Michigan Cannabis Laws

Is cannabis legal in Michigan?

Michigan has legalized both medical marijuana and non-medical, adult use of cannabis.

What are the medical marijuana laws in Michigan?

Medical cannabis:

2008

• Michigan Medical Marihuana Act
• AN INITIATION of Legislation to allow under state law the medical use of marihuana; to provide protections for the medical use of marihuana; to provide for a system of registry identification cards for qualifying patients and primary caregivers; to impose a fee for registry application and renewal; to make an appropriation; to provide for the promulgation of rules; to provide for the administration of this act; to provide for enforcement of this act; to provide for affirmative defenses; and to provide for penalties for violations of this act.

2013

The Supreme Court of Michigan ruled that the 2008 initiative did not allow for the operation of medical cannabis dispensaries in the state. An estimated 75 to 100 dispensaries were operating under this legal gray area at the time.

2016

Gov. Rick Snyder signed a package of bills that among other reforms: (a) allowed the operation and regulation of medical cannabis dispensaries; (b) set a taxation rate of 3% on medical cannabis; and (c) allowed the use of non-smokable forms such as topicals and edibles.

Recreational cannabis:

2018

• Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act
• The Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act allows persons age 21 and over to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis in public, up to 10 ounces at home, and cultivate up to 12 plants at home. It also sets up a system for the state-licensed cultivation and distribution of cannabis, with sales subject to a 10% excise tax (in addition to the state’s 6% sales tax). The law went into effect on December 6, 2018, and the first dispensaries opened to the public on December 1, 2019.

What medical conditions qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Michigan?

The Michigan law lists the following medical conditions as qualifiers for a medical cannabis card:

• AIDS/HIV
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease
• Arthritis
• Autism
• Cancer
• Cerebral Palsy
• Colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs)
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Nail patella
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Severe nausea
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Tourette’s Disease
• A chronic of debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following: Cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Severe or chronic pain
• Seizures (including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy)
• Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms (including but not limited to those characteristic of multiple sclerosis)
• Any other condition determined by your doctor and those considering your application to be acceptable for medical marijuana use

How do I get certified for medical cannabis in Michigan?

With Leafwell, you can get your Michigan Medical Marijuana Card in 4 simple steps:

1. Register online with Leafwell and speak to a friendly physician – You can speak to a doctor and qualify for a Michigan medical marijuana card online. The cost of the online consultation is $149. You are only billed if approved.
2. Attend your appointment and discuss with your physician why you would like an MMJ Card – The doctor will ask you questions based on your medical history and provide you with advice and guidance on whether medical marijuana is a good choice for you.
3. Receive your certificate from Leafwell – This will be emailed to you immediately after your successful appointment. You only need the PDF version to complete your Michigan Medical Marijuana Program application form. Once you have the PDF version, you can upload it as part of your application process on the government website.
4. Apply to the Michigan Medical Marijuana Program (MMMP) – They will approve or deny your application within 15 business days. As soon as you have the confirmation email, you can access medical marijuana as this acts as a temporary card. You do not need to wait for the physical card to be sent to you – just print off the email. The physical card will arrive approximately 5 days after you’ve been approved. Your certificate will be valid for two years from the date of issue.

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Is telemedicine allowed for medical cannabis consultations in Michigan?

Yes, telemedicine is legal in Michigan and you can get certified for cannabis online.

How much cannabis can I possess in Michigan with an MMJ Card?

Med & rec – 2.5 oz. cannabis outside the home, or 10 oz. cannabis inside the home. 15 grams concentrate.

Is it legal to grow cannabis in Michigan?

For medical card holders and rec users = Up to 12 plants per person.

Does Michigan accept out-of-state cards?

Michigan has medical marijuana reciprocity, and so recognizes and honors medical marijuana cards from other states.

Will my Michigan card be accepted in other states?

A Michigan medical marijuana card is valid in other states with medical marijuana reciprocity and a functioning medical cannabis program.

The following states accept or recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards:

• Arizona
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• US Virgin Islands
• Utah
• Washington, D.C.

However, this does not always mean you can purchase cannabis at a medical marijuana dispensary (non-medical adult use is fine) – just that you are protected by the state’s medical marijuana laws to some extent. It is wise to call the dispensary ahead if you are a medical cannabis patient from another state and you intend on purchasing medical marijuana.

The qualifying condition usually has to match between states, so if your qualifying condition is accepted in one state and not your visiting state, your recommendation is not necessarily valid. You are also beholden to the visiting state’s medical marijuana laws, not the state that issued your card.

The following states accept out-of-state applications, allowing a visiting patient application to use medical cannabis for the duration of their stay:

• Arkansas
• California
• Hawaii
• West Virginia (cancer patients only)

Are there employment laws protecting medical cannabis card holders in Michigan?

Michigan workers who legally use medical marijuana can be rejected for employment or fired for violating an employer’s drug policy just as recreational users can. The Colorado Supreme Court came to a similar conclusion in 2013 when it ruled that an employer could fire an employee for using medical marijuana.

What are the medical cannabis product testing requirements in Michigan?

Michigan regulations required testing for cannabinoid and terpene potency, foreign matter, microbial and mycotoxin contamination, pesticide and chemical residue, fungicides, and the presence of residual solvents, as well as vitamin E acetate.

Where is it safe to purchase cannabis in Michigan?

In all states with a medical marijuana program, the only way to purchase medicinal cannabis products is via a legally-licensed dispensary or pharmacy, or another legally designated space to purchase cannabis. Only those with a legal license to sell cannabis can actually do so.

Where is it safe to consume marijuana in Michigan?

All states with a medical marijuana program have some restrictions on where a person can legally use cannabis. Near schools, nurseries, parks or other places where children are expected to be, using cannabis is illegal. Use of cannabis on or in federal land or buildings, hospitals or any other such healthcare space is also illegal. Private members club and landowners may also prohibit cannabis use on their property or restrict it at their discretion.

The safest place to use medical cannabis is in the safety of your own home. It is wise to use common sense and generally keep consumption out of public view, and utilize discreet consumption methods wherever possible.