Michigan has experienced substantial shifts in its cannabis laws, moving from strict prohibition to permitting medical marijuana usage. Navigating these regulations can be intricate, but fear not—let's uncover these changes together.
Join us in exploring Michigan's cannabis laws, examining facets such as possession limits, cultivation rules, penalties, and the procedures for obtaining and distributing medical marijuana in the state. Let's dive into the ins and outs of Michigan's evolving cannabis landscape!
Cannabis is legal for medical and recreational use in Michigan.
Adults can possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis at a time and can grow up to twelve cannabis plants for personal use.
There are penalties for possessing more than the allowable amount of cannabis, for unlicensed sales, and for consuming in public spaces.
Is Cannabis Legal in Michigan?
Michigan fully legalized marijuana, first for medical use in 2008 and then for recreational purposes in 2018. It was the 13th state to legalize medical marijuana and the 10th to allow recreational use.
Michigan stands out as the first midwestern state to pass such laws, allowing adults and qualifying patients to possess and use marijuana. The public's strong support suggests that reversing these laws is unlikely. Even before statewide legalization, some local areas in Michigan had already relaxed rules on marijuana, opting for decriminalization and reducing the emphasis on prosecuting related offenses.
Regulations for Recreational Use
In Michigan, regulations for recreational marijuana use now include:
Adults aged 21 and older can have up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis in public.
At their residence, individuals can possess up to 10 ounces of cannabis, which includes cannabis cultivation and production at home.
Possession of up to 15 grams of dabs, cannabis concentrate, or oil is permitted.
Individuals can grow up to 12 marijuana plants at their residence.
Regulations for Medical Use
For medical marijuana use in Michigan, the revised regulations now permit:
Patients can purchase up to 16 ounces of cannabis infusions in solid form.
Buying up to 7 grams of cannabis infusions in gaseous form is allowed for patients.
Patients can purchase up to 36 fluid ounces of cannabis infusions in liquid form.
Patients can grow up to 12 plants at home in a location that is locked away from minors.
Patients under the age of 18 can have a designated caregiver who can possess up to 2.5 ounces and 12 plants in their home.
These updated regulations outline the quantities and forms of cannabis infusions permissible for medical patients in Michigan.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Cannabis in Michigan
Here's a list of qualifying conditions for a Michigan medical marijuana card:
AIDS
Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Arthritis
Autism
Cancer
Cerebral palsy
Chronic pain
Colitis
Crohn’s disease
Glaucoma
HIV positive
Hepatitis C
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Nail-patella syndrome
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Parkinson’s disease
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Spinal cord injury
Tourette’s disease
Ulcerative colitis
A chronic illness or condition causing:
Cachexia or wasting syndrome
Seizures, including those typical of epilepsy
Severe nausea
Severe and chronic pain
Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those caused by multiple sclerosis
Restrictions for Cannabis Use in Michigan
In Michigan, despite the legalization of both medical and recreational cannabis, usage is regulated with specific limitations:
Cultivation in visible or accessible public areas is illegal. Measures must be taken to prevent access by minors at recreational cultivation sites.
Those under 21 can't use or possess recreational marijuana.
Driving under the influence is forbidden for both drivers and passengers.
Sharing cannabis, even with legal-aged individuals, over specified amounts is prohibited.
Public consumption of cannabis in any form is illegal.
Taking marijuana onto federal properties is against the law.
Usage on private properties designated for childcare is prohibited.
Transporting marijuana across state lines, even where legal, is illegal for residents.
Using marijuana on disapproving private property is unlawful.
Restrictions apply to medical marijuana patients under 18, including limitations on smoking and cultivation, requiring a caregiver to grow for them.
Medical patients have possession limits and restrictions on sharing harvested cannabis and access to their cultivation facilities.
Michigan Cannabis Laws
Medical Marijuana Program (2008): Created in 2008, allowing qualified patients with registry identification cards to purchase cannabis from approved dispensaries.
Michigan Regulation And Taxation Of Marihuana Act (MRTMA): Updates limits and allowances. Medical patients can possess up to 2.5 ounces at a time; monthly limit of 10 ounces. Residents can buy up to 2.5 ounces; cannabis concentrate limited to 15 grams. Adults can gift up to 2.5 ounces but not promote such transfers.
Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) and Licensing: Slow implementation due to COVID-19 pandemic. CRA permitted licensed medical marijuana establishments to provide adult-use marijuana.
Michigan Social Equity Program: Aims to support disproportionately impacted communities and encourage involvement in the marijuana sector.
How Cannabis is Bought and Sold in Michigan
Michigan legalized medical marijuana in 2008 with the Compassionate Care Initiative and recreational use in 2018 through the Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act. These laws permit the legal sale of marijuana to qualifying patients and adult residents.
Medical marijuana can be purchased at licensed dispensaries by presenting a medical marijuana identification card, while recreational marijuana is available at dispensaries licensed for both types, requiring age verification through photo identification.
How to Buy Cannabis in Michigan:
Medical Marijuana:
Who Can Buy: Qualifying patients with medical marijuana ID cards.
Where: Licensed medical marijuana dispensaries.
Process: Present medical ID cards at dispensaries.
This setup allows access for medical patients and adult residents, with specific identification requirements and designated dispensaries for both categories.
Penalties for Marijuana-related Crimes in Michigan
Here's a concise version outlining the penalties and regulations regarding cannabis in Michigan:
Possession Penalties:
Adults can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana; up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrate.
Possessing more than 2.5 ounces within a residence is a civil infraction, with a maximum $500 fine and potential forfeiture for first offense.
Possession of more than 5 ounces is a misdemeanor, with possible imprisonment for habitual or commercial purposes.
Possession in or near a park can be a felony or misdemeanor, potentially carrying a maximum 2-year imprisonment and $2,000 fine.
Sale or Distribution Penalties:
Adults can transfer up to 2.5 ounces without remuneration; advertising or promoting such transfers is prohibited.
Selling less than 5 kilograms is a felony with up to 4 years imprisonment and a $20,000 fine.
Sale of larger quantities carries more severe penalties: 5-45 kilograms, up to 7 years imprisonment and $500,000 fine; over 45 kilograms, up to 15 years imprisonment and $10,000,000 fine.
Cultivation Penalties:
Adults can grow up to 12 plants at home; visible plants or those outside secure areas may result in a civil offense with a fine or forfeiture.
Cultivation of 25-200 plants is a felony with up to 7 years imprisonment; over 200 plants is a felony with up to 15 years imprisonment.
Hash & Concentrates Penalties:
Possession and transfer of up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrate are allowed for adults.
Penalties for hash, concentrates, and marijuana are treated similarly under Michigan law.
Paraphernalia:
Adults can buy, use, and sell marijuana paraphernalia to other adults.
Miscellaneous:
Any conviction leads to a 6-month driver’s license suspension.
Legal Cannabis and Buy Online Alternatives
Although cannabis is legal in many states, hemp-derived THC products are still rising as a noteworthy alternative thanks to their affordability and accessibility. Hemp-derived THC products are federally legal, unlike traditional marijuana products, meaning they can often be ordered online and shipped right to your door.
