Let caregivers supplement medical marijuana shortage

Michigan has 300,000 registered medical marijuana patients in its system, but patient access to medical marijuana is limited in the state. A marijuana supply shortage and an imbalance within the supply chain are primarily to blame, but there is a solution.

Under the existing legal framework, Michigan licenses marijuana growers to sell either 500 plants (Class A), 1,000 plants (Class B) or 1,500 plants (Class C). As of March 18, Michigan had issued only three Class A licenses, one class B license, and 13 Class C licenses.

Even with advances in technology allowing for shorter plant growth cycles, the number of available medical marijuana plants for Michigan's 300,000 patients is not nearly enough to keep up with current demand.

Compounding things, Michigan had only 11 licensed marijuana processors for packaging and labeling, four licensed marijuana testing facilities, and five licensed marijuana transporters.

Click here to read the complete article in Crain's Detroit Business (subscription may be required).