Happy New Year! Check out the Social Equity Team’s latest updates for 2026. Catch up on our current education sessions, read about the outcome of the 2026 Social Equity Grant Program, and don’t miss the Social Equity All-Star renewal deadline.
Education Sessions
Find new additions to the Video Library on the CRA website. Browse all education sessions by topic or by date.
- Practical Actions and Tips to Help Prepare for your AFS with LEACIF (12/4/25)
- Processor Extraction, Equipment Regulations & Maintenance with Bureau of Fire Services (11/20/25)
- 2026 CRA Social Equity Grant Program with the Social Equity Team (11/13/25)
- From Wrap-Up to Ramp-Up Your Year-End & New-Year Roadmap with Canopy HR (11/6/25)
- Implementing and Maintaining a Veterans Cannabis Access Program with IndiGrow (10/23/25)
- Best Practices in Cannabis Credit and Collections with CannaBiz (10/16/25)
Also, be sure to check out upcoming 2026 education sessions 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 Grant Program (SEGP)
The Cannabis Regulatory Agency identified 114 social equity licensees that are eligible for a share of the $1 million available through the 2026 Social Equity Grant Program (SEGP).
Each of the grantees will receive an equal share of $8,771.92
The approved 114 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 in one or more of the following categories:
- Employee education
- Business needs
- Community investment
Social Equity All-Star Program Renewal
The Social Equity Team is now accepting 2026 All-Star Program Renewal Forms for participants who wish to continue their involvement in the program. The renewal form is available here.
Participants who wish to update their current plans or advance to a higher tier may do so by completing the All-Star Program Amendment Form, available here, and submitting the required supporting documentation.
Licensees who do not renew their All-Star Program status by January 31, 2026, will be removed from the program and must reapply to regain All-Star certification.
If you have any questions, please contact the Social Equity Team at (517) 284-8599 or via email at CRA-SocialEquity@michigan.gov.
Want to 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
We want to hear from you! Share your experience with the JVPP and provide suggestions for improvement by completing this quick survey.
Thinking about joining the 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.
Social Equity Businesses (Voluntarily Identified)
Michigan social equity businesses that are currently licensed with the CRA may voluntarily identify themselves on the CRA’s website.
Adult-use businesses that wish to share their social equity status with the public may do so by completing this form.
A list of currently voluntarily identified social equity businesses can be found here.
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.
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.
Keep in Touch with the Social Equity Team
Is there anything you would like to see included in the quarterly update? Share your thoughts with the Social Equity Team by completing this brief survey.
Continue to receive news and updates by signing up for our news alerts. 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.
