The City of Detroit’s Office of Marijuana Ventures and Entrepreneurship (OMVE) has awarded 37 applicants with cannabis business licenses as part of its second round of awards.
The Round 2 winners include 13 businesses that are majority-owned by African Americans, five majority-owned by women, and 21 majority owners who are Detroit residents.
The awards include: retailer licenses, which allow a business to sell cannabis and related products from licensed growers and processors to adult consumers for recreational purposes; micro-business licenses, which allow a small business to vertically integrate by growing and processing up to 150 plants and directly selling those products to adult consumers for recreational purposes; and, consumption lounge licences, which allow a commercial location to host adults to consume cannabis products.
City Council President Pro Temp James Tate, stated: “Just shy of a year ago, the City of Detroit awarded its first round of adult-use limited licenses, which saw a little more than 50% of adult use limited licenses awarded to Detroit residents who are the majority owner of their businesses.
“Of those newly licensed business owners in ‘Round 1’, 16 are African American. Today, we continue the progressive expansion of our cannabis industry with the announcement of ‘Round 2’ awardees.
“Congratulations to all those who persevered through a gauntlet of challenges to get to this point; and I am excited for the future as we continue to provide legitimate opportunities for Detroiters within an industry that previously shut them out.”
“We congratulate all the successful applicants who have been awarded licenses in Round 2,” added Kim James, Director of the Office of Marijuana Ventures and Entrepreneurship.
“These individuals and organisations have exhibited remarkable potential and commitment to operate successfully, while honoring the City’s diversity and equity goals. We are excited to witness their contributions to the sector and the positive economic impact we expect to see for the City of Detroit.
“OMVE remains dedicated to facilitating a transparent and fair licensing process, ensuring that all applicants have an equal opportunity to participate in this growing industry. The Office encourages unsuccessful applicants to continue their pursuit of entrepreneurship and stands committed to offering support and guidance for future licensing opportunities.”
