Michigan Medical Marijuana Laws: What You Need to Know

Are you confused about the current Michigan medical marijuana laws? If so, you’re not alone. Although Michiganders voted to legalize medical marijuana in 2008, many patients and providers still have difficulty understanding this complex statute. Furthermore, changes to the original law, coupled with the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2018, have caused even more misunderstandings.

Here is an overview of Michigan medical marijuana laws.

What Are the Michigan Medical Marijuana Laws?

Michigan medical marijuana laws allow individuals to purchase and use medical marijuana products, providing they have a doctor’s prescription and suffer from certain medical conditions. 

First, patients must first obtain a registry identification card from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). 

Minors (under 18) must submit certification forms from two separate physicians, plus permission from their parents or legal guardians.

Rules for Patients

A qualifying patient with a registry identification card may possess the following:

• No more than a combined total of 2.5 oz. of usable marijuana and usable marijuana equivalents.
• 12 marijuana plants kept in an enclosed, locked facility, providing the patient has not specified a primary caregiver to cultivate marijuana for them.
• Any incidental amount of seeds, stalks and unusable roots shall also be allowed under state law and shall not be included in this amount.

If stopped by law enforcement, the patient must present a registry identification card and valid driver’s license or government-issued photo ID.

Rules for Caregivers

A primary caregiver with a registry identification card may possess the following for each of their qualifying patients:

• A combined total of 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana and usable marijuana equivalents.
• 12 marijuana plants kept in an enclosed, locked facility, providing the patient has specified the primary caregiver will be cultivating marijuana for them.
• Any incidental amount of seeds, stalks and unusable roots.

Caregivers must be able to show their registry identification card and valid driver’s license or government-issued photo ID.

What Are the Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana?

The Michigan medical marijuana law specifies patients must have at least one of the following “debilitating medical conditions.” However, the list of eligible conditions may be revised as new medical research emerges. For the most current list, visit the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website at www.michigan.gov/lara.

Here are the qualifying medical conditions to date:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV 
• AIDS
• Hepatitis C
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Agitation caused by Alzheimer’s Disease
• Nail-patella Syndrome
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Arthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Colitis
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Tourette’s Disease
• Autism
• Chronic pain
• Cerebral Palsy

Patients who suffer from one or more of the following symptoms as a result of their chronic or debilitating condition are also eligible:

• Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
• Severe and chronic pain
• Severe nausea
• Seizures
• Severe and persistent muscle spasms
• Any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

For a medical marijuana application packet, visit http://www.michigan.gov/mmp.

Is It Illegal to Drive Under the Influence of Medical Marijuana?

Michigan law has a strict “zero tolerance” policy for Schedule 1 controlled substances, which include recreational marijuana. Individuals with valid medical marijuana registry cards are not subject to the same restrictions. However, drivers may be subject to charges if a law enforcement officer can demonstrate they are impaired as a result of the drug. 

The law is complicated, but finding the right attorney is simple.

If you think you may be entitled to compensation for a personal injury claim, call 1-800-CALL-SAM today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Sources:

• https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_79571_83746-449306–,00.html
• http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(xprmr4kklabr1ozwllxcyjv0))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-333-26424
• https://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7-123-72297_64773_22774-75633–,00.html