Office of Marijuana Ventures and Entrepreneurship Announces Round 2 Adult-Use License Awardees

• 37 approved applicants include 13 majority owned by African Americans, 21 owned by residents of Detroit

The City of Detroit’s Office of Marijuana Ventures and Entrepreneurship (OMVE) is thrilled to announce the results of the second application round for adult-use cannabis retailers, microbusinesses, and designated consumption establishment licenses.

Following the rigorous application review, the City has approved 37 applicants that have demonstrated strong potential for success and a commitment to an equitable business environment in the regulated marijuana industry. Round 2 winners include 13 businesses that are majority owned by African Americans, 5 majority owned by women, and 21 majority owners who are Detroit residents.

“Just shy of a year ago, the City of Detroit awarded its first round of adult-use limited licenses, which saw a little more than 50% of adult use limited licenses awarded to Detroit residents who are the majority owner of their businesses,” said City Council President Pro Temp James Tate. “Of those newly licensed business owners in 'Round One', 16 are African American. Today, we continue the progressive expansion of our cannabis industry with the announcement of 'Round Two' awardees. Congratulations to all those who persevered through a gauntlet of challenges to get to this point; and I am excited for the future as we continue to provide legitimate opportunities for Detroiters within an industry that previously shut them out."

"We congratulate all the successful applicants who have been awarded licenses in Round 2," said Kim James, Director of the Office of Marijuana Ventures and Entrepreneurship. "These individuals and organizations have exhibited remarkable potential and commitment to operate successfully, while honoring the City’s diversity and equity goals. We are excited to witness their contributions to the sector and the positive economic impact we expect to see for the City of Detroit. OMVE remains dedicated to facilitating a transparent and fair licensing process, ensuring that all applicants have an equal opportunity to participate in this growing industry. The Office encourages unsuccessful applicants to continue their pursuit of entrepreneurship and stands committed to offering support and guidance for future licensing opportunities.”

Round Two Licensees:

Sixty-five total applications were received.  Below is a breakdown of the type of license available, along with total number of applicants and the number of licenses approved. 

• Retailer: Allows a business to sell marijuana and related products from licensed growers and processors to adult consumers for recreational purposes 

• 15 non-equity licenses approved 
• 15 equity licenses approved 
• 0 provisional certificates awarded 
• 23 non-equity license applications submitted (15 available) 
• 23 equity license applications submitted (15 available) 
• 10 equity retailer provisional certificate applications (0 available) 

• Micro-Business: Allows a small business to vertically integrate by growing and processing up to 150 plants and directly selling those products to adult consumers for recreational purposes 

• 2 equity microbusiness provisional certificate awarded 
• 0 equity license applications submitted (5 available) 
• 0 non-equity license applications submitted (5 available) 
• 3 equity microbusiness provisional applications received (5 available) 
• 0 non-equity microbusiness provisional applications received (5 available) 

• Consumption Lounge: Allows a commercial location to host adults to consume marijuana products 

• 1 equity license approved  
• 3 equity designated consumption provisional certificates awarded  
• 1 non-equity designated consumption lounge provisional certificate awarded 
• 1 equity license application submitted (5 available) 
• 0 non-equity license applications submitted (5 available) 
• 5 equity provisional certificate applications (4 available) 
• 1 non-equity provisional certificate application (5 available) 

For more information about the Office of Marijuana Ventures and Entrepreneurship and Round 2 Limited Licenses Awards, please visit www.homegrowndetroit.org.