Cannabis Compliance in Michigan
Last reviewed · By Chad Griffith
Michigan CRA is one of the most active state enforcement agencies in the US by license-action volume. Combined medical and adult-use program. Detailed responsibilities for employee training and badging. Sophisticated lab testing requirements.
Michigan Cannabis Compliance — Top Requirements
- METRC reporting on most events same-day or next business day
- Employee badges (occupational licenses) renewable every 3 years
- 5-year minimum retention on all cannabis business records (R 420.501)
- 30-day minimum video retention with specific coverage requirements (R 420.209)
- Active enforcement of weight reconciliation and inventory variance reporting
- Lab testing requires Michigan CRA-licensed labs only
| Regulator | Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) (official site) |
| Rule set | Michigan Administrative Code R 420.1 to R 420.999 |
| Track-and-trace | METRC |
| Record retention | 5 years minimum (R 420.501) |
| Video retention | 30 days minimum (R 420.209) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates cannabis in Michigan?
Cannabis in Michigan is regulated by the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA). The official rule set is published in Michigan Administrative Code R 420.1 to R 420.999. The regulator is responsible for licensing, METRC reporting enforcement, lab testing oversight, transport rules, and operational compliance enforcement.
What track-and-trace system does Michigan use?
Michigan uses METRC for cannabis seed-to-sale tracking. Every plant must be tagged at the immature stage. Every package must carry a unique tag. Every event (planting, harvest, transfer, conversion, sale, destruction) must be reported in the system within state-specific reporting windows.
How long must cannabis records be retained in Michigan?
Michigan requires 5 years minimum (R 420.501) retention on all cannabis transaction records. Retention applies even if a license is surrendered or revoked. Records must be retrievable to Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) inspectors within state-specified response windows, typically 24-72 hours.
What video retention is required in Michigan?
Michigan requires 30 days minimum (R 420.209) of video surveillance footage. Coverage typically includes vault, retail floor, scale areas, cultivation rooms, transport loading, and exterior. Camera failures must be reported to Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) within 24 hours.