Drug Issues

Michigan Medical Marijuana Act

The Michigan Medical Marijuana Act which took effect November 4, 2008, removes state level criminal penalties for use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess written documentation from their physician advising that they might benefit from medical use of marijuana.

Although the statue is vague and largely untested, patients may possess up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana and twelve plants kept in an enclosed, locked facility. The twelve plants may be kept by the patient only if he or she has not specified a primary care giver to cultivate the marijuana for him or her.

All patients seeking legal protection under this Act have to enroll in a State Patient Registry and possess a valid identification card. Patients not enrolled in the Registry are not afforded the opportunity to argue as an affirmative defense medical necessity if they are arrested on marijuana charges.

Patients diagnosed with the following illnesses may be entitled to legal protection under this Act: Cancer, Glaucoma, positive status for HIV, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Hepatitis C, Crohn’s Disease, Agitation of Alzheimer’s Disease, Patella, or the treatment for these conditions.

Patients are also offered legal protection if they have a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or treatment of said condition that produces one of the following: cachexi or wasting syndrome, severe chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures including but not limited to those characteristics of epilepsy or severe and persistent muscle spasms including but not limited to characteristics of multiple sclerosis.

For further information about the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, consult the Michigan Medical Association or your physician or the County Health Departments in Kent County, Ottawa County or Allegan County.