In 2008, Michigan was the 13th state to allow medical cannabis in some form when it passed the Michigan Compassionate Care Initiative with 63% of the vote. For the first 8 years of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program (MMMP), Michigan like many states suffered from the dueling forces that try to expand and stifle the industry. In the early years of the MMMP, there was no way to open legal dispensaries, which led to nearly 100 medical marijuana dispensaries operating illegally within the state
In 2016, then-governor Rick Snyder signed 3 bills that allowed Michigan’s medical cannabis market to legally exist and thrive. Regulated medical cannabis dispensaries were now allowed to operate throughout the state. The use of non-smokable marijuana products such as topicals and edibles was approved. Additionally, a 4% tax was placed on medical marijuana products.
Since then, Michigan has continued to be one of the more progressive states in terms of cannabis laws, as well as cannabis quality. In November 2018, Michigan became the first state in the Midwest to approve recreational cannabis when it passed the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act with 56% of the vote.
Currently, as of 2020, there are nearly 262,000 patients in Michigan Medical Marihuana Program according to data from the Marijuana Policy Project. Even with recreational cannabis availability, many patients continue to choose the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program.
Am I eligible for medical marijuana in Michigan?
The following conditions qualify for the MMMP. While many of them are severe and will require proof, there are still some open to interpretation by your doctor. Getting your medical marijuana card in Michigan is extremely quick and easy and most patients will get a card without much scrutiny when presenting claims of pain or spasms.
- Severe and chronic pain
- OCD
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- PTSD
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Crohn’s disease
- Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
- Nail patella
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Severe nausea
- Seizures, including characteristics of epilepsy
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including characteristics of multiple sclerosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Colitis
- Arthritis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism
- Ulcerative colitis
- Spinal cord injury
Do I need a doctor’s recommendation?
Yes, in the state of Michigan you will need a doctor’s orders to get your medical cannabis card. While you will be required to medical records of the previously mentioned conditions, many Michigan MMJ doctors will have an option to give you primary medical records to access the medical cannabis program.
How to obtain a medical marijuana license:
- Visit an approved Michigan Marijuana Doctor
- Present medical records or obtain them from the doctor
- Get provisional approval to mail
- Receive a temporary MMMP card
- Mail your paperwork and await your official card
How long are the orders and licenses good for?
MMMP cards are valid for 24 months.
How much does it cost for a visit with a doctor?
A doctor’s visit for obtaining a medical cannabis recommendation can range from $70-150 depending on the doctor and the services needed. If you need original medical records, you can expect to pay a little more. Also, there are additional services like temporary cards and mailing services to get your paperwork to the State of Michigan’s MMMP department.
How do I renew my medical marijuana card?
To renew your MMMP card, you will need to visit a physician again to receive an update recommendation. That being said, doctors usually charge less for renewals than they do for new patients. It’s a much easier process for everyone involved and ends up being just free money for the doctors.
Where can I find a dispensary?
Michigan has a plentiful supply of incredible dispensaries servicing the medical cannabis community. If you are around and of the major cities, you have an incredible amount of options when it comes to dispensaries. The following are just some of our favorites from around the state:
- 3fifteen
- Joyolgy
- Skymint
- Exit 9 Povisionary
- Michigan Supply and Provisions
- Park Place Provisionary
- High Profile
- Fluresh
- Bella Sol
- Redbud Roots
- Arcanna
How much does weed cost in Michigan?
Medical cannabis in Michigan is very affordable and of very high quality compared to the rest of the country. Michiganders are an extremely lucky bunch with their cheap access to very high-quality cannabis.
For a gram alone, you can expect to pay $8-15 and for an ounce, you can expect to pay $200-250 depending on sales and locations you’re near. Depending on city, dispensary, and sales you may see even lower prices than these.
Can I grow my own cannabis?
Yes! Again, Michigan cannabis users are a very lucky bunch and enjoy progressive cannabis laws. In Michigan, adults can grow up to 12 plants as long as they are enclosed, or completely private from the public eye. For patients who prefer, caregivers can also grow marijuana in Michigan. A caregiver needs to be at least 21 years old and not been committed a felony. Caregivers can grow for up to five patients.
Michigan residents should still check local laws since municipalities could possibly ban the use of marijuana or home growing. For example, you could face a fine in the city of Ann Arbor or if on the University of Michigan campus.
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