Michigan Medical Marijuana Cards

Michigan was the first mid-Western state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in late 2018, however the use of medical marijuana in Michigan was approved 10 years prior in 2008 through the Michigan Compassionate Care Initiative. Medical marijuana in Michigan is available to medical marijuana card holders over the age of 18, or to a caregiver who is over the age of 18.

The difference between recreational and medical marijuana in Michigan

The main difference between marijuana products for recreational use and for holders of a Michigan medical marijuana card is in the potency of the marijuana that each is allowed. The recreational limit for THC potency in recreational marijuana products is 10mg and is only allowed for those over the age of 21, but for those with a medical marijuana card, the potency limit is increased to 50mg by law, regardless of age. There are also no taxes currently charged on medical marijuana in Michigan.  While recreational marijuana is taxed at a rate of 10%.

How to get a medical marijuana card?

In Michigan, the law states that in order to receive your medical marijuana card, you must first register with the Michigan Medical Marijuana Program (MMMP). Once this is done you will need to have an evaluation performed by a registered Michigan medical practitioner. Your recommendation must be signed by a board-certified physician with whom you have a bonafide patient/doctor relationship. At this point you can submit your Michigan medical marijuana card application online. Approvals for the use of medical marijuana in Michigan can take up to 30 days, which needs to be considered during the application process.

Applicable conditions for granting a Michigan medical marijuana card

In the state of Michigan, the following conditions are specifically identified in the law to be applicable for a Michigan medical marijuana card application: 

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis C
• Amyotrophic Lateral​ Sclerosis
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Crohn’s Disease
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Nail Patella
• Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
• Severe and chronic pain
• Severe nausea
• Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy
• Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of Multiple Sclerosis
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Chronic pain
• Spinal cord injury
• Autism
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Tourette’s Syndrome
• Arthritis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Any other medical condition or treatment for a medical condition adopted by the department by rule

A Michigan medical marijuana card application can be submitted by any person over the age of 18 years or on behalf of minors by a caregiver who is over the age of 18 years, with any of the above conditions, for consideration.