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HB 6215

Marihuana: penalties and remedies; uniform enforcement for disciplinary action; provide for. Creates new act.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Andrews and 9 co-sponsors

Creates a centralized Cannabis Licensing Appeals Board to review discipline of licensees and ensure proportionate, rights-based appeals and consistent sanctions.

bill electronically reproduced 07/03/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 6215

Purpose of the bill

  • HB 6215 establishes a structured enforcement and appeal framework for cannabis licensees in Michigan. It creates a formal, centralized process to discipline, appeal, and resolve violations of the marihuana acts and related rules, with the aim of ensuring consistent, proportionate sanctions and clear rights to contest actions.

Key provisions and changes

  • Creation of the Cannabis Licensing Appeals Board (Section 5):

    • A three-member board within the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) to independently review disciplinary actions.
    • Members must be impartial, with disclosures of potential conflicts; terms range from 1 to 4 years, and one member is designated as chair.
    • The board may affirm, modify, overturn, or remand CRA decisions on licensee discipline, and its decisions generate written orders.

  • Graduated disciplinary system (Section 4):

    • CRA must use a proportionate, graduated approach to sanctions, escalating only for serious, repeat, or public-health-related violations.
    • Notices must inform licensees of appeal rights.
    • First-time violations that are not severe may yield warnings or citations (without fines) with corrective action requirements.
    • Civil fines: capped at $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 (or daily gross receipts, whichever is greater) for licensees per violation.
    • Fines can be in addition to other remedies; multiple fines are governed by separate provisions.
    • Summaries suspensions allowed for imminent threats; formal complaints and hearings required absent imminent danger.
    • Revocation triggers include egregious violations (e.g., diversion to illicit market) or persistent violations; revocation requires notice, a hearing, and a finding of need.
    • Violations can limit eligibility for new licenses (1 year ineligibility post-revocation; duration of suspension if applicable).

  • Appeals process (Section 6):

    • Licensees may appeal CRA disciplinary actions to the Appeals Board before or during a contested case, with a 21-day appeal window after notice.
    • Filing fee: $500 (or $375 for participants in the social equity program).
    • An appeal stays the CRA action, except for summary suspensions unless stayed by the board or CRA.
    • Expedited review procedures are available for urgent cases.
    • Appeals hearings may be informal and accessible to licensees; no strict evidentiary rules, but fair process is emphasized.
    • If no contested case is requested, the board’s decision becomes final; if a contested case is pursued, an ALJ issues a proposal for decision, and the board renders a final order.

  • Settlement and compliance options (Section 9):

    • The act does not prohibit settlements or consent orders; such resolutions require director approval and are final for judicial review.
    • Mitigating and aggravating factors guide settlement decisions (e.g., cooperation, reporting violations voluntarily, history of violations, intentionality, harm caused).

  • Public accessibility and equity considerations (Section 15):

    • Emphasis on accessibility for small businesses and social equity licensees.
    • Plain-language materials, guidance, and examples of past decisions to aid understanding.

  • Effective date:

    • The act takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Who would be affected

  • Licensees under the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act and the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act.
  • CRA staff and the newly created Cannabis Licensing Appeals Board.
  • Social equity licensees and small businesses, due to accessibility provisions and reduced filing fees.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Appeals window: 21 days to file petition after notice.
  • Expedited review options available for urgent matters.
  • Hearing timeliness: appeals hearings generally within 30 days of petition receipt, with potential for faster scheduling on expedited requests.
  • Contested case path remains available; board decisions can be integrated with or superseded by ALJ proceedings, depending on whether a contested case is pursued.

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

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