Detroit Legacy Certification Application Is Now Open!
Note: Applications are open and being processed.
Program Overview
The emerging marijuana market is a powerful opportunity for business owners and Detroiters. Our new ordinance takes a Detroit-first approach by allotting 50% of all newly created recreational business licenses to Detroit Legacy Applicants.
This includes retailers, growers, processors, micro-businesses, designated consumption, and marijuana event organizers.
For those who do not qualify for Detroit Legacy Certification, the process is also simple. (See below for details)
Steps to obtain a marijuana license
There are a few certifications you'll need to know and be approved for to start the process.
- State Certification (must do first, see state website for details
- Detroit Legacy Certification (must meet specific criteria, view criteria here)
- Marijuana Business License (will be specific to your business type, see details and options below)
- Must be 21 to Apply
Program Benefits
- 75% discount on selected City-owned land*,
SEE AVAILABLE PROPERTIES
- Application to purchase properties coming soon!
- Up to 99% discount on license fees
- Technical & Financial assistance for Detroit-owned marijuana business start-ups
Apply for Detroit Legacy Certification
If you qualify as a legacy Detroiter you must fill out the below application to register
Please note: We are working to address technical difficulties on the application at this time
Fee: $100 (non-refundable)
Detroit’s recreational license program will be administered according to five key principles:
- Detroit Legacy applicants will get a minimum of 50% of all newly created recreational marijuana business licenses issued in Detroit.
- No license will be issued to any recreational business if it reduces the number of licenses issued to Detroit Legacy applicants below 50%.
- There will be a six-week exclusive early licensing period for Detroit Legacy applicants.
- Detroit Legacy applicants will be able to purchase city-owned land at 25% of fair market value.
- The City will work with philanthropy and private lenders to develop sources of funding and expertise to back Detroit-owned marijuana business start-ups.
License Application Checklist
We've created a checklist to assist applicants seeking a marijuana license
License Applicant ChecklistApply For a License
Once you have reviewed the process guides and gathered the required documentation you can apply for a new license beginning April 1st
- New License
- Renew a License
Application Fees
- License Application Fee: $1000 ($10 for Detroit Legacy)
- License Fee:
Full: $5000
Provisional: $50
Full (Legacy): $50
Types of Available Licenses
The new ordinance authorizes licenses for seven types of recreational marihuana businesses, as well as licenses for event organizers and permits for temporary marihuana events. Each type of license and the number available are specified in the table below.
| License Type | Number of Licenses Available |
| Medical Marijuana Provisioning Center | 75 |
| Adult-Use Retailer Establishment | 75 |
| Grower | Unlimited |
| Processor | Unlimited |
| Secured Transporter | Unlimited |
| Safety Compliance Facility | Unlimited |
| Designated Consumption Lounge | 35 |
| Microbusiness | 35 |
| Marijuana Event Organizer | Unlimited |
| Temporary Marijuana Event | Unlimited |
Zoning & Building Permit Process
Steps to confirm your zoning and receive the required approvals for a building permit
Zoning Map: Adult Use Marijuana Dispensary or Safety Compliance Facility
View available areas to build or start an Adult Use Marijuana Dispensary or Safety Compliance Facility in the City of Detroit
View AvailabilityZoning Map: Adult Use Marijuana Grower, Secure Transport, or Processing Facility
View available areas to build or start an Adult Use Grower, Secure Transport, or Processing Facility in the City of Detroit
View AvailabilityResources
We will continue to update the site with resources and information as it becomes available