Calvin Johnson gets approval to open medical marijuana dispensary

Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is one step closer to starting his own medical marijuana business.

Johnson and his wife, Brittney, received preliminary approval Thursday for a license to open a medical marijuana dispensary in Michigan, according to Kathleen Gray of the Detroit Free Press. This was Johnson's second time applying for a license after being denied in December due to unpaid traffic tickets issued to him in Atlanta nearly 10 years ago.

Individuals are typically granted pre-qualification status when they've gone through a background check but have yet to receive approval from the community where the business would be located.

"Calvin is grateful and looks forward to operating with his brand Primitive in this new venture," Johnson's attorney, Michael Stein, said. "He's hoping to have a big presence in the state."

Johnson retired from the NFL in 2016 after nine seasons with the Lions.