Detroit Grants 37 Cannabis Licenses, 13 Going To Black-Owned Businesses

Five of the licenses have gone to Majority Women-Owned Businesses

Some businesses in Detroit are going up in smoke— in a good way—as the City of Detroit has announced that it has granted cannabis licenses to 37 applicants. Thirteen of those have gone to businesses that are Black majority-owned, five to companies owned by a majority of women, and 21 that are owned by residents of Detroit.

“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 owners of their businesses,” said City Council President Pro Temp James Tate in a written statement.

“Of those newly licensed business owners in ‘Round One,’ 16 are African American. Today, we continue the progressive expansion of our cannabis industry with the announcement of ‘Round Two’ 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.”

The City of Detroit’s Office of Marijuana Ventures and Entrepreneurship (OMVE) has stated that the licenses distributed in this second round went to the businesses that have demonstrated the potential to be successful in this field. This round includes businesses that will become adult-use cannabis retailers, microbusinesses, and designated consumption establishment licenses.

“We congratulate all the successful applicants who have been awarded licenses in Round 2,” said Kim James, director of the Office of Marijuana Ventures and Entrepreneurship. “These individuals and organizations 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.”

Last year, according to CBS Detroit, the agency awarded 33 adult-use cannabis licenses.