Many are looking for insight into Michigan recreational marijuanas law, despite the fact that adult-use cannabis has been legal in the Great Lake State since 2018. In fact, the state’s state-licensed sales for recreational marijuanas started in December 2019.
The law passed with a 63% vote, showing plenty of support for legal recreational herb.
Now that Michigan recreational marijuanas law allows these legitimate businesses to operate, ganjapreneurs throughout the state are pushing their products. But what about the consumer level?
In this post, we discuss everything you should know as a consumer and how the Michigan recreational marijuanas law impacts legal cannabis operations in the Great Lake State. Keep reading for more information from our Michigan cannabis CPAs now.
MRA Michigan on Recreational Marijuanas Law
The MRA Michigan put in place, also known as the Marijuana Regulatory Agency, established the state as the country’s model for a regulatory program. With a goal to stimulate cannabusiness growth while ensuring safe, accessible marijuana for consumers, this agency regulates the industry.
Michigan recreational marijuanas law, medical marijuana facilities licensing, medical marijuana program, and social equity for adult-use marijuana all fall under the MRA’s authority.
The MRA Michigan has in place has a plethora of resources of cannabusiness operators and consumers alike. Those looking to find a facility, verify a license, file a complaint, apply online, make MRA in-person payments, or view the MRA video library can do so on the MRA’s website.
Michigan’s MRA also has information for the cannabis space. This includes information on panels, public hearings, and workgroups. But it also showcases disciplinary actions, laws, rules, grants, and other bulletins.
The MRA in Michigan also monitors the statewide marijuana monitoring system, Metrc. Metrc is a platform that helps the MRA monitor the supply chain.
Michigan Recreational Marijuanas Law & Penalties
Michigan recreational marijuanas law allows all adults 21 years and older to purchase, possess, and share up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower or concentrates at any given time. The state also permits an individual to grow up to 12 cannabis plants at their residence.
The law prohibits marijuana use on public property, in a motor vehicle, or anywhere the public has access. The only time this would not apply is if an individual happened to be at their own residence with locked doors and windows. Even here, individuals are not permitted to smoke pot within 1,000 ft. of any school zone.
Laws for Driving Under the Influence of Marijuanas in Michigan
Individuals who are caught driving while under the influence of marijuanas will face some stiff penalties in Michigan. A first offense can carry up to a $2,000 fine and/or one year in jail. If this is an individual’s second offense, they will face increased penalties.
Workplaces & Their Workers in Recreational Marijuanas Businesses
Employers are responsible for prohibiting the use or possession of marijuanas by employees while on the job. The MRTM allows adults 21 years of age or older to use recreational marijuana. However, it does not provide a limitation on Michigan employers’ rights to enforce a zero-tolerance marijuana policy.
Thus, Michigan employees may find themselves subjected to termination if the employer has a zero-tolerance marijuana policy and THC is found in the individual’s system. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter whether or not the employee consumed marijuana legally.
Equally important to note is that the MRTA does not impact employers and their workers’ compensation carrier’s right to deny benefits based on post-injury drug tests. In essence, employees can be denied benefits if they fail a mandatory drug test for marijuana after a work injury.
Michigan Recreational Marijuanas Law FAQ
Can I go to a dispensary without a card in Michigan?
Yes, all adults 21 years of age or older can purchase, possess, and share up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower or concentrates at any given time. Thus, if you’re visiting or living in Michigan and are of legal age, the only card you’ll need to visit a recreational dispensary is a valid ID.
Can you grow recreationally in Michigan?
Growing cannabis recreationally in Michigan is allowed for up to 12 cannabis plants on an individual’s private residence. They must remain in a locked enclosure not viewable by the public.
What are the laws for driving in Michigan recreationally?
Driving while under the influence of cannabis is illegal in all states, including Michigan. It is prohibited to drive while under the influence of marijuana recreationally, as well as medically. Thus, if it were found that an individual had been under the influence of marijuana while driving, this would be considered a violation of Michigan’s “operating while intoxicated” law.
Are recreational edibles legal in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan recreational marijuanas law legalizing the possession of up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower or concentrate allows for individuals to possess edibles as well under certain guidelines. The regulations include that edibles must be pre-packaged and labeled with specific information identifying the contents, potency, and other information related to the product.
Can I go to a dispensary without a card in Michigan?
If you’re 21 years of age or older, you do not need a card to access a dispensary in Michigan. However, you’ll still need some form of identification to access the dispensary.
What cities are recreational in Michigan?
Many Michigan cities allow recreational marijuana, including:
Adrian, MI – Lenawee County
Albion, MI – Calhoun County
Ann Arbor, MI – Washtenaw County
Arlington Township, MI – Van Buren County
Baldwin Township, MI – Iosco County
Bangor Township, MI – Bay County
Bangor, MI – Van Buren County
Battle Creek, MI – Calhoun County
Bay City, MI – Bay County
Bedford Charter Township, MI – Calhoun County
Benton Harbor, MI – Berrien County
Big Rapids, MI – Mecosta County
Burton, MI – Genesee County
Cambridge Township, MI – Lenawee County
Cheboygan, MI – Cheboygan County
Detroit, MI – Wayne County
East Lansing, MI – Ingham County
Emmett Charter Township, MI – Calhoun County
Ferndale, MI – Oakland County
Flint, MI – Genesee County
Grand Rapids, MI – Kent County
Harrisville, MI – Alcona County
Hazel Park, MI – Oakland County
Jackson, MI – Jackson County
Kalamazoo, MI – Kalamazoo County
Lansing, MI – Ingham County
Leavitt Township, MI – Oceana County
Leoni Township, MI – Jackson County
Manistee, MI – Manistee County
Monroe Charter Township, MI – Monroe County
Mount Morris, MI – Genesee County
Mount Pleasant, MI – Isabella County
Muskegon Heights, MI – Muskegon County
Muskegon, MI – Muskegon County
Newfield Township, MI – Oceana County
Omer, MI – Arenac County
Owosso, MI – Shiawassee County
Paw Paw Township, MI – Van Buren County
Sturgis, MI – St. Joseph County
Thetford Township, MI – Genesee County
Trenton, MI – Wayne County
Vassar Township, MI – Tuscola County
Vassar, MI – Tuscola County
Village of Camden, MI – Hillsdale County
Village of Constantine, MI – St. Joseph County
Village of Decatur, MI – Van Buren County
Warren, MI – Macomb County
Webber Township, MI – Lake County
Wise Township, MI – Isabella County
Concluding on Michigan Recreational Marijuanas Law
Michigan recreational marijuanas law has come a long way over the last few years. As the legal marketplace continues to grow, we can expect the benefits of the legal market to also continue.
For consumers and business operators alike, legal adult-use marijuana has been a great boon to the state of Michigan. In turn, this has helped drive down black marijuanas market prices significantly.
In addition, our research suggests that local governments have been more than happy with recreational marijuana being legal in Michigan – there has been a lot of tax revenue from sales! And sales continue to rise each month as new recreational-use cannabis businesses open and more consumers make their way to the legal market.
Finally, with recreational marijuanas law now in effect and many cities and townships taking part, we can expect this complete rollout of the new system is likely the end of prohibition as we know it. With that said, there will always be those who continue to work outside of the system. For that reason, you should still educate yourself on how to protect your investment and abide by all recreational marijuanas law in Michigan!
For those looking to scale their operations in Michigan, Northstar is here to help! Contact us now to learn how we’ll grow your business in this budding space.
