Here in Michigan, marijuana is legal for both medicinal and recreational use. Certain municipalities may set restrictions on dispensaries or growing operations, but state law no longer prohibits the possession or use of marijuana. People who are 21 years old and older can buy it just the same way they can buy a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer.
Over the summer, you may be planning a vacation. If you’re in the habit of using marijuana products at home in Michigan, you may also consider taking some of those products on vacation with you. Are you allowed to do so?
2 potential complications
Even if you purchased the products legally in Michigan, you could still run into legal complications when you travel.
For one thing, state borders are under federal jurisdiction. So anytime you fly or drive across the border, you run the risk of violating federal laws. Marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, so it’s even illegal to take marijuana products across the border between two states where marijuana is already legal in each state. The federal issue is separate from state laws.
The other thing to consider, of course, is that not all states have similar laws to Michigan. Some states still ban marijuana except for medicinal usage. Other states ban marijuana outright, for any reason. You could still face very serious charges if you’re arrested on vacation, even if your products are clearly marked as having been purchased in Michigan.
It’s important to understand drug charges, especially as laws shift and change. Be sure you know about all of your defense options when facing charges.