Marijuana is becoming legalized in several states, including Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington State, California, Nevada, and Colorado.
Marijuana is not considered a decriminalized substance in Michigan, but it’s not fully illegal, either.
(PLEASE NOTE 2018 MIDTERM ELECTION CHANGES TO MICHIGAN STATE LAW - See the section at the end of this post.)
It’s important to note marijuana is not considered a legal substance at the federal level, and that differs from (and often overrides) state and local marijuana laws.
The Michigan Medical Marijuana Act
According to the 2008 Michigan Marijuana Act, it’s legal to grow and use marijuana for "debilitating medical conditions.” 63% of Michigan’s population in all 83 counties voted yes to pass this act. Within this act, the stipulations read that marijuana (spelled marihuana in this document):
- Has protections provided for marihuana medical use
- If you use marihuana, you have to carry a registry identification card
- Primary caregivers distributing marihuana also have to carry a registry identification card
- You have to pay a fee to register a marihuana application and get it renewed as well
- This act has rules that are enforced
- You can and will get penalized and/or punished for violating this act
Registering Medical Marijuana Usage
The only legal way to use marijuana in Michigan is to get your medical marijuana registry card. The Medical Marihuana Act is enacted through the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program (MMMP) under the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The department is located in Lansing, Michigan, and their phone is 517-373-1820 to call about more details about either the Michigan Marihuana Act or the MMMP.
The website provides links to apply for your medical marihuana registry card, renew it, add or change your caregiver, request a replacement, change your name or address, and other program details.
In essence, marijuana is treated in Michigan as a personal medical substance that requires a license. All of the state’s licensed marijuana use passes through the MMMP. So, if you are seeking medical marijuana, go to the MMMP website and get registered. You are also advised to carry your registration with you at all times, since, if you are questioned by a police officer and don’t have proper documentation, you are subject to the risk of being arrested for an illegal substance.
Criminal Marijuana Laws
Any other marijuana use (and medical usage without a registry card) is subject to state and federal criminal laws. Those are enforced through the court system, and you can be prosecuted.
Recreational marijuana usage falls under two penalty classifications: a misdemeanor or a felony. All penalties come with an incarceration time between 90 days and 15 years, and you are also responsible for fines between $100 and $10 million dollars. In addition, all convictions come with a 6 months driver’s license suspension.
Michigan Marijuana Misdemeanor Laws
Possession
Possession of any amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor, with a penalty of 1 year incarceration and $2000 fine. If you’re caught possessing it in a park, that could be either classified as a felony or misdemeanor. Use of marijuana is also a misdemeanor and comes with a $100 fine and 90 days incarceration.
Sale
If you sell marijuana without remuneration, meaning you give it to someone without getting paid, that’s a misdemeanor with 1-year incarceration and $1,000 fine.
Paraphernalia
Selling marijuana paraphernalia (pipes, bongs, etc.) is also a misdemeanor, with 90 days incarceration and a $5000 fine.
Michigan Marijuana Federal Laws
Sale
Any for-profit sale of marijuana is subject to federal law and is considered a felony. The different sales are classified by weight and increase in severity the more marijuana is sold. Less than 5 kg (11.02 lbs.) receives 4 years jail time and a $20,000 fine. Between 5 kg and 44.99 kg (11.02 lbs. to 99.18 lbs.) is 7 years jail time and a $500,000 fine. 45kg and up (100 lbs. and up) carries the marijuana maximum penalty of 15 years incarceration and a $10 million dollar fine.
Cultivation
Cultivation of marijuana (growing it under any circumstance, on any type of property, for any purpose) is a federal crime in Michigan. Even medical marijuana is not allowed to be grown. The severity of the penalty depends on the number of plants. Less than twenty plants is 4 years incarceration and a $20,000 fine. Between 20 and 199 plants is 7 years incarceration and a $500,000 fine. Growing 200 plants or more is 15 years jail time and a $10 million dollar fine.
Michigan Drugged Driving Laws
What if you get caught with marijuana while driving? The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that “inert metabolites of marijuana are not classified as Schedule I controlled substances.” Any person or persons carrying their registry card for medical marijuana will not get prosecuted and charged with a DUI (driving under influence). However, every other person will.
FINAL VERDICT
In addition to the regular possession and other laws above, the drugged driving laws come with their own penalties.
Midterm Elections 2018 Update!
The midterm elections for Michigan saw a landmark change for marijuana users in the state:
'Michigan voters approved the legalization of recreational use of marijuana in their state with 56% in favor and 44% against. They are the first mid-west state to legalize cannabis use and the 10th state to legalize recreational use. If you live in Michigan, this is great news!'
For more information detailing this important change to Michigan state Law, for recreational users of marijuana in the state of Michigan, read the post on the Marijuana Midterm Elections 2018.
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Hi Rosio, Thanks for the comment. If you are interested in marijuana/cannabis laws and changes for a particular state, check in from time to time as we will be updating the posts for each state as changes to the legal status of marijuana occur.
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