Marijuana for medical and recreational use is legal in the state of Michigan. Yet, it still remains illegal on a federal level.
This means that while you can use marijuana in Michigan, you can’t take it across state lines. It also means that there are laws governing how you’ll be able to use and possess marijuana.
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Here’s what you should know about the that went into effect on December 6, 2018.
Fast Facts
- Medical marijuana has been legal in Michigan since 2008.
- Recreational marijuana has been legal in Michigan since 2018.
- Adults age 21 and older can have marijuana.
- You can’t consume marijuana in public.
- You can’t drive while under the influence of marijuana.
Legalization vs. Decriminalization
While “legalization” and “decriminalization” may sound similar, they have very different meanings. That’s why it’s important you hire one of our attorneys if you’re not sure how state law affects your case.
Michigan has legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational use. This means that there are now regulations and taxes in place for marijuana.
Other states may have “decriminalized” marijuana. In other words, using marijuana is still illegal in these states, but the consequences are less severe. For example, you may pay a fine instead of spending time behind bars.
Recreational Marijuana Dispensaries
About 79% of Michigan municipalities have banned recreational marijuana dispensaries, according to the Detroit Metro Times. That’s almost 1,400 villages, townships, and cities. In these places, it is illegal to buy recreational marijuana from retailers.
Where it is legal, you can buy up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana. But you can’t have more than 15 grams of marijuana in the form of marijuana concentrate at one time. You can only carry up to these amounts as well. At home, you can keep up to 10 ounces of marijuana flower as long as it’s in a secure location.
THC Concentration
It’s important that you know what THC is and how it could affect criminal charges. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active chemical in marijuana. This chemical gives users the sensation of being high.
The state of Michigan doesn’t have a limit for how much THC can be in a marijuana product. This means that consumers are responsible for checking THC concentrations.
The Problem with Edibles
The amount of THC in edibles can be misleading. For example, a manufacturer may say that one square in a cannabis-infused chocolate bar is a dose. Yet, it’s a common mistake to assume the entire chocolate bar is a dose. Furthermore, there are no federal regulations for what’s considered a “dose.” This leads to inconsistent results between products.
The THC in edibles can also take a few hours to take effect. When ingested, THC is absorbed into the bloodstream when it passes through the gut. If people don’t understand that there’s a delayed effect, they may overconsume edibles.
These types of misunderstandings can lead to criminal charges, such as operating while intoxicated.
Call John Engman & Associates, P.C.
If you or a loved one have been charged with unlawful possession or use of marijuana, your first step is to call our law firm. Our marijuana lawyers will fight for your rights so you get the best defense possible.
Our criminal defense attorneys would be more than happy to assess the details of your case. To request a free consultation, call John Engman & Associates at (616) 454-5222. Our marijuana attorneys in Grand Rapids, MI will be waiting for your call.