Most frequently MMJ asked questions

• Who can possess marijuana in Michigan?

  

  Medical marijuana patients and adults 21 years old and older can possess marijuana in Michigan. However, you must keep your product in your private residence, as public consumption is illegal.

• How much medical marijuana can I possess?

  

  Medical patients can possess up to 10 ounces of cannabis at once, while recreational consumers can have up to 2.5 ounces.

• When did medical marijuana become legal in Michigan?

  

  Medical marijuana became legal in Michigan back in 2008 with the Michigan Compassionate Care Initiative. At the time, this measure only legalized cannabis use for seriously ill patients. However, as the years have passed, the list of qualifying medical conditions for an MMJ card in Michigan has grown significantly.

• Can I go to a dispensary without a card in Michigan?

  

  You can enter a recreational dispensary without a card as long as you’re at least 21 years old. However, you cannot enter any medical dispensary without a valid MMMP medical card.  

• Where can I use medical marijuana in Michigan?

  

  You can consume Michigan medical marijuana strictly at home or in private spaces throughout the Great Lakes State. Public consumption — minus a few exceptions — is illegal in Michigan, as well as consuming in a vehicle. If you do not own the place you live in, you must check with your landlord to see if cannabis consumption is okay with them.

• Is marijuana legal in Michigan?

  

  The Michigan marijuana legalization process technically started in the 1970s, when the city of Ann Arbor voted to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. This was incredibly progressive for the time period, and Michigan was one of the first cities to do this. Michigan opted to legalize marijuana for medical use in 2008. 

  At the time, the law only allowed patients to grow their own plants. It did not technically allow for dispensaries, although many began operating in the years after this law was passed. The law was amended in 2016 to make dispensaries legal. This amendment also allowed patients to buy edibles, topical oils, and other forms of marijuana besides flower. These new Michigan edible laws offered a good alternative to smoking for those who don’t enjoy it. 

  Cannabis was officially legalized for recreational use in Michigan in 2018. The first recreational dispensaries opened in 2019. Michigan’s laws are unique in that they now allow anyone to cultivate up to 12 plants at home in addition to being able to buy from a dispensary. 

• How much is a medical marijuana card in Michigan?

  

  To get a Michigan medical card, you will need to pay an initial application fee of $40. If you are approved, your card will last for two years. Keep in mind that you will need to pay this fee for every medical card renewal as well. 

  In addition to the application fee, you will also need to pay for your initial consultation with a doctor. Keep in mind that insurance companies do not currently cover any expenses related to marijuana, as it is not yet legal on a federal level. The cost of this appointment will vary depending on where you go – some providers charge as much as $200. Elevate Holistics offers telehealth appointments with medical marijuana doctors starting at $75. 

  Although you will need to pay some fees in order to get your MMMP card, it can actually save you money in the long run if you have one of the qualifying conditions. This is because medical marijuana cardholders don’t pay as much in taxes as recreational marijuana users do.

• Where can I get my medical marijuana card in Michigan?

  

  To get a medical marijuana card in Michigan, you will need to start by making an appointment with a doctor. Your doctor will need to verify that you have one of the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. You can visit a doctor in-person or use a telehealth service like Elevate Holistics. You’ll need to make sure that the doctor you choose is licensed and willing to provide medical marijuana evaluations, as not all doctors do. 

  If you do qualify, your doctor will help you through the medical marijuana application process. You will need to create an account online, and then you will need to mail in a complete medical marijuana application packet. This will include your doctor’s certification as well as your application fee and proof of residency. You will then receive an email with a temporary card when your application has been approved. 

• Is marijuana legal in Michigan for recreational use?

  

  Marijuana has been legal for recreational use in Michigan since 2019. There are Michigan recreational dispensaries in every major city as well as small towns throughout the state. Anyone over the age of 21 can visit the dispensary and purchase the products they need. Dispensaries offer a wide selection of flower strains as well as many other cannabis products, and they can help patients find the best products for their needs.  

  In Michigan, you can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in public or 10 ounces of marijuana at home. Michigan law also allows anyone to grow up to 12 cannabis plants at home. Although marijuana possession is legal, you still can’t consume marijuana everywhere. Many private businesses and public spaces alike have restrictions regarding marijuana use. If you want to use marijuana in Michigan, make sure you’re in a safe location before starting. 

• How to get a medical card in Michigan?

  

  In order to get a medical card, you must have one of the qualifying conditions for medical card in Michigan. Michigan’s laws currently allow patients with a wide range of chronic conditions to apply for medical marijuana cards. Some of these conditions include cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, spinal cord injuries, and many more. 

  Michigan also allows medical marijuana prescriptions for anyone with a chronic condition that results in severe pain, severe nausea, wasting syndrome, seizures, or severe muscle spasms. This qualification providers some flexibility for doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to anyone that might need it. If you think you could benefit from medical marijuana but aren’t sure you qualify, it may be worth talking to a doctor to see what options are available to you. 

• Do dispensaries track how much you buy?

  

  Although marijuana is legal for recreational use in Michigan, there are still possession limits, which begs the question – do Michigan marijuana dispensaries track how much you buy? 

  Most dispensaries ask for some patient information when you make a purchase, and they will typically swipe your ID as well. Most dispensaries will keep track of your data for marketing purposes, not legal purposes, and they won’t share your personal information. However, Michigan residents are not allowed to purchase more than 10 ounces of flower or an equivalent amount of other products per month. This means that dispensaries may stop you once you’ve hit the Michigan recreational purchase limit.