Michigan Medical Marijuana Laws

If you’re here, you likely want to know “Is marijuana legal in Michigan?” This article will provide insight into the answer to that question and go into detail about the legalities of the use of weed in the state. Whether you live in Michigan or plan to visit, knowing the laws around marijuana can ensure you don’t do something illegal.

Understanding Marijuana Laws in Michigan

Being aware of current Michigan marijuana laws is a must for anyone who wants to access the substance for medical or recreational use. Many states have legalized medical marijuana in recent years and some have also chosen to legalize recreational weed for adults over a certain age. 

Medical marijuana is available in some states as a way to fight the symptoms of certain illnesses, like cancer and arthritis. Recreational marijuana is accessible to those with or without medical conditions who wish to partake of the substance in the privacy of their own homes.

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The Status of Marijuana Use in Michigan

In Michigan, marijuana is currently legal for use for medical and recreational purposes. If you are at least 21 years of age, recreational marijuana can be purchased. On the other hand, medical marijuana has no age limits and may be prescribed to those under the age of 21.

Is the Use of Medical Marijuana Permitted?

Yes. Medical marijuana has been legal since 2008 with the advent of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. Given the largely positive attitude toward keeping marijuana legal in the state, it’s very unlikely that marijuana legislation will be rolled back.

Michigan was the first state in the Midwest to allow patients and adults to possess, obtain, and use marijuana. One of the top locations to access both medical and recreational marijuana is Verts Neighborhood Dispensary in Traverse City. There are also dispensaries in locations like Ann Arbor, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Sault Ste. Marie.

Can You Use Marijuana Recreationally?

When it comes to recreational marijuana in Michigan, it is also legal. Michigan was the 10th state to legalize marijuana for adult recreational use after the passage of Ballot Proposal 1 in 2018. Before statewide legislation was put into place, some locations in the state had local reforms that decriminalized the possession and use of marijuana. 

However, public consumption is not permitted. Nor is driving under the influence of marijuana. People cannot cross state lines with marijuana either. Make sure to follow these rules to ensure you’re on the right side of the law.

Unlike some states, like Missouri, there is no cap on the number of marijuana licenses available to businesses in the state. However, local governments can choose to set limits. This may have an impact on how many dispensaries are available in a certain city or town.

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Cultivating Marijuana in Michigan

If you are considering growing medical marijuana in Michigan, first you need to know the laws and restrictions. Michigan medical marijuana growing laws indicate that medical cardholders can grow marijuana for themselves. You can also have a caregiver grow the plants for you if you prefer.

Are You Allowed to Cultivate Your Own Marijuana Plants?

You might be wondering “Is it legal to grow marijuana in Michigan?” The quick answer to this is yes, but there are requirements. You cannot grow more than the state allows and you need to do it in a private place where others cannot gain access to the plants.

What Is the Maximum Number of Marijuana Plants I Can Cultivate?

How many marijuana plants can you grow in Michigan? If you are an adult, you can grow up to 12 plants in your own home for your personal use. However, the plants cannot be visible from public locations. You also must grow the plants in a secure and locked location.

Possession of Marijuana in Michigan

There are several things to be aware of regarding marijuana possession in Michigan. For instance, the amount you can purchase and how much you can have available are different. It’s important to be aware of these laws and make sure you follow them. Below is additional information about purchasing and retaining marijuana within the state of Michigan.

What Is the Maximum Amount of Marijuana One Can Purchase?

Michigan marijuana purchase limits are unique compared to most other states. Instead of barring you from purchasing a certain amount per day, Michigan allows consumers to purchase up to 2.5 ounces at any dispensary location. You can visit more than one or go to the same location multiple times in a 24-hour period. 

This amount may include up to 15 grams of concentrate and up to 12 plants in one home. The main exception is that you may keep any marijuana from the plants regardless of the amount. However, it is only legal for personal use; you cannot share or sell it to others if you’ve grown it.

What’s the Legal Possession Limit for Marijuana in Public?

For adults over 21 years of age, the legal limit in Michigan is 10 ounces within your home. Outside of the home, the limit is 2.5 ounces instead. This includes the concentrate and plants mentioned earlier. Having more than this in total is against the law in the state.

Where Is it Permissible to Use Marijuana in Michigan?

Based on Michigan law, you are able to use marijuana in your own home or the homes of your family members and friends. However, you must have permission from the property owner, landlord, and occupant.

It is not legal to consume marijuana outside. This means it cannot be used in public places or automobiles.

Reciprocity for Marijuana Laws in Michigan

If you have a medical card in your own state, it’s important to know if you can use it in Michigan. This is what is known as reciprocity and Michigan has a rather complex system compared to many other states. 

Dispensaries determine whether you can use an out-of-state medical card, rather than being determined on a state level. However, since recreational marijuana is now legal, all adults can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower at any dispensary.

Those who want medical marijuana specifically will need to contact the dispensary they plan to use. They can give you information on whether they accept your card from another state. 

If you are leaving Michigan for another state and wish to purchase medical marijuana, some states allow that. Straightforward reciprocity is available in Maine, Washington DC, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Nevada, and Puerto Rico.

After filling out a visiting patient application, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Hawaii also offer reciprocity.

Some states do not have reciprocity but do have recreational marijuana. This includes Alaska, Washington, California, Oregon, and Colorado.

Securing a Medical Marijuana Card in Michigan

Are you curious about how to get a medical marijuana card in Michigan? The process is quick and easy and is available online for most consumers. Visit www.Michigan.gov/MMP to find the full instructions for obtaining your own medical card. The basic process involves filling out an application and paying a fee.

If you have a caregiver, you will need to complete the application on paper and send it in. All of the additional documents required for the application must be submitted in the same envelope. You can send the application to the following address: 

Michigan Medical Marijuana Program
PO Box 30083
Lansing, MI 48909

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