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