Is Marijuana Legal in Michigan?

If you're thinking about opening a marijuana dispensary, also referred to as a provisioning center, in the Great Lakes State, it's essential to familiarize yourself with all the legal requirements, regulations, and operational guidelines governing the operation of a dispensary business in Michigan.

Since 2018, Michigan has stood as the pioneering Midwestern state to legalize both medical and adult-use cannabis, marking a significant milestone in cannabis legislation.

Michigan boasts over 900 licensed dispensaries authorized to sell cannabis for both medicinal and adult-use purposes. Unlike some other states, Michigan's cannabis industry began with an open licensing system and low taxes. These factors, coupled with a rising demand, have contributed to the rapid growth of one of the state's fastest-growing industries.

Michigan Marijuana Laws Simplified

1. Provisioning Centers in Michigan

In Michigan, places where you can buy marijuana are called provisioning centers.

2. Who's in Charge?

The Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) makes sure everything runs smoothly with marijuana laws.

3. Keeping Track

Michigan uses something called Metrc to keep an eye on where marijuana goes. It's like a big map that helps track every step of the marijuana journey.

4. Legalization

Since November 2018, it's been okay for adults to use marijuana for recreation in Michigan.

5. Taxes on Adult-Use

If you buy marijuana for adult-use, you'll pay some extra money in taxes. There's a 10% fee, plus the usual 6% sales tax.

6. Buying Limits

When adults buy marijuana for rec purposes, they can get up to 2.5 ounces each time. But if you're using it for medical reasons, like to feel better, you can only get 2.5 ounces a day.

7. Spelling Differentiation

You might notice that some people spell it "marijuana" and others spell it "marihuana." In Michigan's official rules, it's "marihuana." This can get confusing, so some folks just say "cannabis" to keep it simple.

8. Delivery is an Option

If you can't go to a provisioning center, you might still be able to get marijuana delivered to you. It's legal in Michigan, making it easier for some people to get what they need.

Michigan dispensary licencing

In Michigan, the Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) oversees the licensing and regulation of cannabis businesses, including dispensaries. Before you can legally operate a dispensary, you'll need to obtain a license from the MRA. These licenses come in different categories, with a provisioning center license being necessary for retail sales. Here’s what you need to do if you’re looking to get a licence to sell cannabis in Michigan:

1. Submit your application to the Marijuana Regulatory Agency with your fee which currently is $6000
2. Different licenses require a different fee for annual regulatory assessment and for the license to be granted. These range from $4000 to $40,000.
3. You will be notified if you are accepted within 90 days. Some applications may get rejected if they don’t meet the criteria.

Dispensary License Types in Michigan:

You may select one of the following license types when applying:

• Marihuana Retailer
• Marihuana Processor
• Marihuana Safety Compliance Facility
• Marihuana Microbusiness
• Marihuana Secure Transporter
• Temporary Marijuana Grower Licenses
• Class A Marihuana Grower Authorizing Cultivation of No More Than 100 Marihuana Plants
• Class B Marihuana Grower Authorizing Cultivation of No More Than 500 Marihuana Plants
• Class C Marihuana Grower Authorizing Cultivation of No More Than 2,000 Marihuana Plants

You must also meet some criteria to be granted a license:

• You must submit the application to comply with the department rules together with the license fee
• You must follow section 6 of the act when you submit the application
• Adult-use is capped to 5 initially, but you can add additional licenses which is known as the Excess Grow License if you hold a Medical Grow License. Seeing as there isn’t a limit on the medical grow license.
• Limitations on Licenses granted can be posed by a municipality based on the number of marijuana establishments in any one area.
• If you’re granted a state license, then this will be valid for one year before you need to renew it.

What is the purchasing limit of Marijuana in Michigan?

You must be age 21 or older to possess and use marijuana. You can buy it from a licensed dispensary and get up to 2.5 ounces at once. But you can't hold more than 15 grams of a strong type of marijuana at one time.

In Michigan, there's no limit to how many stores you can buy from in a day. You can visit multiple dispensaries if you want.

Anyone over 21 can buy marijuana legally in Michigan, no matter where they're from. Just show your driver's license, passport, or state ID to get into the store. Non-residents can buy the same amount of weed as residents, which is up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana or the same in other forms.

When you buy weed in Michigan, the dispensary keeps track of how much you buy using your ID or medical marijuana card. They do this to make sure you don't buy more than the law allows.

Can I sell or distribute marijuana in Michigan without a license?

An adult can give up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana to another adult without getting paid for it, and if they don't advertise it to the public. Giving away less than 5 ounces of marijuana without getting paid for it is considered a minor offense, with a maximum fine of $500 and no possibility of jail time.

Selling less than 5 kilograms of marijuana is a serious crime, classified as a felony with a maximum penalty of 4 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.

Selling between 5 kilograms and 45 kilograms of marijuana is also a felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.

Selling 45 kilograms or more of marijuana is a severe felony, punishable by a maximum of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000.

Cultivating Marijuana in Michigan

An adult can cultivate up to 12 marijuana plants at their home for personal use in Michigan. However, it's not allowed if these plants are visible from public areas or if they're grown outside of a secure space. Breaking this rule results in a civil offense, with a fine of up to $100 and the marijuana being confiscated.

Growing between 13 and 24 plants for personal use is considered a civil infraction, with no jail time and a maximum fine of $500.

Cultivating between 25 and 200 plants is classified as a felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to seven years.

Growing more than 200 plants is also considered a felony, with a possible prison term of up to 15 years.

Legal Packaging for Marijuana in Michigan

It's against the rules to sell candy with marijuana in it if the packaging looks like it's for kids. Right now, the state is keeping an eye on how edible marijuana is packaged. You can't have pictures of cartoons, toys, or any fun shapes on the packaging. Even simple things like a picture of a fruit on fruit-flavored candies are not allowed.

The packaging must be hard to see through, can be closed again, and tough for kids to open.

There needs to be a clear warning on the package, surrounded by a thick line, saying that using this if you're pregnant or breastfeeding could harm the baby, leading to problems like being born too early, weighing too little, or having issues with development.

What Are the Cannabis Taxes in Michigan?

Marijuana dispensaries must pay a 10% tax on the marijuana they sell. When adults buy marijuana for personal use, they must pay a 10% tax on top of the regular 6% sales tax.

But if you're buying marijuana for medical reasons, you only must pay the regular 6% sales tax.

Regulations for Marijuana Establishments

Restrictions on Tobacco Sales:

Marijuana shops cannot sell or transfer tobacco products.

Visibility Regulations:

Activities related to marijuana like growing, processing, selling, or displaying products cannot be seen from public areas outside the store without special equipment like binoculars or aircraft.

Dispensary Location Requirements:

Dispensaries are not allowed to grow, process, test, or store marijuana anywhere other than the approved physical address. This location must be enclosed, secure, and only accessible to employees.

Inspection and Compliance:

Dispensaries must always allow representatives from the department to check their premises and review their records.

Employee Age Requirement:

Employees working in cannabis businesses must be at least 21 years old.

Compliance with Production and Distribution:

Marijuana facilities can only sell marijuana that has been produced, distributed, and taxed according to regulations.

Transportation Limits:

Marijuana growers, retailers, processors, microbusinesses, and testing facilities cannot transport more than 15 ounces of marijuana or 60 grams of concentrate at once.

Title Holding Restrictions:

Companies specializing in secure transportation of marijuana cannot own the marijuana they transport.

Michigan Weed Delivery Services Regulations

According to Michigan regulations, provisioning centers and marijuana retailers are permitted to offer delivery services, provided they obtain additional approval from the Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA).

Delivery drivers are authorized to transport up to 15 ounces of marijuana and up to 60 grams of marijuana concentrate before returning to the dispensary for additional orders.

FAQs for Marijuana usage and possession in Michigan

Is marijuana legal in Michigan?

Yes, marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational use in Michigan.

When did marijuana become legal in Michigan?

Michigan voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana in November 2018. Medical marijuana has been legal in the state since 2008.

Can anyone use marijuana in Michigan?

No, there are age restrictions. Only individuals who are 21 years of age or older can legally possess and use marijuana in Michigan.

Where can I purchase marijuana in Michigan?

Marijuana can be purchased from licensed dispensaries in Michigan. These dispensaries are regulated by the state.

Can I grow marijuana at home in Michigan?

Yes, individuals who are 21 years or older can grow up to 12 marijuana plants for personal use in Michigan. However, there are regulations regarding the cultivation process.

Are there any restrictions on where I can consume marijuana in Michigan?

Yes, you cannot consume marijuana in public places or on federal lands. Consumption is limited to private properties where the owner allows it.

Can I drive under the influence of marijuana in Michigan?

No, it is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana in Michigan. Doing so can result in legal penalties like driving under the influence of alcohol.

Is there a limit to how much marijuana I can possess in Michigan?

Yes, individuals who are 21 years or older can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in public and up to 10 ounces in their homes.

Can I travel outside of Michigan with marijuana purchased legally in the state?

No, it is illegal to transport marijuana across state lines, even if it was purchased legally in Michigan. Doing so can result in federal charges.

Are there employment consequences for using marijuana in Michigan?

Yes, employers in Michigan can still enforce drug-free workplace policies and may choose not to hire or to terminate employees who test positive for marijuana, even if it's used recreationally and legally outside of work hours.

Discover How to Improve Your Michigan Dispensary Sales with Digital Signage

When it comes to making the most of your dispensary business, there is almost no limit to what you can achieve using digital signage.

With an option to constantly update the product information being displayed on the digital boards, it is easier to maximize product visibility and diversify marketing, it is easier to keep customers informed about products available in the establishment.

With dispensary digital signage implemented as digital cannabis menu boards, dispensaries can inform a walk-in client about the various available products at-a-glance. This is a great way to increase the chances of unplanned purchases and make more profit, thereby increasing revenue.

Dispensary menu boards are versatile and can be tailored to show whatever content you want. This includes product name, brand, price, size, THC percentage, CBD percentage, and product use description.

You can even use the digital signage to inspire customer loyalty by offering deals and special promotions. People love nothing more than being frugal, which is why they appreciate brands that help them get more quality at a lesser price.

Learn more about Seed TV Menus + interactive tablets + self-service ordering to turn your dispensary into a retail experience.