The recent Court of Claims ruling legalizing marijuana in certain circumstances is an important step for Michigan’s medical cannabis industry, but it does not mean that the substance is no longer under control. Legislators like state legislator Rabhi have been working on updating the drug schedule for several years, and are optimistic that it will pass. There are still many questions surrounding the subject, however, and it can be confusing.
If you are looking to open a medical marijuana business in Michigan, you need to know what the rules are for licensing medical cannabis businesses. Many municipalities require pre-qualification processes before local permits can be issued. A full map of licensed operators can be found on the state website. If you’re unsure of your local jurisdiction’s medical marijuana laws, you can search for dispensaries in other states. Marijuana law reform in Michigan is a major step toward a healthier and safer state.
However, the Michigan Marijuana Laws and Local Drug Businesses Act allows municipalities to issue dispensary licenses without statewide restrictions. This allows municipalities to issue dozens of licenses, and the state’s legal marijuana market could quickly become oversaturated. Cities like Royal Oak, Berkley, Ferndale, and Warren could be overrun with dispensaries. This could lead to a consolidation of businesses, and some would fail.
Michigan Marijuana Laws and Local Dispensaries
The amount of marijuana that an adult can possess varies depending on the jurisdiction. In Michigan, an adult may possess and transfer up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana to another adult in the state, but he or she must not exchange the cannabis for money or promote it to the public. Further, under Michigan marijuana laws, the state does not allow marijuana on the university campus. If you’re planning on buying cannabis, it’s best to do it from a licensed dispensary.
The legalization of marijuana is not complete, and the state still prohibits the use of the drug on federal land and in national parks. Landowners can still ban tenants from using marijuana, and it will not change previous convictions or commutations of sentences for marijuana offenses. The state is also working on a bill that will allow cannabis businesses to operate within the state. But the time is still not right for it.
In the end, the legalization of marijuana in Michigan is not a simple process. Each municipality must pass their own local law to allow dispensaries or consumption lounges. After the opt-out deadline, the municipalities cannot change their minds. However, once they have decided on a local law, they are in for life. However, the legalization of marijuana in Michigan is a positive step for the state’s medical marijuana industry.