Michigan’s medical marijuana dispensaries could run out of pot to buy

The 40 newly licensed medical marijuana dispensaries around the state are facing a shortage of pot from licensed growers, meaning some may have to shut their doors until spring.

Michigan so far has licensed only 12 marijuana growers. From the time of planting to usable product, it takes between four to six months — and since the growers didn’t start getting licensed until August, an abundant supply of marijuana from them won’t be available until next year.

That could create hardships both for patients, as well as for business owners and their employees.

Before getting their state-mandated licenses, the dispensaries could buy the pot from a network of more than 40,000 registered caregivers in the state who have been growing and selling marijuana under a law that was passed by voters in 2008 to legalize medical marijuana. Under that law, each caregiver can grow up to 72 plants,and sell the excess to dispensaries.

Under new state rules, however, once the dispensaries get their licenses, they have to buy from licensed growers. They can only sell marijuana grown by caregivers for 30 days after licensing.

Anything left over after the 30-day window is supposed to be destroyed. [Read more at Detroit Free Press]