How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Michigan

Medical marijuana cards in Michigan are in demand largely due to the mounting evidence that cannabis can relieve and treat various ailments. Cannabis is proven helpful to patients dealing with chronic pain, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. The State of Michigan legalized cannabis consumption for medical use in November 2008. The State also allowed the use of recreational marijuana in 2018 by passing the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act.

While marijuana is widely available across the state due to these legal provisions, there are compelling reasons to register as a patient and obtain your medical marijuana card if you have a qualifying medical condition.

Why get a medical marijuana card in Michigan?

Getting a medical marijuana card is relatively easy and has numerous benefits. These benefits include lower costs, higher purchase and possession limits, lower age requirements, access to more cannabis dispensaries, and tax benefits.

Who qualifies for a medical marijuana card in Michigan?

To get a medical marijuana card in Michigan, you need to meet the following conditions:

• You suffer from at least one of the illnesses listed by the state under the Michigan Marijuana Control Program.
• You are 18 or older and can provide poof of residency in the state, such as a valid driver’s license, voter’s identification, or state-produced identification card.
• You have the approval or recommendation of a certified doctor who can register you as a patient for medical marijuana.

Once registered as a patient with the Michigan Medical Marijuana Control Program, you’ll receive a confirmation link on your email. You’ll have to pay a biennial registration fee of $40 to get your patient card.

If you want to apply as a caregiver for a minor or a disabled patient, you must be 21 years of age or older with proof of residency proof in Michigan. You also can not have been convicted of a felony or drug abuse during the past ten years.

The registration fee for caregivers is $25. The State of Michigan allows you to be a caregiver for up to 5 patients.

There might be periodical amendments to these regulations, and it’s suggested that you visit Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency before applying for your medical marijuana card.

What conditions are considered for medical marijuana in Michigan?

The State of Michigan has listed the following qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV Positive
• AIDS
• Hepatitis C
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Agitation of Alzheimer’s Disease
• Nail Patella
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Arthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Colitis
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Tourette’s Disease
• Autism
• Chronic Pain
• Cerebral Palsy
• A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following:
• Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
• Severe and Chronic Pain
• Severe Nausea
• Seizures (including but not limited to that characteristic of epilepsy)
• Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms (Including but not limited to that characteristic of multiple sclerosis)

A Michigan Medical Marijuana Program Registry Identification Card can be requested by Michigan citizens who have one or more of these medical conditions.

What are the benefits of a medical marijuana card in Michigan?

A Michigan medical marijuana card allows you to save money, improves access, provides you validity and credibility, and increases your choices. A Michigan medicinal marijuana card has the following advantages:

A Michigan medical marijuana card can help you save money

A medical marijuan license can help you save money. When you buy medical marijuana with a Michigan medical marijuana card, you are not charged the typical excise tax. Whereas, if you are buying marijuana for recreational purposes, you will have to pay an additional 10% excise tax.

When you compare the costs of medical and recreational cannabis, you will also see that recreational products are 20-30% more expensive. This means the medical marijuana card can save you an additional 30-40% on each purchase.

The validity of a medical marijuana card is two years. The amount of money you save over the course of two years will likely add up to a substantial figure and more than cover any fees you pay to get it.

Access to safer and cleaner products

The State of Michigan applies the “seed-to-sale” tracking system according to which bar codes are used to mark, cross-reference, and tag cannabis plants and cannabis plant-based goods. The State of Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency aims to be an example of a state that allows the use of marijuana to support economic growth while ensuring a safe customer experience.

It’s important to note that there are differences in the testing specifications for recreational and medical products. For instance, for medical-grade items, the microbiological load threshold is higher. Legally, recreational items are permitted to contain a microbiological load roughly ten times higher than that of medical products. This means medical supplies are much cleaner and safer to consume.

Credibility and legitimacy

Patients who use cannabis for medical purposes may feel more confident or legitimate about doing so with a state-approved medical marijuana card.

Access to more dispensaries and products

The law restricts the number of recreational dispensaries in the state. Many dispensaries in Michigan only allow medicinal users to purchase cannabis products. Having a medical marijuana certificate is undoubtedly advantageous for individuals seeking safer, cleaner, and more affordable options. Additionally, you’re entitled to discounts and other privileges at dispensaries if you have a medical card.

A medical marijuana card in Michigan gives you easy access to medical cannabis. You can buy:

• up to 16 oz of a solid cannabis
• up to 7 g of a ‘gaseous’ cannabis
• up to 36 fl oz of a liquid cannabis
• More choices: The type and potency of various cannabis products are limited and regulated by various laws. If you’re a medical patient and purchase cannabis, you’ll have access to a wider range of products

Access to higher potency products

A medical marijuana card in Michigan gives you access to higher potency products than what is available for recreational users.

For instance, if you’re a cancer patient looking for a highly potent Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), you can obtain that higher potency product with a medical marijuana card at a lesser price. In the recreational sector, there is a lower maximum limit for edibles than there is in the medical market.

Ability to grow cannabis

A patient who is approved for a medical marijuana card in Michigan can cultivate up to 12 plants. However, these plants must be kept locked up in a room. Caregivers with a valid card are also allowed to cultivate up to 12 marijuana plants.

When you apply for your medical marijuana card, you must state whether you plan to cultivate marijuana.

Does the Michigan medical marijuana card provide medical cannabis reciprocity?

A patient with a legitimate medical cannabis card from one state may be permitted to buy, consume, or possess medical marijuana in another state because of medical cannabis reciprocity. With a Michigan medical marijuana card, any patient possessing an active medical cannabis card has full access to the dispensary of other states that accept Michigans MMC.

Here are the states that allow you to use medical cannabis reciprocity:

• Alaska^
• Arkansas*
• California^
• Colorado^
• Hawaii*
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma*
• Oregon^
• Puerto Rico
• Washington^
• Washington D.C.

^States with adult usage programs but won’t take out-of-state identification

*Visitors must complete a visiting patient application

What are the limitations of recreational marijuana in Michigan?

In Michigan, those who are 21 or older are allowed to legally possess cannabis for recreational use as long as they adhere to the following restrictions:

• You can only possess up to 2.5 ounces outside of your residence
• You can only possess up to 10 ounces within your residence, including any cannabis cultivated and produced at home
• You can only possess cannabis concentrates up to 15 grams
• You can only cultivate up to 12 cannabis plants at home

Whereas, medical marijuana users comparatively have fewer restrictions.

Who can apply for a medical marijuana card in Michigan?

You can apply for a medical marijuana card in Michigan if you’re 18 years or older with proof of Michigan residency. Here are some other conditions for applying:

• You should also qualify for at least one of the conditions for medical marijuana.
• You must have approval from a certified physician.
• The minimum application age for caregivers is 21 or above.

What is the registration process to get a medical marijuana card in Michigan?

The registration process for getting a medical marijuana card in Michigan comprises three basic steps:

• Documentation
• Consultation with a certified physician
• Paying the card fees

Documentation

You have to submit any of the following documents to provide an acceptable ID or acceptable proof of residency:

Documents to provide identification:

• Driver’s license;
• Passport
• Voter’s registration
• Any other ID issued by the state or federal government

Documents for proof of residency:

• Utility bill
• Correspondence with a state department
• Bank statement
• Mortgage or rental agreement

Consultation with a certified doctor

You should make an appointment with a certified marijuana doctor and carry at least one of your photo IDs. Don’t forget to bring your medical records along. The doctor will consult them before registering you as a patient.

During your consultation, which may last 30 to 40 minutes, the doctor will carefully evaluate your medical condition to ascertain whether you suffer from any illness on the state-approved list.

Once you have the approval, the doctor will fill out an application form to register you as a patient with the Michigan Marijuana Control Program. Then, you’ll receive a confirmation link via email.

You may also apply directly with the Marijuana Regulatory Agency; however, a doctor’s approval is still required. Caregivers must also fill out a form and their details must be mentioned on the patient’s application form.

Paying the registration fee

Once you receive the link in your email, you can complete the registration process by creating your profile.

In Michigan, patients must pay a registration fee of $40 to activate their medical marijuana card. The registration fee for caregivers is $25. Your marijuana card is valid for 2 years; you’ll have to renew it by paying $40.

How long does it take to get a medical marijuana card in Michigan?

Once you have paid the registration fees, it takes around 4 weeks to get your medical marijuana card in Michigan and it’ll be delivered to your registered address. You may follow up with the Marijuana Regulatory Agency if you don’t receive it in time.

Is it legal to consume medical marijuana in Michigan?

Michigan legalized cannabis for medical use in 2008. Michigan also became the first state in the Midwest to legalize recreational marijuana in late 2018. This does not, however, imply that you are free to use cannabis and cannabis products anywhere.

According to Michigan law, you can use cannabis in private, such as in your own home. Cannabis usage is prohibited in public areas, including parks and streets.

It’s crucial to remember that some parts of the state are governed by federal rather than state law. For instance, airports are governed by federal legislation because they are federally owned property. As a result, it is prohibited to possess or use cannabis on federal property. Other places include jails and government facilities. Additionally, cannabis usage is prohibited in places where kids congregate, including schools and school buses.

We hope our guide has helped you get the requisite information on a medical marijuana card in Michigan. If you need medical cannabis in Michigan, look no further than Body and Mind. You can shop at our dispensary at 885 E. Apple Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442.

We aim to provide excellent customer service. Our vast range incorporates flowers, pre-rolls, hemp blunts, concentrates, and edibles. You can choose the lineage according to your needs and preferences.

We provide our customers with all the information on our cannabis products, such as THC potency, weight, and the type of products. And we also help customers in choosing the best products that suit their requirements.

We are open daily from 9 am to 9 pm. You can place an order online or visit our store while in Muskegon.