Michigan

In 2008, Michigan voters approved the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act permitting patients diagnosed with specified medical conditions to use and cultivate marijuana. The Department of Community Health has specified such debilitating medical conditions as cancer, AIDS, hepatitis C, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis as eligible. Other diseases or conditions that cause severe and chronic pain, cachexia, seizures or nausea may also be eligible for medical marijuana treatment at the discretion of the Department. With approval, patients or their designated caregivers may possess up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana and grow up to 12 marijuana plants in an enclosed, locked facility.

Patients with approved medical conditions must register with the state’s Michigan Medical Marihuana Program, which requires a $100 application fee. Though the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program (MMMP) is the governing body of medical marihuana in the state, the MMMP does not offer information about the growing process or provide other resources on how patients can acquire medical marijuana.

The possession or use of marijuana by an unauthorized person is punishable as a misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $2000. Cultivating marijuana in any quantity without a medical authorization is considered a felony. Though gifting marijuana is a misdemeanor, selling any amount is a felony punishable by imprisonment and hefty fines. Michigan also enforces a zero tolerance policy for driving under the detectable influence of marijuana or other illicit drugs.