The first quarter of 2025 is off to a great start! Check out what we have been doing in the new year along with tips, and reminders of the resources we offer.
Education Sessions
Check out the new additions to the Video Library on the CRA website. Browse all education sessions by topic or by date.
- Maximizing Michigan’s Energy Efficiency Incentive Programs with Climate Resources Group
- Cannabis Programs and the Great Lakes Cannabis Collaboration Conference with Northern Michigan University (NMU) (3/13/25)
- Inventory Management with Prelude (2/13/25)
- Recruiting Job Candidates In The Cannabis Industry with Hired In Michigan (2/6/25)
- Michigan Veterans Cannabis (MIVetsCan) Program with the University of Michigan (1/30/25)
- Navigating Wholesale Payment Challenges in the Industry with LeafLink (1/16/25)
Also, be sure to check out upcoming 2025 education sessions and public meetings on the Calendar of Events page.
If you or your company would like to participate in a future CRA Education Session, please email us at cra-socialequity@michigan.gov with a proposed topic.
Social Equity Businesses (Voluntarily Identified)
Michigan’s social equity businesses, which are currently licensed with the CRA can voluntarily identify themselves on the CRA’s website.
Adult-use businesses who wish to share their social equity status with the public can do so by completing this form.
Current voluntarily identified, social equity businesses can be found here.
Adding Social Equity: Existing Adult-Use Applicant or Licensee Form
If you will be adding social equity to an existing Adult-Use License, remember that the Adding Social Equity: Existing Adult-Use Applicant or Licensee Form must be completed at least 90 days prior to the Adult-Use License expiration date. If the form has not been completed and processed before the fee has been assessed, the reduction may not be applied until the following year.
Social Equity Grant Program (SEGP)
In January, the CRA announced that 103 social equity licensees are eligible to share $1 million available through the 2025 Social Equity Grant Program (SEGP). Each of the grantees received an equal share of $9,708.73.
All 103 SEGP grantees have a valid CRA-issued adult-use license, are majority owned by eligible Social Equity Program participants, and are certified participants in the CRA’s Social Equity All-Star Program.
Social Equity Grant Program funds must be spent on one or more of the following:
categories:
- Employee education
- Business needs
- Community investment
Social Equity All-Star Program
Join the increasing number of adult-use licensees being proactive in their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives by becoming a part of the Social Equity All-Star Program. Find out how to meet the bronze, silver, or gold criteria by checking out the Social Equity All-Star Program page on the CRA website.
Here are the companies doing great things:
JVPP
Be sure to learn more about how social equity participants and others in the industry can connect through the Joint Ventures Pathway Program (JVPP) on the CRA website. Participation in the JVPP is growing! Don’t miss out on finding the right partner for joint business ventures, mentorships, incubator programs, employment, and much more.
Business Resource Directory
The Business Resource Directory has contact information for consultants, accountants, financial institutions, legal representation, internal State of Michigan Agencies, and more. Businesses can utilize these resources – from the planning and development stage to the ongoing operation and success of a cannabis business.
If you’re interested in having your company or organization added to the Business Resource Directory, an online request form can be found at the bottom of the Business Resource Directory webpage.
Task Force 1620
Licensees who have implemented a veteran access program that offers cannabis to veterans at a 75-100% discounted rate are eligible to participate in the CRA’s Task Force 1620 Program.
Retailers in Task Force 1620 will have complete flexibility regarding the details of their veteran access program and may set their own parameters on all aspects, including:
- The max amount donated/given per veteran
- What percentage of disability qualifies a veteran for their program
- What amount per week/month will be donated
- The number of veterans in their program
Licensees who are approved to participate in Task Force 1620 will have their business information and veteran access program published on the Task Force 1620 webpage and will receive a seal to display at their facility.
The Task Force 1620 program is available to businesses licensed under the Medical Marijuana Facility Licensing Act (MMFLA) and the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act (MRTMA). To participate in Task Force 1620, a licensee’s business does not need to be majority-owned by a veteran.
To be part of Task Force 1620, review the instructions and complete the form.
Veteran Recognition Program (VRP)
The CRA’s Veteran Recognition Program (VRP) recognizes CRA-licensed businesses that are majority-owned by veterans of the US armed forces. When a business is approved to be part of the VRP, it will receive a recognition letter and seal from the CRA. Approved licensees will also have their business name and license number listed on the Veteran Recognition Program webpage.
This program is available to businesses licensed under the Medical Marijuana Facility Licensing Act (MMFLA) and the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act (MRTMA).
To be part of the VRP, review the instructions and complete the form.
Application Assistance
Received your eligibility letter from the social equity program? You are now eligible for Adult-Use Application Assistance, a free service offered by the Social Equity Team. Schedule an appointment now to limit any deficiencies with the submission of the Step 1 adult-use application.
Appointments will be conducted by a phone or video call with a social equity representative.
Keep in Touch with the Social Equity Team
Want to continue to receive news and updates, sign up for our news alerts and don’t forget to tell a friend to do so as well. Go to the CRA website and scroll down to the bottom of the page. Enter your email address here.
