Michigan Education

History Of Medical Marijuana in Michigan
History Of Medical Marijuana in Michigan

Poet / Activist John Sinclair played a pivotal role in Michigan’s marijuana history. In 1969 he was arrested in Ann Arbor after offering joints to two undercover agents. His sentence was a shocking 10 years in jail. A wave of outrage spread throughout the state and beyond catching the attention of the already heated 60s counterculture movement.

Two years later, 15,000 activists — including John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Allen Ginsburg and Bobby Seal — gathered in protest at the John Sinclair Freedom Rally in Ann Arbor. Their voices were heard loudly and clearly. Shortly after Sinclair was released.

Medical Marijuana In Michigan

In 2008 medical marijuana was legalized in Michigan through the Michigan Compassionate Care Initiative. Known as Proposal 1, the bill was passed by 63% of voters. This made Michigan the 13th state to legalize medical marijuana, and the first midwestern state to do so.

There was a catch, though. The initiative didn’t provide for the opening of legal dispensaries, though nearly 100 medical marijuana dispensaries were already operating illegally in the state.

A major breakthrough occurred in September 2016 when Governor Rick Snyder signed three bills that effectively launched Michigan’s medical marijuana industry. 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 .

Recreational / Adult-use Marijuana In Michigan

In 2018, a measure appeared on the Michigan ballot to officially legalize marijuana. Called the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, it was passed by 56% of state voters. Michigan became the 10th state in the country — and the first midwestern state — to legalize recreational cannabis.

With the legalization of recreational marijuana in Michigan, anyone over 21 years of age can possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis in public, with ten ounces allowed in the home. Home cultivation of up to 12 marijuana plants is also legal.

Legal recreational marijuana dispensaries began operating in Michigan in December 2019. You don’t need a medical marijuana card to be served. You just have to be over the age of 21.

If you’d like the latest information about the changing marijuana regulations in Michigan, talk to the caring and knowledgeable staff at Nature’s Medicines.

Visit our recreational and medical marijuana dispensary in Bay City, Michigan
Visit our recreational and medical marijuana dispensary in Wayne, Michigan
Visit our recreational marijuana dispensary in Battle Creek (Emmett Township), Michigan
Visit our medical marijuana dispensary in District 7 (Detroit), Michigan

How To Buy Medical Marijuana In Michigan
How To Buy Medical Marijuana In Michigan

In 2008, 63% of Michigan voters succeeded in passing Proposal 1 also known as the Michigan Compassionate Care Initiative. As the first Midwestern state to legalize medical marijuana for qualifying patients, Michigan created a patient registry program and placed strict restrictions on public use and driving while under the influence of cannabis.

How To Become A Medical Marijuana Patient In Michigan

Before you can legally purchase medical marijuana in Michigan you must follow some essential steps to acquire a Michigan medical marijuana card.

To start the process, make an appointment with a doctor who can diagnose you with one of the state’s qualifying medical conditions:

  • Agitation of Alzheimer’s Disease
  • AIDS
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
  • Arthritis
  • Autism
  • Cancer
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Chronic Pain
  • Colitis
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV Positive
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Nail Patella
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Post – Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Tourette’s Disease
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces 1 or more of the following:
    • Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
    • Seizures (Including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy)
    • Severe and Chronic Pain
    • Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms (Including but not limited to those characteristic of multiple sclerosis)
    • Severe Nausea

Purchasing Medical Marijuana At A Dispensary

Once you’ve received your medical marijuana card, you can purchase cannabis products at a medical marijuana dispensary like Nature’s Medicines. You’ll need to bring a state-issued ID, as well as your medical marijuana card to your first visit. Both are necessary for getting properly registered in the dispensary’s system.

There are several types of cannabis products available to medical marijuana patients in Michigan:

  • Clones
  • Concentrates
  • Edibles
  • Flower
  • Infused products
  • Seeds

Your medical marijuana card allows you to possess up to 2.5 ounces. Designated caregivers can also help you purchase up to 2.5 ounces of medical cannabis.

Debit / Credit Cards At Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

It’s wise to take cash with you when you visit a medical marijuana dispensary. Many don’t accept credit cards although they may have an ATM. Play it safe and come prepared with cash.

Do you have any questions about medical marijuana in Michigan? At Nature’s Medicines our caring Personal Service Providers will be happy to educate and serve you.

Visit our recreational and medical marijuana dispensary in Bay City, Michigan
Visit our recreational and medical marijuana dispensary in Wayne, Michigan
Visit our recreational marijuana dispensary in Battle Creek (Emmett Township), Michigan
Visit our medical marijuana dispensary in District 7 (Detroit), Michigan

Michigan Medical Marijuana Laws
Michigan Medical Marijuana Laws

In 2008, Michigan voters ushered in the Michigan Compassionate Care Initiative. Known as Proposal 1, the act legalized medical marijuana for qualified patients and Michigan became the first Midwestern state to approve a comprehensive medical marijuana program.

When the law first passed, it prohibited the operation of medical marijuana dispensaries. But that didn’t stop dispensaries from opening. Soon there were nearly 100 illegally-operating medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the state.

In 2016, Governor Rick Snyder signed three bills that upgraded the medical marijuana program significantly. Licensed dispensaries were now allowed to sell medical cannabis — including edibles and topicals — to medical marijuana patients. At the same time Michigan initiated a 4% tax on medical marijuana.

Medical Marijuana Patients In Michigan

To become a medical marijuana patient in Michigan, you must first be diagnosed with one of the state’s qualifying medical conditions. They are:

  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV Positive
  • AIDs
  • Hepatitis C
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Agitation of Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Nail Patella
  • Post – Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Arthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Colitis
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Tourette’s Disease
  • Autism
  • Chronic Pain
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following:
    • Severe Nausea
    • Severe and Chronic Pain
    • Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
    • Seizures (Including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy)
    • Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms (Including but not limited to those characteristic of multiple sclerosis)

After seeing a doctor for a diagnosis, medical marijuana patients must obtain their medical records to bring to a medical marijuana certification clinic. Your records will show that you are being treated for one of the qualifying conditions. Once certified, you’ll be approved as a patient – usually within 24 hours.

Purchasing Medical Marijuana In Michigan

There are two ways to buy medical marijuana in Michigan. You can either visit a dispensary, like Nature’s Medicines, or arrange to have a designated caregiver provide medical marijuana for you. You’re allowed to purchase, and have in your possession, up to 2.5 ounces. The limit for in-home cannabis possession is ten ounces.

Caregivers For Medical Marijuana Patients

Medical marijuana caregivers in Michigan can serve as many as five patients. The state won’t certify caregivers who are under 21 years of age, or who have been convicted of a violent felony within the past 10 years. Caregivers are also permitted to grow cannabis for their medical marijuana patients.

Medical Marijuana Home Delivery

As of 2019, medical marijuana patients who are unable to travel to a dispensary for medical marijuana, or who aren’t working with a caregiver, can order medical marijuana for delivery to their home.

Reciprocity For Out-of-State Medical Marijuana Patients

Medical marijuana patients from a state other than Michigan may be allowed to purchase products at a dispensary as long as their home state also offers reciprocity to patients. If you’re from out-of-state, call a medical marijuana dispensary before visiting to make sure that they do honor reciprocity.

Operating A Motor Vehicle Under The Influence Of Medical Marijuana

While most states have a zero-tolerance law for people caught driving under the influence, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the medical marijuana program trumps the zero-tolerance law. The state would need to have proof of impairment, not including a blood test for THC, in order to prosecute.

If you’d like additional information about medical marijuana in Michigan, don’t hesitate to ask a knowledgeable Personal Service Provider at one of our Nature’s Medicines locations.

Visit our recreational and medical marijuana dispensary in Bay City, Michigan
Visit our recreational and medical marijuana dispensary in Wayne, Michigan
Visit our recreational marijuana dispensary in Battle Creek (Emmett Township), Michigan
Visit our medical marijuana dispensary in District 7 (Detroit), Michigan

How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card In Michigan
How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card In Michigan

In 2008, Michigan became the first Midwestern state to approve medical marijuana. The Michigan Compassionate Care Initiative (MCCI) made it possible for patients suffering from qualifying medical conditions to purchase medical marijuana.

Thanks to MCCI, patients over 18 years of age with a doctor’s recommendation can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and cultivate up to 12 cannabis plants for personal use. Minors need to designate a caregiver in order to obtain medical marijuana.

Get Diagnosed With A Qualifying Medical Condition

To become a registered medical marijuana patient in Michigan, you must first see a doctor and get diagnosed with one of the qualifying medical conditions. They are:

  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV Positive
  • AIDS
  • Hepatitis C
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Agitation of Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Nail Patella
  • Post – Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Arthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Colitis
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Tourette’s Disease
  • Autism
  • Chronic Pain
  • Cerebral Palsy
    • A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces 1 or more of the following:
    • Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
    • Severe and Chronic Pain
    • Severe Nausea
    • Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms (Including but not limited to those characteristic of multiple sclerosis)
    • Seizures (Including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy)

Request Your Medical Records

You’ll have to get your medical records from your doctor to show that you’ve been treated for your qualifying condition. Presenting your records is necessary for your state certification. Remember that your medical records belong to you. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your doctor about medical marijuana, just say you need your records for personal reasons.

Find A Medical Marijuana Certification Clinic

What’s next? Bring your medical records and doctor’s diagnosis to a medical marijuana certification clinic where you can get your Michigan medical cannabis application.

Submit Your Medical Marijuana Card Application

After you’re approved for medical marijuana by a clinic, you’ll need to submit your completed application online to register with the state. Once registered, your Michigan medical marijuana card should soon follow. Some patients get approved in as little as one day. The cost for a card is approximately $200. As of November 2019, it’s valid for three years.

When your Michigan medical marijuana card arrives in the mail, it’s time to go shopping at Nature’s Medicines.

Visit our recreational and medical marijuana dispensary in Bay City, Michigan
Visit our recreational and medical marijuana dispensary in Wayne, Michigan
Visit our recreational marijuana dispensary in Battle Creek (Emmett Township), Michigan
Visit our medical marijuana dispensary in District 7 (Detroit), Michigan

Michigan Allotment Of Medical Marijuana
Michigan Allotment Of Medical Marijuana

Before you can buy medical marijuana in Michigan, you must first have a medical marijuana card issued by the state. Follow these steps closely so you can be approved as quickly as possible and plan your first visit to a Nature’s Medicines dispensary.

Becoming A Medical Marijuana Patient In Michigan

Applying for a medical marijuana card in Michigan starts with visiting a doctor who can diagnose you as having one of the state’s qualifying medical conditions. You’ll then need to register with the state of Michigan after receiving your doctor’s medical marijuana recommendation.

It’s currently possible to get approved in as little as 24 hours. Once you have your medical marijuana card in hand, you can shop at a Nature’s Medicines marijuana dispensary.

Buying Medical Marijuana In Michigan

With your medical marijuana card in your possession, you can begin to legally experience the benefits of medical marijuana in Michigan.

Prepare to be introduced to many kinds of medical cannabis products, some that you’ve probably never even heard of. No doubt you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all of your options:

  • Flower
  • Concentrates
  • Edibles
  • Infused products
  • Seeds
  • Clones

As you try different products and consumption methods, note the ones that are most helpful. It’s important to ask about the effects for each, as edibles can often take longer to kick in than other methods. Whenever you visit a Nature’s Medicines dispensary, our Personal Service Providers will gladly explain your medical marijuana choices.

Allotment For Medical Marijuana Patients

As a Michigan medical marijuana patient, you’re allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana per month. You, or your designated caregiver, can purchase this quantity at any licensed medical marijuana dispensary in the state.

Growing medical cannabis is another option if you have a medical marijuana card, but specific rules must be followed:

  • No more than 12 plants are permitted per home
  • Indoor plants must be grown in a locked and enclosed facility
  • Outdoor plants must be hidden from the view of passersby

If you’d like additional information about your medical marijuana allotment – or even about growing medical cannabis plants at home – just ask a knowledgeable Personal Service Provider at Nature’s Medicines.

Visit our recreational and medical marijuana dispensary in Bay City, Michigan
Visit our recreational and medical marijuana dispensary in Wayne, Michigan
Visit our recreational marijuana dispensary in Battle Creek (Emmett Township), Michigan
Visit our medical marijuana dispensary in District 7 (Detroit), Michigan

Michigan Medical Marijuana – Do’s and Don’ts
Michigan Medical Marijuana – Do’s and Don’ts

Ever since Michigan voters passed Proposal 1 in 2008, medical marijuana has been available to qualifying patients. To help you navigate Michigan’s complex system, we’d like to offer some important do’s and dont’s.

Do’s For Medical Marijuana In Michigan

  • DO meet with your doctor to get diagnosed with one of the state’s qualifying conditions for medical marijuana patients
  • DO take your diagnosis to a medical marijuana certification clinic
  • DO research the medical marijana dispensaries with the best reviews in your area
  • DO remember to take along a state-issued photo ID and your medical marijuana card whenever you visit a dispensary
  • DO know the laws when it comes to growing at home. No more than 12 plants are allowed in an enclosed facility.
  • DO keep track of what you’re buying so you don’t exceed your allotment
  • DO talk to other medical marijuana patients to learn from their experiences
  • DO go slowly as a new medical marijuana patient. It takes time to understand your tolerance.
  • DO take notes along your medical marijuana journey. List the strains, edibles, or other medical marijuana products you’ve tried. Track the effects of each.
  • DO ask questions whenever you’re at a medical marijuana dispensary. At Nature’s Medicines dispensaries, our Personal Service Providers are always happy to educate you.

DON’Ts For Medical Marijuana In Michigan

  • DON’T forget that the first step to obtaining your medical marijuana card is to see a doctor to get diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition
  • DON’T forget to take your medical records with you to the medical marijuana certification clinic
  • DON’T expect to use credit or debit cards at a medical marijuana dispensary. Some only accept cash.
  • DON’T sell your medical marijuana to anyone, including other patients. It’s not legal.
  • DON’T grow more than the 12-plant limit.
  • DON’T travel over state lines with medical marijuana. It’s not worth the risk.

Need more info about medical marijuana in Michigan? Talk to a Personal Service Provider on your next visit to a Nature’s Medicines dispensary.

Visit our recreational and medical marijuana dispensary in Bay City, Michigan
Visit our recreational and medical marijuana dispensary in Wayne, Michigan
Visit our recreational marijuana dispensary in Battle Creek (Emmett Township), Michigan
Visit our medical marijuana dispensary in District 7 (Detroit), Michigan

As a Michigan resident you’re lucky. You have two options for purchasing cannabis in your state — medical marijuana or recreational marijuana. It’s up to you now, so go ahead and take your pick.

Whether you’re a medical marijuana patient, a resident wanting to purchase legal cannabis, or someone traveling in Michigan from another state, it’s a smart idea to be aware of all of the laws that apply.

Medical Marijuana Laws In Michigan

Before you can purchase medical cannabis in Michigan, it’s necessary to meet some basic criteria to get a medical marijuana card. First, you must be at least 18-years-old to be a medical marijuana patient. You’ll also need to see a doctor to get diagnosed with one of the state’s qualifying medical conditions:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • AIDS
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
  • Arthritis
  • Autism
  • Cancer
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Chronic Pain
  • Colitis
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV+
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Nail Patella
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • PTSD
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Tourette’s Disease
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces 1 or more of the following:
    • Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
    • Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms (including but not limited to those characteristic of multiple sclerosis)
    • Severe Nausea
    • Severe and Chronic Pain
    • Seizures (including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy)

Medical Marijuana For Minors

If you’re a minor and have been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition, you can assign a caregiver to supply you with medical marijuana. Caregivers must be at least 21years of age, and can only serve five patients at a time.

Growing Medical Marijuana For Patients

In Michigan, medical marijuana patients are allowed to grow up to 12 plants in a locked and enclosed facility. Plants grown outdoors must be in an area that can’t be seen by passersby. Only a medical marijuana patient can have access to their personal cultivation.

Medical Marijuana Allotment In Michigan

Medical marijuana patients in Michigan are allowed a monthly allotment of 2.5 ounces, and up to ten ounces at home. This allotment can either be purchased in a medical marijuana dispensary, or grown at home by the patient.

Medical Marijuana Delivery

If you’re a housebound patient, or feeling too sick to get to a medical marijuana dispensary, look for dispensaries that provide delivery service right to your door.

Recreational Marijuana Laws In Michigan

With the passage of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act in November 2018, cannabis was legalized for adults over 21 years of age. The major difference between being a medical marijuana patient and a recreational cannabis consumer is that patients need to be registered with the state as having a qualifying medical condition.

Recreational Dispensaries In Michigan

As of December 2019, recreational marijuana dispensaries opened their doors in Michigan. Opening a recreational cannabis dispensary is an easier process than starting a medical marijuana dispensary. It’s also less expensive. Legislators loosened restrictions on recreational licenses and the licensing fees are quite a bit lower.

Coming soon will be dispensaries that are allowed to serve both medical marijuana patients and adult-use consumers. Regulations require that these “combo” dispensaries clearly identify and separate their medical marijuana and recreational products.

Home Delivery For Recreational Customers

For those over 21 years of age, home delivery of adult-use marijuana began in December 2019.

Taxation Of Recreational Marijuana Products

Medical marijuana and recreational cannabis are subject to different tax laws. There’s a 10% excise tax on recreational marijuana. Medical marijuana is currently not taxed at all.

Recreational Marijuana Potency Is Lower

Medical marijuana products can have a THC potency of up to 50mg per serving for edibles. Recreational marijuana products, however, are capped at 10mg or under per serving.

For updates on the changing marijuana regulations in Michigan, talk to the knowledgeable staff at Nature’s Medicines.

Visit our recreational and medical marijuana dispensary in Bay City, Michigan
Visit our recreational and medical marijuana dispensary in Wayne, Michigan
Visit our recreational marijuana dispensary in Battle Creek (Emmett Township), Michigan
Visit our medical marijuana dispensary in District 7 (Detroit), Michigan

How To Choose A Dispensary In Michigan
How To Choose A Dispensary In Michigan

Nature’s Medicines believes in the value of educating all Michigan medical marijuana patients about the choices they’ll need to make — especially when it comes to choosing a dispensary.

Of course we hope that you’ll select us as your personal dispensary. But we also believe that the best way to lead you to our door is to give you the most important information to consider as you make your decision.

Please read our suggestions below. By doing the research Nature’s Medicines recommends, and comparing reviews from other medical marijuna patients, we feel confident you’ll make us your first choice.

Talk To Your Friends

Chances are you have a friend or two with a Michigan medical marijuana card. Since they’ve already scoped the dispensaries in your area, find out their preferences. Do they have a favorite dispensary? If so, what made that dispensary gain their trust?

You’ll find It can be fun and informative to go shopping with other medical marijuana patients. So why not ask a medical marijuana pal to accompany you when you start exploring?

Ask Your Doctor

Since you’ve already seen a doctor who gave you a diagnosis for your medical marijuana qualifying condition, find out if he or she has some suggestions regarding medical marijuana dispensaries in the area. Physicians often have medical resources and feedback from other medical marijuana patients that could be helpful to you.

Check Out Michigan’s Department Of Licensing And Regulatory Affairs Website

The medical marijuana program in Michigan is overseen by The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, known as LARA. On the LARA website you’ll discover valuable information about all licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in the state. The site is updated regularly so you’ll have access to the latest comparative information to help you find the dispensary that’s right for you.

Look Around For Medical Marijuana Dispensaries When You’re Out And About

As you’re on your daily commute to and from work, or running errands in your community, look for medical marijuana dispensaries along your route. Keep track of the ones that catch your eye. If there are lots of cars in their parking lot, that can be an encouraging sign!

Hop Online To Search For Recommended Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Fortunately, the internet can be one of your best friends when you’re seeking a reputable medical marijuana dispensary. Start with a Google search that can quickly show you the dispensaries nearby. From there you can dig further to read online dispensary reviews from other medical marijuana patients.

Pay Attention To Customer Reviews

There are a number of medical marijuana review sites, like Yelp and Leafly, that you’ll find useful when researching medical marijuana dispensaries near you. Start by looking for reviews of the dispensaries you’ve noted when commuting or running errands around town. By checking them out, you’ll gain a good sense of a medical marijuana dispensary’s strengths and weaknesses. You can never have too much information at hand to sort out the yeses, no’s and maybes on your list.

Keep Informed With Social Media

Don’t forget that social media can also be a good source for medical marijuana insights. Look up medical marijuana dispensaries and brands that you’ve heard of or seen elsewhere. Does their messaging draw you in? Do you get a positive impression from their medical marijuana followers? Keep track of the dispensaries and products that attract you. You’ll find that medical marijuana dispensaries, like Nature’s Medicines, often use social media for posting photos of their cultivation and the brands they carry. Visuals like these can influence your decisions, too!

Remember that Nature’s Medicines is here to educate you and help you make the best decisions.

Visit our recreational and medical marijuana dispensary in Bay City, Michigan
Visit our recreational and medical marijuana dispensary in Wayne, Michigan
Visit our recreational marijuana dispensary in Battle Creek (Emmett Township), Michigan
Visit our medical marijuana dispensary in District 7 (Detroit), Michigan