The cannabis industry is young. As a result, there have been few regulations handed down from state and federal governments as it pertains to cannabis events. Michigan seeks to change that and has used the power of executive order to apply regulations on cannabis festivals and other events in Michigan.
It is important for cannabis event organizers in Michigan to become familiar with the regulations and what is required to obtain a permit. It is also helpful for those who plan to attend cannabis festivals and events to understand what is and is not allowed.
Executive Orders Put in Place
Cannabis events and festivals in Michigan have been allowed the last several years with little regulation, but that has now changed due to an executive order. It is now essential for cannabis event organizers to obtain a permit from the state.
One of the main things the permit application should layout in detail is the security plan for the event. Similar to a beer festival, the state requires proper supervision of the event to ensure any restrictions on drug use applied to the festival are followed. The security team also protects those who may pass by the festival. Perhaps most notably, it ensures individuals who are underage and not eligible to participate in certain aspects of the festival are not put in a situation to break the law.
The executive order also requires a permit to ensure the cannabis event takes place in a safe place that is allowed by the local government. It may also require details on what exactly the purpose of the festival is and the events that will take place (live music, cannabis education, etc.).
Recreational Use in Michigan
The Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act, otherwise referred to as proposal one, legalizes the recreational use of cannabis in Michigan. This is good news for cannabis enthusiasts who are interested in using the drug as they desire for recreational or medicinal purposes. It also opened the door to a cannabis industry with lots of potential. There are now more marijuana, hemp and cannabidiol growers and product suppliers who are now cashing in on the financial opportunity.
However, the legalization of cannabis in Michigan does come with responsibility. The same way it is strongly encouraged, if not enforced, that tobacco smoking and alcohol are done in a manner that does not affect those who are opposed to the drug (i.e. no smoking areas), cannabis also has similar restrictions.
The restrictions and regulations also include cannabis events and festivals, much in the same way a beer festival might have regulations.
Upcoming Festival Season
Festival season is right around the corner. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, most festivals that are scheduled for the spring will be canceled or postponed until summer, fall or later if they have not already.
However, studying which cannabis festivals were allowed a permit gives us some insight into the type of regulations organizers must follow. It also allows cannabis enthusiasts who are interested in attending to get a better idea of what to expect at festivals and other events post the executive orders that have now placed regulations on cannabis events in Michigan.
One of the bigger and more notable cannabis festivals that was scheduled and received a permit in the state of Michigan is the 420 Cannabis Music Festival.
The event will take place at Adado Riverfront Park in Lansing, Michigan. It will include music of all types, food and more. Dispensaries are also allowed to set up booths at the festival, which offers a great financial opportunity for dispensaries. The state has asked that they do not use marijuana at the event. Children 18 and older are only permitted with adult supervision.
Acquiring a Permit
The regulations state that organizers must receive a permit for the festival, which outlines the location of the event and the security detail that will be in place to enforce the event rules. Many felt as if this was an inevitable step, especially considering beer festivals and other related events also have regulations and require obtaining a permit.
Local government departments, including police departments, will review the permit application and make an approval decision based on where the event will take place, what day and time the event will be held and the security team that will be in place to supervise and enforce the rules and restrictions of the event (age restrictions, smoking policies, etc.).
Speak to The Cannabis Insurance Experts at MFE Insurance
There are more regulations coming down from the Michigan state governments as the cannabis industry continues to grow. Subsequently, it is important for growers, dispensaries and other cannabis companies to be properly-insured and protected. To learn more about cannabis insurance, reach out to our friendly team at MFE insurance for more information.