The state's Cannabis Regulatory Agency is doing away with its semi-annual scheduled inspections at licensed cannabis stores and related facilities and instead will have its regulation officers conduct surprise visits.
The CRA said the change is expected to "allow more flexibility for scheduling," and will be more efficient. It will also result in increased knowledge about rules and regulations among the businesses' employees, according to the CRA.
The new plan for unannounced inspections takes effect on Oct. 1. Prelicensure inspections will still be scheduled. During an education session held on Aug. 22 via Zoom on the transition, Mandi Cooley and Kevin Cook of Michigan's CRA enforcement division mentioned "flexibility" several times regarding its implementation.
"It will be a flexible process, open to corrective action plans," Cooley said, adding that business owners will "have some autonomy on how to address" noncompliance issues. Cook said the CRA doesn't anticipate a "flawless" transition, and that "accommodations" will be made. He also said a main goal is to have licensees "compliant at all times."
CRA spokesperson David Harns has a similar take on the new plan.
"This will help increase efficiency and flexibility with scheduling. This transition will instill a need for businesses to further educate employees at all levels – not just their job functions as they do now, but also in compliance and understanding of the business requirements," he said. "The goal of unannounced inspections is that licensees are compliant at all times and employees have a solid understanding of the regulations surrounding their place of work."
Inspection costs are covered by licensing fees.
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