CRA's July 2025 Updated Disciplinary Guidelines: A Much-Needed Lifeline

Takeaways

• CRA's new disciplinary guidelines reduce fines for about two-thirds of violations, with many cut by 50%.
• The changes come in response to sustained industry pushback amid ongoing economic struggles in Michigan's cannabis market.
• While most fines decreased, penalties have increased for egregious violations like selling illicit cannabis, signaling a shift in enforcement priorities.

During last week's CRA quarterly public hearing, Executive Director Brian Hanna indicated that the agency would be releasing updated disciplinary guidelines that would reflect a change in agency policy to reduce fines in response to significant industry pushback and criticism. On July 1, 2025, CRA released its updated disciplinary guidelines, which generally provide for reductions in fines for about two-thirds of violations. Most of these reductions are substantial—often amounting to a 50% decrease.