Bipartisan legislation that would allow Michigan’s state-licensed marijuana businesses to conduct trade with tribal cannabis entities located in the state won approval from the full House of Representatives this week. The bills, passed by the Senate in June, next proceed to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D).
The pair of bills, SB 180 and SB 179, were reported out of the House Committee on Regulatory Reform on Tuesday and passed by the full chamber on Thursday.
Though the two pieces of legislation work together, the bulk of the policy changes are packaged in SB 180, sponsored by Sen. Roger Hauck (R). Adjustments in tax revenue allocation, meanwhile, are contained in SB 179, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Irwin (D). The bills are tie-barred, meaning neither can take effect unless both become law.
Michigan’s legal cannabis industry and tribal marijuana businesses on Indian lands “are currently in two separate silos, meaning that product cannot be sold between these businesses,” according to an analysis prepared by House staff. “The bills are intended to allow for the sale of product between the two types of businesses while maintaining a level playing field by requiring tribal businesses to pay the same tax rate as other businesses.”
To read more, click on Marijuana Moment