Cannabis Sales are now also legal in Detroit
Legalisation of cannabis products to adults is on its way.
Andrew Friedman (AF)October 5, 2026
Detroit City Council on Tuesday approved an ordinance that will allow recreational marijuana retailers and other adult cannabis stores to operate in the city. The ordinance, which includes provisions designed to ensure that at least half of the recreational pot stores are owned by city residents, was unveiled last month by Councilor James Tate. On Tuesday, Tate said the ordinance was the result of two years of work "trying to find ways to ensure the city's residents succeed". Currently, only four of Detroit's 46 medical marijuana retailers are owned by people who live in the city. "We have seen across the country that individuals living in the community where the industry is based are frozen and unable to participate," Tate said. Despite the regulated sales of marijuana to adults in some communities in Michigan last year, Detroit city officials were determined to pass legislation to encourage long-time city dwellers to own cannabis stores. Under the approved measure, at least 50% of the licenses will be awarded to applicants with Detroit Heritage status. Detroit Legacy Applicants are those who have lived in the city for at least 15 of the last 30 years, or 13 years if the applicant has a low income. Individuals with a marijuana conviction who have lived in Detroit for 10 of the past 30 years are also eligible. "We have learned lessons from other cities in the state and country that have opened the market to adult consumption, and applied elements that we believe will help those who want to get into and succeed in the cannabis industry To offer opportunities, "Tate said in a statement. "We have taken important steps to address the injustices in the city's current medical marijuana industry, and have made arrangements that will provide Detroiters with a real opportunity to create generational wealth. Detroit applicants receive priority filing, pay only 1% of mandatory royalties, and are eligible to purchase some city-owned land to locate their businesses for as little as 25% of fair market value. Mitzi Ruddock, a Detroit single mother with a previous marijuana conviction, is the director of Black Cannabis Access, which she said is helping urban communities "break the cycle of wealth and economic inequalities." She told the council that "cannabis saved my life", both economically and in terms of her mental health. "I and many other Detroiters have sacrificed so much to see the day that will bring generational wealth to our children through legal cannabis deals," said Ruddock. "This is not a game and has never been a sideline for us," added Ruddock. "Detroit-owned companies will recruit Detroit employees who will support Detroit families and rebuild Detroit communities and add to the Detroit income tax base."
