Cannabis Regulatory Agency Announces Programs to Support Michigan’s Veterans

In order to further support Michigan’s armed services veterans, the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) announced today two new programs aimed at serving Michigan’s veteran population.

Task Force 1620 – a program that recognizes CRA licensees that have programming set up for safe and affordable cannabis access for veterans – and the Veteran Recognition Program – which will recognize veteran-owned cannabis businesses in Michigan – will help the CRA provide support to veterans who call Michigan home.

“This is personal to me,” said CRA Executive Director Brian Hanna, who served as a captain in the US Army Reserve from 2006 through 2012 and earned the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge for his 2010-2011 deployment to Afghanistan. “I understand the struggles that my fellow veteran brothers and sisters go through after returning to civilian life. Many veterans have told me that cannabis helps their PTSD symptoms and allows them to work and live without having to rely on powerful, addictive painkillers. These new programs will assist Michigan’s veterans by connecting them with cannabis retailers who are willing to assist.”

“As a disabled veteran, I commend the CRA’s commitment to Michigan’s veterans,” said Anton Harb Jr., an Iraq combat veteran and founder of the Veteran Access Program in Michigan. “Support for veterans was a key component of the ballot proposal when Michigan voters legalized cannabis in 2018, and I’m proud to see our state leading the country, once again, by providing these programs to our veterans.”

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 new 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 CRA webpage. They will also 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 a part of Task Force 1620, businesses should apply on the CRA website. Questions regarding the Task Force 1620 program should be emailed to CRA-SocialEquity@michigan.gov.

Veteran Recognition Program

The CRA’s new Veteran Recognition Program (VRP) will recognize those CRA-licensed businesses which 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. The ownership structure provided to licensing during the application/amendment process will be used to determine the percentage of veteran ownership. Approved licensees will have their business name and license number listed on the CRA’s website.

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 apply to be a part of the Veteran Recognition Program, businesses should apply on the CRA website. Questions regarding the Veteran Recognition Program should be emailed to CRA-SocialEquity@michigan.gov.

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