LANSING – All of the state’s medical marijuana licensing functions are now consolidated in the Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation in the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the administration announced Thursday.

Under the reorganization, the new bureau will hold the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program patient and caregiver registry as well as licensing medical marijuana facilities.

“BMMR’s organizational structure puts Michigan at the forefront of state medical marihuana regulation,” LARA Director Shelly Edgerton said in a statement announcing the bureau. “Many other states have various licenses and patient programs spread throughout different departments and agencies. The bureau’s centralized services will enhance patient protections and make regulations more efficient for business customers.”

All of the bureau’s functions are described, and some services are available, at the bureau’s website.

The bureau has contracted with Franwell Incorporated to administer the new system to track production and sale of the drug in the state.