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SB 597

Marihuana: licenses; number of marihuana retailer licenses; place limit on. Amends secs. 7, 8, 9 & 9a of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27957 et seq.) & adds sec. 9b.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeremy Moss and 1 co-sponsor

Michigan bill capping marijuana retailer licenses to limit market entry and establish geographic restrictions on cannabis retail operations.

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Bill Summary · SB 597

Legislative bill overview

SB 597 modifies Michigan's 2018 Marijuana Regulation and Taxing Act by amending licensing provisions and adding new regulatory language to establish limits on the number of marijuana retailer licenses that can be issued. The bill specifically targets sections governing license issuance and adds a new section (9b) to implement place-based restrictions on retail operations.

Why is this important

Marijuana retail licensing directly affects market competition, tax revenue generation, and public access to legal cannabis products in Michigan. By capping retailer licenses, this bill would shape the commercial cannabis landscape—potentially protecting existing license holders from competition, influencing where consumers can legally purchase products, and affecting local tax revenues that municipalities receive from cannabis sales.

Potential points of contention

  • Market concentration concerns: License caps may limit consumer choice and create monopolistic conditions, benefiting early market entrants while preventing new businesses from entering the market
  • Social equity implications: Numerical caps could disadvantage social equity applicants and communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition if they compete for limited licenses
  • Local vs. state authority: The bill's "place limit" language may conflict with local municipalities' existing authority to regulate cannabis businesses within their jurisdictions, creating regulatory confusion

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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