The administrator shall initially permit a person who owns, or operates an establishment engaged in the manufacture, distribution, prescription, or dispensing of a controlled substance before September 30, 1978 and who is licensed by this state to apply for a license pursuant to this article. However, a person who is licensed under existing state law with the administrator or department of commerce is not required to apply for a license pursuant to this article until the expiration of the person's existing license.
MCL 333.7305