from a religious institution defined as exempt by the City Assessor.
- MMCC’s are not permitted within Gateway Radial Thoroughfare or Traditional Main Street overlay areas.
- Maps showing potential locations can be found on the following link: https://www.detroitmi.gov/Government/Boards/City-Planning-Commission-Information
- The Effective Date of the Ordinances is March 1, 2016, meaning any proposed MMCC cannot begin the application process for City approvals until that date. Application forms will be available online on the Effective Date.
- Any proposed MMCC facility/business, or any facility/business pertaining to the distribution of medical marihuana, having opened prior to obtaining all required City approvals under the application process is operating illegally.
- Applicants must obtain zoning approval prior to applying for a business license. Zoning approval starts with an application for site plan approval submitted to the Plan Review Counter of the Building, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) on the 4th floor of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226
- Applicants for approved zoning may submit an application for a business license at BSEED’s Business Licensing Center.
- Applicants and their employees/agents seeking an MMCC business license must be registered caregivers under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act.
- Applicants and their employees/agents will undergo background checks, and may not have felony convictions.
- Any MMCC license automatically expires on Sept. 30 of each calendar year. MMCC’s must re-apply for a license 30 days prior to the expiration date.
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