Michigan’s cannabis industry had a remarkable year in 2023, reaching a new milestone of $3 billion in sales from licensed dispensaries. This makes Michigan the second largest cannabis market in the nation, after California, and one of the few states that have surpassed the $3-billion benchmark in annual sales.
How Michigan Achieved This Feat
Michigan’s cannabis sales have been growing steadily since the state legalized adult-use cannabis in 2018 and launched the market in 2019. According to the data from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), the state’s cannabis sales increased by 33.3% from 2022 to 2023, from $2.3 billion to $3.06 billion. This means that each adult in the state spent an average of $297 on cannabis in 2023, compared to $113 in California.
The main driver of this growth was the adult-use market, which accounted for more than 97% of the total sales in 2023. The adult-use market saw a whopping 66% increase in the amount of cannabis flower sold, from 584,000 pounds in 2022 to 971,000 pounds in 2023. The average price of an ounce of adult-use flower also dropped from $120 in 2022 to $92 in 2023, making it more affordable and accessible for consumers.
The medical market, on the other hand, continued to shrink, as more patients switched to the adult-use market or the unregulated caregiver market. The medical sales decreased by 68% from 2022 to 2023, from $256 million to $81 million. The average price of an ounce of medical flower also increased from $95 in 2022 to $100 in 2023, making it less attractive for patients.
What This Means for the State and the Industry
The record-breaking sales of cannabis in Michigan also generated significant tax revenues for the state and local governments. In 2023, the state collected about $457.6 million in taxes from cannabis sales, a 36% increase from 2022. Of this amount, $342.8 million came from the 10% excise tax on adult-use sales, and $114.8 million came from the 6% sales tax on both adult-use and medical sales.
The tax revenues are distributed according to a formula that allocates 15% to municipalities that allow adult-use sales, 15% to counties that allow adult-use sales, 35% to the School Aid Fund, 35% to the Michigan Transportation Fund, and 5% to the CRA for administration and enforcement. However, not all municipalities and counties in Michigan have opted in to allow adult-use sales, despite the potential tax benefits. According to the CRA, only 316 out of 1,773 municipalities and 41 out of 83 counties have authorized adult-use sales as of December 31, 2023.
The cannabis industry in Michigan also created thousands of jobs and business opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. As of December 31, 2023, there were 1,029 licensed cannabis businesses in the state, including 648 retailers, 224 growers, 77 processors, 55 secure transporters, 19 safety compliance facilities, and 6 event organizers. There were also more than 680,000 active flowering plants being grown by adult-use cultivators, as well as nearly 318,000 vegetative plants and 281,600 immature plants.
The industry also faced some challenges and uncertainties, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the federal prohibition of cannabis, the competition from the illicit market, the regulatory changes and lawsuits, and the supply and demand fluctuations. Despite these hurdles, the industry showed resilience and adaptability, and continued to innovate and expand.
What to Expect in 2024 and Beyond
The outlook for Michigan’s cannabis industry in 2024 and beyond is optimistic, as the market is expected to grow further and mature. According to a report by BDSA, a cannabis market research firm, Michigan’s cannabis sales are projected to reach $3.9 billion in 2024 and $4.7 billion in 2025, making it the third largest market in the U.S. after California and Florida.
Some of the factors that could influence the growth and development of the industry in the future include:
- The legalization of cannabis at the federal level, which could open up more opportunities for interstate commerce, banking, research, and taxation.
- The emergence of new products, formats, and consumption methods, such as edibles, beverages, topicals, and inhalers, that could appeal to a wider and more diverse consumer base.
- The increase in social acceptance and awareness of cannabis, especially among the older and medical segments, that could reduce the stigma and increase the demand for cannabis.
- The improvement in the quality, safety, and consistency of cannabis products, as well as the availability of more information and education for consumers and patients, that could enhance the customer experience and satisfaction.
- The expansion and diversification of the cannabis industry, as more entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals enter the market, bringing more innovation, competition, and collaboration.
Michigan’s cannabis industry has come a long way since its inception, and has proven to be a valuable and viable sector for the state’s economy and society. As the industry continues to break records and set trends, it will also face new challenges and opportunities that will shape its future.
