Michigan was one of the first states in the Midwest to legalize cannabis for medical purposes, and today, it has one of the largest medical cannabis patient registry lists in the country. If you’ve been thinking about getting your medical marijuana card but don’t know where to begin, you can rest easy—the path to obtaining one is pretty straightforward, involving only a few simple steps. Follow our informative guide, and we’ll answer all your burning questions, including:
- Who qualifies for a medical marijuana card in Michigan?
- How can I sign up for a medical card?
- How much cannabis can I buy as a medical marijuana patient?
… and more! By the end of this post, you’ll feel empowered to sign up for Michigan’s medical cannabis program, and you can start saving more green by the next visit to your favorite Exclusive dispensary.
Who Qualifies for a Medical Marijuana Card in Michigan?
Qualifying for an MMJ card in Michigan requires two important elements.
- You must be a verifiable resident of the state.
- You must have a qualifying condition according to the state.
Individuals over 18 can apply to become a patient on their own, but anyone under 18 must have a designated parent or caregiver who can apply for them on their behalf.
Qualifying Conditions
To qualify for a medical marijuana card in the state of Michigan, a doctor has to certify that you have one of several qualifying conditions that could benefit from medical cannabis. Some of the ones covered by the Michigan medical marijuana program include:
- Cancer
- HIV and AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Crohn’s Disease
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Arthritis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Chronic pain
The qualifying conditions list in Michigan has been simplified with time but still covers almost two dozen conditions. Any chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces symptoms like wasting syndrome, severe nausea, seizures, or muscle spasms can also qualify you for a Michigan MMJ card.
How to Get a Med Card in Michigan
If you’re ready to apply for a medical marijuana card, follow these three easy steps, and you’ll soon be on your way to purchasing quality medical weed in Michigan.
1. Schedule a Consultation with an Approved Medical Provider
Michigan law requires that a licensed physician evaluate your medical condition and confirm that medical marijuana is a therapeutically appropriate treatment—any Medical Doctor (MD), Expedited Medical Compact (EMC), or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery (DO) can complete the evaluation.
During the evaluation, you can expect your physician to discuss your medical history and any conditions that may qualify you for treatment. Once the evaluation is complete, your physician will fill out your certification, which you will then use to apply to become a medical cannabis patient.
Be forewarned: Don’t skip this first step! Without a signed Physician Certification Form, your application will be incomplete when you send it in, and you will not be approved for a medical marijuana card.
2. Gather Necessary Documents
Whether applying online or through the mail for a medical marijuana card in Michigan, you will need to provide:
- Basic identity information like your name, birth date, address, etc.
- Your completed Physician Certification Form
- Proof of Michigan residency through a copy of your valid Michigan driver’s license, personal identification card, or signed voter registration
- $40 application fee payable to the State of Michigan. If mailed, it can be paid by check or cash
If you are designating a caregiver to apply on your behalf, or you are applying on behalf of someone else whom you will be the caregiver, there will also be sections for the caregiver to fill out, and their own identifying documents must also be supplied.
3. Complete Your Medical Marijuana Patient Application
Michigan allows prospective patients to apply for their medical marijuana card by submitting a paper application via mail or by visiting the licensing portal through the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website.
Regardless of which path you choose, your physician certification and application must both be signed within six months of the date they are received by the Michigan Medical Marijuana Program (MMMP). Otherwise, your application will be rejected.
How to Apply For a Michigan MMJ Card Online
- Create an account through the LARA website and follow the step-by-step instructions. At the end, you’ll be prompted to pay a $40 application fee.
- You will receive a confirmation number once your payment has been successfully submitted. Write the number down or print the page for your records.
- You will receive an approval or denial via email within 15 business days. Once you receive the approval email, it can be used as a temporary card while you wait for the physical card to be mailed to you.
How to Apply For a Michigan MMJ Card By Mail
If you are applying for your Michigan medical marijuana card by mail, simply download the application form and Physician Certification Form from the LARA website and submit all required documents and your $40 payment in one envelope and address to:
Michigan Medical Marijuana Program
P.O. Box 30083
Lansing, MI 48909
You will be notified by mail within 15 business days whether your application was accepted or rejected.
Medical Cannabis Purchase & Possession Limits in Michigan
Once you’re granted a medical marijuana card in Michigan, you can head to your local Exclusive dispensary and start stocking up. However, while your approval allows you to shop for medical cannabis, purchase and possession limits still apply. Medical patients are allowed to purchase:
- Up to 2.5 ounces of flower or the equivalent per day and up to 10 ounces of flower—including pre-rolls—per month.
- No more than 15 grams of cannabis can be in the form of cannabis concentrate like live resin or rosin.
- Patients and/or primary caregivers are allowed to grow and possess up to 12 marijuana plants for personal use. Premature plants can also be purchased from a licensed dispensary, but patients cannot buy more than three immature plants during one visit.
Michigan’s possession laws are similar. If you are out and about, you are legally only allowed to carry up to 2.5 ounces of flower or the equivalent in other products. Up to 15 grams of concentrates is also the maximum legal possession limit.
Tips for Getting Your MMJ Card in Michigan
Laws are constantly changing, so it’s best to keep your eye on the ever-evolving landscape when it comes to cannabis and medical marijuana In Michigan. Here are some best practices and the top tips to get you started on the right foot once you begin the process to get your MMJ card.
Know Your Card’s Expiration Date
The Michigan Medical Marijuana registration will expire two years from the date your card was issued. To prevent a lapse in eligibility, it’s a good idea to plan a visit to your certifying physician and renew your MMJ card before the expiration date.
You can revisit the application portal on the LARA website and select “renewal” to submit your new certification. Renewal will cost $40.
You Can Get an MMJ Card in Michigan with Past Felony Charges
Michigan allows individuals to obtain a medical cannabis card if they have prior felony convictions. The only exception is if the conviction was associated with distributing drugs to a minor.
Michigan Practices MMJ Reciprocity with Other States
Michigan practices medical cannabis reciprocity, meaning that if you are a medical cannabis patient in another state with a valid, current MMJ card and a government-issued photo ID, you can shop for medical cannabis at one of Michigan’s many cannabis dispensaries. The same state purchase limits in Michigan will apply to you during your stay, even if you are visiting from another medical cannabis state where purchase limits are higher.
The Application Fee for an MMJ Card in Michigan Is $40 for All Patients
Michigan does not offer waived or reduced application fees for those who apply. Therefore, all applicants must pay the $40 fee to file their application.
Medical Insurance Does Not Cover the Costs of Your Medical Marijuana
Unfortunately, medical insurance does not cover the costs of medical cannabis. It also does not cover the cost of visiting a practitioner for certification or the application fee.
Begin Your Medical Cannabis Journey Today at Exclusive
Now that you’re signed up for medical cannabis in Michigan, you can start exploring the state’s best bud and top brands. Head to any one of our family of Michigan dispensaries, and our knowledgeable team can offer expert guidance on all things medical weed.
Let us help you find your next go-to strain, favorite edible, or must-have vape cart to suit your needs. With a massive selection and unbeatable deals, there’s never a shortage of options for affordable, high-quality cannabis. Exclusive serves both medical marijuana patients and adult consumers from all walks of life.
Visit your local Exclusive today and enjoy a VIP shopping experience while scoring the best deals around. Shop your local dispensary, order online, get convenient delivery, or use our app today!
