Over the course of several years, the United States has been making breakthroughs in the great marijuana debate (even if we are somewhat behind Canada and Australia). Now, one day after the 2018 election, more critical changes have been made to our country, including regulations that will dictate how the little green plant is distributed and sold. While Missouri and Utah have legalized medical marijuana for patients, Michigan has officially broken the ice as the 10th U.S. state to legalize recreational cannabis. Yesterday, on November 6, registered voters officially approved Proposition 1, a document that fully permitted adults (within the set limit) to consume marijuana without a card or license. Still, residents of the Wolverine State are intently watching lawmakers to see what else is in store. Let’s take a closer look at the new regulations in Michigan.
A Look at the Basics
While marijuana is technically legal now, the Secretary of State has to certify the election results before the drug can be distributed to adults. Officials have predicted cannabis could be available by November 16, 2018. Once the law is officially passed, adults 21 and older can possess (and use) a maximum of 2.5 ounces of the drug and can store a maximum of 10 ounces at their residential homes, as long as the cannabis products are kept secured. Also, outside the medical cannabis market, medical dispensaries and officials cannot sell weed to recreational users, although the plant can be gifted for free.
Also, keep in mind that all laws pertaining to medical dispensaries have not been changed by Proposition 1.
Stores and Settings
According to officials, Proposition 1 has granted Michigan State 1 year to create an efficient system for regulating and licensing marijuana productions and sales. If the state has not issued cannabis licenses within a year (November 2020 at the latest), state municipalities can regulate facilities that have that are self-licensing.
Furthermore, as part of the new proposition, Michigan residents cannot smoke or vape marijuana in public places, but lawmakers have not specified if this rule will dictate consumption of edibles. Likewise, owners of private property have the authority and legal right to ban the smoking/vaping of cannabis on their premises but cannot ban the use of edibles (which is considered discrimination).
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