What legalizing recreational marijuana in Michigan means

Initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in Michigan approved for ballot

Marijuana could be legalized for recreational use in Michigan. (WDIV)

DETROIT – It means Michigan would be the first state in the Midwest with an adult-use recreational marijuana law. 

The Board of State Canvassers gave the green light for an initiative to be placed on the state’s November ballot that would legalize marijuana possession and consumption for all adults 21 years and older. 

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"This November, Michigan voters will finally get the chance to eliminate Michigan’s outdated marijuana laws," said Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol spokesperson John Truscott. "Just like with alcohol, it is clear that prohibition doesn't work and that regulation and taxation is a far better solution."

Who can purchase and possess marijuana?

Adults 21 and older would be allowed to possess and consume limited amounts of marijuana -- the proposal calls for legalizing possession and sale of up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana

How would you buy marijuana?

You would be allowed to purchase the allowed amount of marijuana from a licensed business. Businesses would be licensed by the state. The initiative allows cities to decide if they want to allow these businesses in their municipality. 

Will the strength of the marijuana be regulated?

Under the proposed law, recreational marijuana sold by a licensed business would be tested by the state to regulate a maximum THC level. There will also be "a requirement that the amount of marihuana or marihuana concentrate contained within a marihuana-infused product be specified on the product label."

Can you grow your own marijuana?

Yes, you will be allowed to grow no more than 12 plants at your home. If you have a license you will be allowed to legally grow more.

Here are the license types that would be offered: 

  • Marijuana retailer
  • Marijuana safety compliance facility
  • Marijuana secure transporter
  • Marijuana processor
  • Marijuana microbusiness
  • Class A marijuana grower authorizing cultivation of not more than 100 marijuana plants
  • Class B marijuana grower authorizing cultivation of not more than 500 marijuana plants
  • Class C marijuana grower authorizing cultivation of not more than 2,000 marijuana plants

How would it be taxed?

It would be taxed at 10 percent, plus the existing 6 percent sales tax. Analysts suggest that if recreational marijuana is allowed sales in Michigan could exceed nearly $1 billion a year.

Where would that tax money go?

Revenue splits are supposed to be as follows: 

  • 35 percent to education
  • 35 percent to roads
  • 30 percent to cities and counties with marijuana businesses

View the full initiative language here. 

If you have more questions, reach out to us: clickondetroit@wdiv.com. 


About the Authors:

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.