Obtaining Marijuana in Michigan

January 28, 2009 6:53 AM

In November of 2008 the voters of Michigan passed Proposal 1, a bill that "legalizes the use of medical marijuana by patients with 'debilitating medical conditions' when approved by a physician" but the rules are unclear. [WSJ article]

As noted in this article, qualifying patients can register with the state and receive ID cards allowing them to legally acquire, possess, grow, transport and use a limited amount - no more than 2.5 ounces and 12 plants - of marijuana.

Assuming that one obtains an ID card from the state to legally possess the drug, how does one procure the drug?
California residents that have prescriptions for marijuana can get them filled at a number of dispensaries. This will not be the case in Michigan.

Is it easy enough to grow the allowed 12 plants in a protected environment? Will a basement grow "farm" be easy enough to maintain for personal use? Or will patients who use the marijuana be forced to obtain their drug illegally? In which case, how does a 50-somehting year old "cruise a college campus looking for dope"?

posted by Drasher to law & government (6 comments total)

In which case, how does a 50-somehting year old "cruise a college campus looking for dope"?

Oh, man, if you really want to go this route just look for the kid with the marijuana leaf on his cap/tee/backpack/back pocket and try not to look like a cop.

Assuming that one obtains an ID card from the state to legally possess the drug, how does one procure the drug?

Presumably you'll need to talk to a/your doctor before you can go to the state for the ID card. Ask them.

I have no experience with grow ops at all, but I've spent enough downtime in a bookstore to recommend Ed Rosenthal's books.
posted by carsonb at 7:00 AM on January 28

I hope Michigan does it better than California. Here it is nothing but a big mess. Good luck to finding what you need.
posted by JAD'E at 7:15 AM on January 28

Trying to get medical marijuana through illegal channels seems like a terrible idea, not just from a legal stand point but from a health stand point. You'll have no idea the quality or what has been added to the marijuana.

You might find the following resources helpful. I can't vouch for them at all given that I'm not in the market for medical or recreational marijuana at all... but I figured it might help get you moving in the right direction.

Actual text of Proposal 1, the initiative that legalized marijuana in Michigan (PDF format)

Michigan Medical Marijuana Association

Michigan News from Medical Marijuana Project

Hope that helps =)
posted by JFitzpatrick at 8:22 AM on January 28

I have heard that you can buy seeds relatively easily online. If you spend the time researching (on websites and books), I have heard that 12 plants is plenty for personal use. Read a lot first, then begin. Not the other way around.

If you're prepared to invest a few hundred bucks at the outset (~$500 give or take depending on how serious you want to get) you will be golden. Or green as the case may be.
posted by jckll at 8:35 AM on January 28

Assuming that one obtains an ID card from the state to legally possess the drug, how does one procure the drug?

Why dont you ask the people who give you the card? I doubt they want you buying from street dealers or expect everyone with the card to suddenly start a grow operation in their basement.
posted by damn dirty ape at 9:59 AM on January 28

Also your doctor can prescribe synthetic THC if organic marijuana cannot be sourced.
posted by damn dirty ape at 10:00 AM on January 28