Cannabis Regulatory Agency Reminds Retail Licensees About Use of the Word “Dispensary”

Licensees are reminded that in 2019, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs issued a bulletin requiring licensed medical marijuana facilities to refer to themselves only as “provisioning centers,” and not as “dispensaries.” The bulletin was updated in 2022 and is available on the Department’s website.

The terminology restrictions apply to licensees under both the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA) and the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA).

Under the Michigan Public Health Code (MCL 333.17711), the term “dispensary” is restricted to entities authorized under Pharmacy Practice and Drug Control laws.

Accordingly, Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) licensed adult-use retailers and medical marijuana provisioning centers:

• May not refer to themselves as a “dispensary”
• May not use the term “dispensary” in advertising or marketing materials
• May not use related terms such as:
  • Pharmacy
  • Apothecary
  • Drugstore
  • Druggist
  • Medicine store

Licensed medical marijuana facilities and licensed adult-use establishments are required to refer to and advertise themselves in compliance with applicable statutes and administrative rules.

All licensees are encouraged to review their signage, marketing materials, website content, and advertising to ensure full compliance.

Questions regarding terminology requirements may be directed to CRA-Info@michigan.gov.