Under Michigan marijuana laws, people with certain medical conditions can register to be able to use medical marijuana. The use of the drug also known as pot or weed was made legal by the passage of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act by voters in 2008.
A patient must be issued a registration identification card in order to get marihuana for medical treatment through the Michigan Medical Marijuana Program (MMMP). In order to receive a card, you must have a valid prescription from a doctor approving your use of the drug. In addition, to the overall registration process, the state places a number of restrictions on how the marijuana can be obtained, how it is transported and how it must be secured by a patient or caregiver.
Our team at Grewal Law will defend your rights as a medical marijuana patient. If you have been accused of any improper use of the drug including the improper transportation of marijuana, the use of medical marijuana while on probation or not having it properly contained in a closed/locked facility we can help. Our Michigan medical marijuana lawyers will build the best defense possible in your case.
Can I Use Medical Marijuana if I live in Michigan?
The use of medical marijuana in Michigan is legal, but there are procedures that must be followed in order for a person to become eligible to use it. Medical marijuana Michigan law requires a physician to thoroughly review a patient’s medical history along with providing an in-person evaluation before giving permission for the use of the drug. In order to qualify for a registration card, a patient must have a debilitating medical condition.
These include, but are not limited to the disorders listed below.
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Crohn’s Disease
- Hepatitis C
- HIV Positive (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
- Other chronic or debilitating diseases with designated symptoms.
Applying for a registration card can take time. If you have applied through the Michigan Medical Marijuana Program, but have not received your card you cannot possess the drug. If you are caught with marijuana before your application is complete you could face narcotics charges. Do not risk punishment for a marijuana drug charge, contact our marijuana defense attorneys at Grewal Law today if you are being investigated by law enforcement.
Besides restrictions on the disorders covered by the law, there are also guidelines for the drug’s use at certain locations. The passage of the Medical Marihuana Act did not provide an open pass for the use of the drug for medicinal purposes. The act included a number of restrictions including the following limitations:
- Individuals are not allowed to possess marihuana or use it on a school bus, the grounds of a school or a correctional facility.
- The smoking of it is prohibited on public transportation and in any public place.
- A person using marihuana is not allowed to operate a motor vehicle, plane or boat.
Penalties for Illegal Possession
In addition to the restrictions outlined above, the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program limits the amount of the drug a patient can possess. A patient is able to legally grow 12 marijuana plants or possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana. Anyone found with more than the legal amount of marijuana could face criminal charges under the Michigan Public Health Code. If convicted of the felony charge, you could face the penalties listed below.
- Up to two years in prison
- Fines up to $2,000
There are additional penalties including spending up to 7 years in prison for anyone suspected of intending to distribute the drug. Our marijuana defense attorneys are ready to help you fight against charges you are facing related to illegal possession of the drug.
Understanding the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act
Our medical marijuana attorneys at Grewal Law PLLC can help you understand the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. Contact us today for your free quote at (888) 211-5798.
From understanding the registration process to restrictions on the number of plants you can keep, our expert marijuana attorneys are ready to answer your questions about Michigan weed laws.