Did you know the total value of medical marijuana sales in Michigan reached nearly $5 billion in 2021? This has allowed tens of thousands of people to obtain a treatment that helps them manage chronic conditions.
However, you’ll need to get your Michigan medical marijuana card to do so legally. The good news is that the process is much more straightforward than it seems. Let’s explore everything you need to know about how to get a Michigan medical marijuana card.
Determine Whether or Not You Qualify
In order to do so, you must be a Michigan resident with a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID. You’ll also need to provide proof that you suffer from a qualifying condition. These include:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
Keeping this information in mind is essential before you begin the process.
If you aren’t quite sure whether or not you qualify based on your condition, you can consult this page for more information.
Obtain Approval From Your Physician
The next step is to get approval from a licensed physician. They will need to sign and date a written certification that confirms you have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition.
Once you have this documentation, you’ll be able to move on to the next step in the process.
Submit an Application to the State
After you’ve gathered everything mentioned above, you’ll be able to complete and submit your application to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. You can do this online, by mail, or in person.
Be sure to include your written certification from a licensed physician when you submit your application. If you’re submitting your application online, you’ll also need to provide a scanned copy of your driver’s license or state-issued ID.
This is to help prove that you are of legal age and a resident of the state of Michigan.
Get Approved and Receive Your Card
Once your application has been processed and approved, you’ll receive your medical marijuana card in the mail.
This will typically happen within a few weeks. Once you have your card, you’ll be able to legally purchase and use medical marijuana in Michigan. There are a few things to keep in mind when using your card.
You can only purchase marijuana from a licensed dispensary. You’ll need to renew your card every year. Finally, it’s important to know that you can only possess a certain amount of marijuana at any given time.
The regulations that dictate how much marijuana you can possess are subject to change, so be sure that you check the State of Michigan’s government website before you make your first purchase.
Am I Allowed to Grow Cannabis at Home?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated.
While Michigan law does allow patients to grow their own marijuana plants, there are a number of restrictions in place. For example, you can only grow up to 12 plants at a time.
You’ll also need to keep your plants in a secure and enclosed area, such as a locked closet or room. Of course, you can only grow marijuana for personal use.
Selling it or giving it away is still illegal. If you decide that you want to grow your own cannabis, be sure to do your research and understand all of the restrictions before you get started. Growing marijuana takes time, effort, and money, so it’s not a decision to be made lightly.
Where Am I Allowed to Use Medical Marijuana?
This is another complicated question, as the answer largely depends on your municipality. In general, you are not allowed to use medical marijuana anywhere except within a private residence.
This also means that you are not able to use medical marijuana while operating a vehicle. Even if you have your medical marijuana card, you cannot use medical marijuana in public. Some people make the mistake of assuming they can smoke marijuana in locations where people are allowed to smoke tobacco as long as they have their medical marijuana card.
Keep this in mind when moving forward so that you can avoid legal complications.
Where Am I Allowed to Purchase Medical Marijuana?
The only place you are allowed to purchase medical marijuana is from a licensed dispensary. Dispensaries are regulated by the state, so they are the only legal source of medical marijuana.
There are a number of dispensaries located throughout Michigan, so you should have no problem finding one that is convenient for you. When purchasing medical marijuana, you will need to show your medical marijuana card. The dispensary will then verify your information to make sure that you are a legal patient.
Once your information has been verified, you’ll be able to purchase the medical marijuana of your choice.
Is There Anything Else I Should Know?
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that medical marijuana is still illegal under federal law. This means that you could face legal consequences if you use medical marijuana while on federally-owned lands, such as national parks or forests.
Additionally, your employer is not required to accommodate your use of medical marijuana, even if you have a valid card. Other than that, medical marijuana is legal in Michigan and can be a helpful tool for those suffering from certain medical conditions.
Getting Your Michigan Medical Marijuana Card Is Easier Than It Seems
Although it might sound complicated at first, obtaining your Michigan medical marijuana card is a streamlined process that you shouldn’t encounter difficulty with.
Be sure to follow the above guidelines so that you can avoid problems in the future. We aim to make the entire process as easy as possible. Choose your state to get started.
