Michigan’s Social Equity Program encourages people from communities disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition and enforcement to participate in the cannabis industry. As per the MRA, a disproportionately impacted community is one where marijuana-related convictions are higher than the state median, and 20% or more of the population is living below the federal poverty level. Discounts for application and license fees go up to 75%, with criteria as follows:
25% fee reduction: If the applicant has resided in a disproportionately impacted community for at least 5 cumulative years within the past 10 years.
10% fee reduction: If the applicant was a registered primary caregiver under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act for at least two years between 2008 and 2017.
Conviction due to a cannabis-related offense- Misdemeanor convictions: 25% fee reduction; Felony convictions: 40% fee reduction.
