A Guide to Marihuana in Michigan

The country's debate on the legalization of cannabis has been ongoing for years. Still, recent medical and recreational legalization statutes in states across the US have signified some important steps forward. The Midwest appears to be one region that is taking its time regarding this progress - there are six states where medical or recreational cannabis remains illegal medical or recreational cannabis.

Michigan has established its firm position on the debate by becoming the first Midwestern state to legalize medical cannabis by nearly five years and also the first in the region to legalize recreational cannabis use. Becoming a part of the ever-growing list of states choosing to allow recreational cannabis, voters passed Ballot Proposal 1 in 2018. This occasion marked ten years since the legalization of medical cannabis in Michigan.

To provide you with some clarity, we’re tackling some of the most frequently asked questions about marihuana in Michigan.

Cannabis Becomes Legal in Michigan

Cannabis laws in Michigan certainly didn't come about overnight. Medicinal use was legalized in 2008 when the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act was passed by the state legislature. This initiative legalized cannabis for qualified patients with approved medical conditions. The Act also prohibited the arrest, prosecution, and penalties for marihuana (Michigan’s legal term for cannabis) or paraphernalia possession by qualifying patients and prescribing doctors.

Ten years later, the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act was passed. The law went into effect on December 6, 2018. It allowed the possession and use of marihuana by persons aged 21 or older and allowed businesses to cultivate and sell industrial hemp on a commercial basis.

Before we dive into the implications of the current Michigan marihuana laws, it’s important to recognize the significance of the state’s decision to use this particular spelling over the more common form (marijuana). While developing its statutory definition of the plant, Michigan lawmakers relied heavily on the Public Health Code utilized to develop the federal Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. As a result, all state laws, legal communications, and references to either contain the “marihuana” spelling. This includes the current laws in place and all the rules they outline for the use of marihuana in Michigan. Thus, while you may see marijuana or cannabis used in regular communications, it would take an act of the state legislature to change the way we officially refer to cannabis in legal situations!

Current Marihuana Laws in Michigan

Both the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act and the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act are standing laws in the state of Michigan. These current laws have changed the dynamics of cannabis use by decriminalizing most uses, production, and sales. The latter legalized marihuana use for any individual 21 years or older and established a state-licensed system for cultivating and distributing the product.

More specifically, the law states the following:

• Consumption and possession of marihuana are legal for anyone 21 or older.
• In municipalities where marihuana sales are legal, a single individual may purchase up to 2.5 ounces per transaction.
• Michigan does not set limits for marihuana purchases per day, though you cannot possess over 15 grams of concentrate at a time.
• A person may keep up to 10 ounces of marihuana flower in the home, so long as it is in a secured location.

The law also outlines actions that are not permitted. This includes the following:

• Marihuana may not be consumed in public.
• A person may not drive under the influence of any substance, including marihuana.
• Individuals may not cross state lines while in possession of marihuana.

While the law has legalized the use of marihuana in the state, there are still federal laws in place, and it is still classified as a Schedule 1 narcotic.

Michigan Cannabis FAQs

Now that the basics are out of the way, you may have further questions about the laws around marihuana in Michigan and the legal protections you have. Here are some additional details to help give you the knowledge you need to ensure your rights and safety when using marihuana in the state.

Start Your Michigan Marihuana Journey at Zen

The debate over legalized recreational marihuana continues throughout the country, but in Michigan, voters have spoken loud and clear that it should be accessible to adults over 21. This law also instilled important regulations to prevent excessive use and dangerous products. With statutes that prevent minor access, limit purchase amounts, and define private usage, the negative stigma of marihuana use is quickly declining in the state.

Purchasing marijuana in Michigan from a licensed and reliable dispensary like Zen Leaf can give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your product is safe and trustworthy. We hope the information here has provided you with a useful insight into the cannabis industry in Michigan, but there's still plenty more to learn. For more answers tailored to your individual questions, visit a Zen Leaf dispensary near you for expert advice and product suggestions. We’re here for you!

References:

1. Cannabis Regulatory Agency. (n.d.). State of Michigan. https://www.michigan.gov/cra
2. Michigan Legislature - Section 333.27954. (n.d.). Michigan http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(cpxm5n1racezqr13qzojydj0))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-333-27954
3. Research Guides: LAW- Cannabis Law in Michigan: Home. (2022, May 31). Research Guides. https://guides.lib.wayne.edu/MichiganCannabisLaw
4. Why is marijuana sometimes spelled with an "h" and other times spelled with a "j"? (n.d.). State of Michigan. https://www.michigan.gov/cra/faq/licensing-list/additional-new/why-is-marijuana-sometimes-spelled-with-an-h-and-other-times-spelled-with-a-j