Is Marijuana Legal in Michigan?

The legal status of marijuana is changing rapidly across the United States, so much so that it’s understandable that many Americans are having trouble keeping up. This confusion is compounded by the fact that, despite the changes to state law, marijuana remains illegal on a federal level. This can leave many recreational and medical users in the dark as to whether or not they can consume or possess marijuana at all. Depending on which state you’re currently in, the legal penalties for cannabis use can range from nonexistent to a mandatory jail sentence, which is why it’s crucial for you to understand the rules in your current location before you use marijuana. Regulations can also differ depending on whether you’re using marijuana recreationally or medicinally. Read on to learn more about the current legal guidance regarding recreational and medical marijuana in Michigan.

Can you use marijuana in Michigan?

The legal status of cannabis and cannabis products is in a legal gray area throughout much of the United States, so it’s not surprising that many Americans and visitors aren’t completely clear on where they can and can’t use marijuana. If you’re passing through the area, you might find yourself wondering, is marijuana legal in Michigan? The answer, like in many other places in the U.S., is yes, but it’s a little more complicated than that.

Marijuana is legal for both recreational and medical use under state law in Michigan. There are still limits on possession under the law. Recreationally, people are able to possess 2.5 ounces of cannabis or 15 grams of concentrates, in addition to being allowed to keep an additional 10 ounces in their home. Medical patients are able to legally possess 2.5 ounces at a time and may purchase up to 10 ounces per month. Both recreational and medical users can grow up to 12 marijuana plants in a secure location that is not in public view.

Keep in mind that while Michigan permits recreational and medical marijuana, it’s still illegal under federal law. That means that, even though you can legally possess cannabis under certain circumstances and in limited quantities in Michigan, you still can’t leave the state with it or cross state lines carrying it, even if you’re traveling to another state where marijuana is legal.

How do you qualify for medical marijuana?

The medical marijuana program in Michigan is open to applicants with a variety of conditions. Some of those conditions include cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, hepatitis C, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism, cerebral palsy, and chronic pain. There are several other qualifying conditions, and Michigan also allows use for sufferers of any chronic disease or medical condition with certain specific symptoms like severe nausea and seizures.

Once accepted into the program, you’ll be permitted to purchase and possess a limited amount of marijuana for personal use. There’s a $60 application fee to apply to the program, but once you’re accepted, you’ll receive your medical marijuana program identification card in the mail within a few weeks. One major benefit of being a medical user as opposed to buying cannabis for recreational use is that medical users only pay a 6 percent sales tax, whereas recreational sales are subject to a 10 percent tax.

No matter where you are in the U.S., it’s important that you understand the laws surrounding marijuana before buying or using any products containing it. Depending on where you’re located, possession of marijuana could be legal, a civil infraction, or even a felony. Due to that wide disparity in legal status, it’s essential that any recreational or medical user be conscientious and aware of what the legal restrictions are on the use of marijuana no matter where they are. In Michigan, both recreational and medical use is permitted under certain circumstances. However, traveling outside the state with marijuana, even to another state where marijuana use is permitted, remains illegal under federal law. Until marijuana is legalized on a national level, the legal framework under which marijuana sales operate will likely remain different from state to state.