The Great Lakes State is a wonderful place to visit or move to. But, if you’re a fan of cannabis, there’s going to be one big question that’s on your mind: is marijuana legal in Michigan?
Understanding marijuana laws in Michigan is key to enjoying your cannabis safely — and legally. While medical marijuana is currently legal in Michigan, there are still plenty of regulations you need to be familiar with before lighting your bowl.
Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in Michigan?
It was all the way back in 2008 when voters first helped legalize medical marijuana in Michigan. The Michigan Compassionate Care Initiative permitted the consumption of medical cannabis for those who were seriously or terminally ill. This was the start of medical marijuana in Michigan.
It wasn’t until a decade later that The Great Lakes state legalized recreational cannabis, as well. Thanks to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA), adults aged 21 or older are legally allowed to purchase and enjoy cannabis products throughout the state.
The MRTMA made Michigan the first state in the Midwest to legalize both medical and recreational cannabis.
However, just because medical and recreational cannabis is legal doesn’t mean cannabis consumption is free rein. There are still various marijuana laws in Michigan you have to follow — and we’ll cover those in a moment.
How to Get Your Medical Marijuanas Card in Michigan
Getting your medical marijuana card in Michigan is an easy, straightforward process — especially when you have the help of Elevate Holistics.
Here are the steps you need to take to get your own Michigan MMJ card.
Step One: Make a Doctor’s Appointment
The first step to getting your medical marijuana card in Michigan is meeting with a qualified physician. During this appointment, you and your doctor will discuss your health conditions to see if you qualify for MMJ in the state.
Michigan’s qualifying medical conditions are as follows:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- HIV/AIDS
- Nail-Patella syndrome
- Conditions that produce one or more of the following symptoms:
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Severe and chronic pain
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Severe nausea
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those but not limited to the characteristics of multiple sclerosis
If you don’t know where to go to find a qualified doctor to meet with, Elevate Holistics is here to help. We have a team of licensed physicians well-versed in the world of cannabis. Our doctors can help you get the medical recommendation you need for MMJ without even leaving the house. Just click here to get started.
Step Two: Apply to Michigan’s MMJ Program
Once your doctor has approved you for medical cannabis, they will provide you with the recommendation and certification you need to go apply to the state’s program.
You will head over to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program (MMMP) website to register and submit your application for your medical card. Here, you’ll have to pay a $40 fee for your card, as well as have proof of Michigan residency.
Step Three: Get Your Card!
After you’ve submitted all the correct information and your fees, all that’s left to do is wait. The state should get back to you within 2-3 weeks regarding the status of your application. Then, when they approve you, you will get your card in the mail and be able to start shopping at your favorite marijuana dispensaries in Michigan.
Note: If you haven’t heard back from the state after five (5) weeks of submitting your application, go ahead and call (517) 284-6400 to get ahold of the program directly.
Michigan Marijuana Laws
Both medical and recreational consumers have to follow the law when it comes to cannabis regulations. Consumers only have specific limits as to how much they can buy and possess, and you also cannot enjoy your cannabis anywhere you’d like.
Speaking of, if you have a Michigan medical marijuana card, where can you smoke? What do marijuana laws in Michigan say?
Just like most states in the US, you cannot consume your cannabis publically. You can only enjoy your marijuana product in the safety of your own home or private residence. If you don’t own the home you’re staying in, you must get permission from your landlord to consume in or on the property.
Of course, you cannot drive or operate machinery after consuming cannabis; you also cannot consume cannabis in your vehicle, regardless of if it’s on or not.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritties of marijuana laws in Michigan, focusing on possession limits specifically.
Michigan Marijuana Purchase Limits
Michigan marijuana purchase limits vary depending on if you’re a patient or a recreational consumer.
MI medical marijuana cardholders are allowed to possess up to 10 ounces of cannabis at one time. Along with this, they can also grow their own plants at home. (But, we’ll talk about that more later.)
On the flip side, recreational consumers are allowed to possess only up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis, and no more than 15 grams of that can be in the form of concentrates. Recreational consumers can also cultivate their own plants, and even give away small amounts — as long as they’re not selling it.
LEARN MORE: Michigan Dispensaries Near Ohio
What is the Legal Age to Buy Marijuana in Michigan?
For recreational consumers, the legal age to smoke in Michigan is 21. You have to be at least 21 years old to even enter a dispensary, so make sure you have your ID on you before heading to your favorite Michigan pot shop. If you’re under 21 and don’t have a medical card, you won’t be able to get in or make any purchases.
For medical patients, there isn’t necessarily an age restriction. To get a medical card on your own and purchase it for yourself, you have to be at least 18 years old. However, minors can also obtain a medical marijuana card through the help of a caregiver — typically their parent or guardian.
A caregiver will fill out the legal paperwork, register the patient with the state, and go into dispensaries to buy the product for the patient themselves. The caregiver may also administer the cannabis depending on the minor’s age and abilities.
It’s important to note that caregivers aren’t exclusive to minors. Those who have disabilities or who may not be able to take care of themselves can also have an assigned caregiver, regardless of their age. When applying for a medical card, you will simply fill out the information regarding caregiving, as well.
For more information about patients and caregivers through the MMMP, click here.
Can Non-Residents Buy Legal Marijuana in Michigan?
Yes! Marijuana laws in Michigan allow for non-residents to enjoy MI cannabis — and this goes for both patients and recreational consumers.
If you have an out-of-state medical card, Michigan recognizes cannabis reciprocity and will allow you to shop at their dispensaries no problem. Also, if you’re at least 21 years old, you’re allowed to legally shop at any recreational retailer in the state — no matter where you’re from! Just make sure you have a valid ID on you.
Can You Grow Marijuana Legally in Michigan?
Yes, home cultivation is legal in Michigan for both medical patients and adult-use consumers.
Medical patients are allowed to cultivate and possess up to 12 cannabis plants in their homes at one time. But, patients must keep these plants in locked, enclosed spaces that are away from the public eye. You also must state your intent to grow when registering with the state’s MMMP.
Recreational consumers are also permitted to grow up to 12 plants in their homes at once. Again, it’s important to keep these plants in enclosed spaces that the public cannot easily access.
Mastering Marijuana Laws in Michigan With Elevate Holistics
As the first state in the Midwest to legalize both medical and recreational cannabis, Michigan knows a thing or two about regulating the plant properly in the Great Lakes State. But, still, marijuana laws in Michigan can be a bit confusing if you don’t know where to start.
Thankfully, here at Elevate Holistics, we have all the resources necessary for you to master MMJ in Michigan. From overall cannabis laws to qualifying medical conditions and even Michigan cannabis FAQs, you have access to all things MI MMJ — right from your phone.
If you’re interested in getting started with the booking process, let Elevate Holistics take the lead. Simply book an appointment using the scheduler below, and we’ll set up a telehealth meeting to help get you your Michigan medical card. Oh, and did we mention it’s all from home? All you’ll need is a phone or computer, and we’ll handle it from there.
Now’s the time to enjoy medical marijuana in Michigan with more freedom and confidence than ever. Book an appointment today.
