Michigan Cannabis Regulators Tell Retailers to Stop Using the Word ‘Dispensary’

The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) last week reminded licensed cannabis retailers in the state that they cannot legally call themselves dispensaries, as the term is reserved for pharmacies, The Detroit News reports. 

Licensed retailers should only call themselves cannabis provisioning centers, as the term “dispensary” is “restricted to entities authorized under Pharmacy Practice and Drug Control laws,” the bulletin said. Retailers are also prohibited from using the terms “pharmacy,” “apothecary,” “drugstore,” “druggist,” and “medicine store” in their marketing materials or signage.

The agency first announced the rule in a 2019 bulletin, but according to spokesperson David Harns, “the industry has evolved a lot since then and many operators are new.”

“This is simply an effort to make sure everyone understands the requirement.” — Harns, via The Detroit News

The agency encouraged licensed retailers to review their signage, marketing materials, and online content, including social media, for compliance.