BURTON, MI -- The third recreational marijuana retailer to get a license in Genesee County could be the first to open for business.

Nature’s ReLeaf, 4086 S. Dort Hwy., was granted its adult-use license last week, according to state records, and Allie Goff, floor manager for the business, said it’s targeting a soft opening for sales on Saturday, Dec. 21, and a grand opening Jan. 6.

“This is our first location, and we’re very excited for it," Goff said Monday, Dec. 16.

Nature’s ReLeaf was already licensed as a medical marijuana retailer in Burton. The owners of the business are also working to open locations elsewhere in the state, including Acme, she said.

Four Michigan residents own the company, according to its web site, and share the goal of, “Improving people’s way of life by providing premium quality cannabis products.” It lists the company’s core values as family, learning, service, teamwork and integrity.

Nature’s ReLeaf was not the first Genesee County retailer to receive a recreational license to sell, but it may be the first to sell to the public.

Earlier this month, the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency issued licences to The Barn, 3491 E. Bristol Road in Burton, and Elite Wellness, 9423 N. Dort Highway, in Theftford Township.

MLive-The Flint Journal has been unable to reach a representative of The Barn for comment but its web site says, “Recreational coming soon.”

The owner of Elite has said the company has targeted Jan. 1 as its first day of sales for recreational weed.

Long lines, heavy demand and shortages have been the common threads at retailers that have received licenses from the MRA and already opened their doors for business.

The MRA said last week that a handful of licensed businesses that started selling this month had already rung up $1.63 million in sales, creating $270,414 in tax revenue for the state in just eight days.

State budget officials are projecting recreational marijuana to become a $1.5 billion-per-year industry by late 2021.