LANSING, MI – February 16, 2024: Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) Executive Director Brian Hanna applauded Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Executive Budget Recommendation, which includes additional support for the agency’s initiatives.

This year’s budget is balanced, fiscally responsible, does not raise taxes on Michiganders, and contains support for key CRA initiatives, including:

• Eliminating the monthly subscription fees that licensees currently pay to access the statewide monitoring system
• Increased support to combat illicit activity in the cannabis market
• Improved enforcement efforts and workload management within the Licensing Division
• Reducing wait times for fire safety inspections

“We are excited to continue moving forward with support for our key initiatives, which stakeholders have indicated are important for a thriving and growing cannabis market,” said Hanna. “By removing the burden and cost of the monthly subscription to the statewide monitoring system, the CRA is investing in the stability and long-term success of the legal market. Increased support for combating illicit activity, improving enforcement efforts, and increasing safety with fire inspections will help us continue to support our state’s licensed businesses.”

“We applaud Governor Whitmer for putting forward a comprehensive budget for our program that will address a number of urgent requests from our members,” said Robin Schneider, executive director of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association (MiCIA). “The budget contains several important allocations that will increase safety, reduce businesses’ regulatory costs, and increase profitability for law abiding operators by increasing enforcement against illicit activity in our market. As we work toward the continued improvement of our industry, we appreciate the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency’s willingness to listen to our concerns and take action to address them.”