Cannabis Law 101: What You Need To Know to Stay Legal in Michigan

Late 2018, Michigan became the first Midwestern country to legalize recreational marijuana. This does not mean you can't use it wherever you like.It can be difficult to know what is legal and illegal when it comes to cannabis in Michigan. Many states have laws that differ from federal law. Many states have laws that differ from one another, sometimes even from the neighboring state.Make sure you are familiar with Michigan's marijuana laws before you start using any medical or recreational marijuana.

Marijuana Can Still Be Controlled At The Federal Level

Federal law makes marijuana a Schedule 1 controlled substance. These drugs are those that "have no accepted medical use" and have a high risk of abuse. Federal law can impose some harsh penalties on the possession or use of these substances (including marijuana).These regulations still apply at the federal levels, but each state has the right to amend its state laws about the possession, sale, and use of marijuana. Many states have legalized recreational marijuana use, though it is still illegal at the federal level.

Michigan Cannabis Use

Michigan only allows legal use of cannabis by adults 21 years or older.

Where can I legally use marijuana?

Michigan law states that any person using cannabis in places may do so only in private. It is against the law to possess cannabis in public places, such as the streets or at the park.It is important to note that not all areas of the state are subject to state law, but some fall under federal jurisdiction. Airports are, by definition, federal property. Federal laws apply to them. It is against the law to possess or use cannabis at an airport or other federal property, such as government buildings and prisons. It is also illegal to possess or use cannabis in areas that are frequented daily by children such as schools and school buses. You can buy cannabis from your local cannabis dispensary in Michigan and use it anywhere as per law.

What is the maximum amount I can have at once?

Possession of cannabis can be a different matter. There are different limits on how much you can carry, depending on where you live. You can have up to 10 ounces in your home, but you cannot carry more than 2.5 ounces when you go out.

Cultivating Cannabis Michigan

Michigan law allows adults to grow 12 marijuana plants in their own home for personal use. Adults are not allowed to grow marijuana plants visible from public places.

Marijuana - Traveling With Marijuana

Many people are still confused about how to legally travel with marijuana because of the many differences in state and federal laws. We have provided answers to many of the most frequently asked questions about this topic.

What if I accidentally bring marijuana to the airport?

It is illegal to bring marijuana into an airport, as we have already discussed. What happens if you forget to bring marijuana with you when you arrive at the airport?The Transportation Security Administration states on its website that agents don't go out of their ways to look for illegal drugs. The top priority of the agency is to ensure passenger safety and to detect aviation threats. Remember that TSA must comply with federal laws as it is a federal agency. If TSA agents discover marijuana in your bag they must inform the police. The police will decide what happens next.

Is it legal to possess marijuana while on a medical marijuana card?

It depends. If the TSA finds marijuana in your bag, they are not able to check the validity of your card and, as such, still must report the discovery to the police. The police and the prosecutor will then decide if criminal charges are warranted based on the circumstances.

Can I travel with CBD

Cannabidiol is one of the active components in cannabis. CBD is found in all types of cannabis plants. CBD is often derived from industrial hemp. This is a strain of cannabis that has less than 0.3% THC and is legal under federal law. The substance is used by many people for its anti-anxiety properties and calming effects.CBD is not a THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and can be taken on board a plane as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC.

Michigan's Marijuana Violations Penalties

These laws will allow you to legally use, possess, or transfer cannabis. Violation of these laws could result in severe penalties, including the following:

Possession

• Possession between 2.5 and 5 ounces of marijuana from your home: Penalties include a maximum $500 fine and forfeiture of the marijuana if it is your first offense.
• Possession of more than 5 ounces marijuana in your home is a misdemeanor. A term of imprisonment is not possible if the violation was willful, habitual, or for a commercial purpose, or if there were any violent incidents.

Cultivation

• Growing marijuana plants visible from public places or outside of secured areas: Penalties include a $100 fine and forfeiture.
• Personal use of up to 24 plants: Punishable for a civil offense with a maximum $500 fine
• 25-200+ plants personal use: This is a misdemeanor that can lead to imprisonment.

Where to Buy Cannabis in Michigan

In Michigan, recreational marijuana use was legalized in 2018. Many people have taken an interest in this lucrative business and legally started cannabis dispensaries. You can easily find a cannabis dispensary in East Lansing, or other areas of Michigan. There are many dispensaries that offer online purchase of marijuana.