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Dozens of medical marijuana dispensaries will likely have to close at the end of this month

(file photo)
steve carmody
/
Michigan Radio
(file photo)
(file photo)
Credit steve carmody / Michigan Radio
/
Michigan Radio
(file photo)

The clock is ticking on dozens of unlicensed medical marijuana provisioning centers in Michigan.

Starting April 1, the state will direct those dispensaries to shut their doors.

Advocates are concerned that could mean medical marijuana patients will have trouble getting their medicine.

“We’re going to see a reduced access for medical marijuana patients because of the shuttering of some of those provisioning centers that are in the process of the licensing,” says Rick Thompson, with the Michigan chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

The Michigan Marihuana Licensing Board reviewed more than a hundred applications Thursday. But many still failed to win approval.

Rick Johnson is the chairman of the state’s Medical Marihuana Licensing Board. He expects the changing rules are not going to prevent medical marijuana patients from getting their medication.

“You’re going to end up with more product that’s been tested,” says Johnson.  

Time is also running out for the Michigan Marihuana Licensing Board.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer plans to replace the licensing board with a new agency that will have oversight on marijuana regulations. 

Copyright 2019 Michigan Radio

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Radio since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting. During his two and a half decades in broadcasting, Steve has won numerous awards, including accolades from the Associated Press and Radio and Television News Directors Association. Away from the broadcast booth, Steve is an avid reader and movie fanatic.