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CityRuleLookup

Michigan Statewide Rule

Michigan Lets Cities Ban or Cap Cannabis Dispensaries

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Michigan (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
MCL 333.27956(1)
Local power
Full ban or numeric cap
State regulator
Cannabis Regulatory Agency
Cap method
Competitive application process
Cannot restrict
Transport through municipality
Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Under MCL 333.27956(1) of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, any Michigan city, village, or township may completely prohibit marihuana establishments or cap how many operate within its boundaries, while the state issues the actual licenses.

Except as provided in section 4, a municipality may completely prohibit or limit the number of marihuana establishments within its boundaries.

Full Breakdown

The MRTMA legalizes adult-use cannabis statewide, but MCL 333.27956 hands zoning control to local governments. A municipality may bar dispensaries entirely by ordinance, or set a fixed number of retail licenses it will allow. When it caps the count, it must choose among competing applicants through a competitive selection process. Municipalities can also regulate the time, place, and manner of operation, but cannot block marihuana being transported through the community. The Cannabis Regulatory Agency issues the state license only after the local jurisdiction opts in.

Violations & Penalties

Operating a marihuana establishment in an opted-out municipality, or exceeding the local license cap, means no valid state license; the Cannabis Regulatory Agency can deny, suspend, or revoke licensure and pursue enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Michigan town completely ban cannabis dispensaries?
Yes. MCL 333.27956(1) lets a municipality completely prohibit marihuana establishments within its boundaries by ordinance, even though adult-use cannabis is legal statewide under the MRTMA.
How does a city limit how many dispensaries open?
It adopts an ordinance capping the number of establishments, then selects among competing applicants using a competitive process intended to pick those best suited to operate in compliance.
Can a municipality stop cannabis from passing through?
No. The MRTMA bars local ordinances that restrict transporting marihuana through the municipality, even where dispensaries themselves are prohibited.

Sources

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