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State regulators to help entrepreneurs get into recreational marijuana market

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State regulators plan to help local entrepreneurs in 19 Michigan cities disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition in the past to get into the recreational market. 

Marijuana Regulatory Agency director Andrew Brisbo says their social equity program will assist people in Benton Harbor, Detroit, and the other communities apply for licenses and fee reductions.

“We hope the participants continue to come back and we can grow their basic knowledge and continue to provide resources with the ultimate goal of insuring success in the industry,  not just achieving initial licensure.”

Brisbo says the agency would like to see 50 percent of the marijuana businesses in targeted communities be part of the social equity program.    Though a few of the communities have opted out of the recreational market.

Michigan voters approved legalizing recreational marijuana use last year.   The state will begin accepting business license applications in November.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005.