Marijuana legalization in Michigan was a slow process. The state started by allowing medical patients to register and legally use marijuana. Eventually, voters passed a ballot initiative legalizing recreational marijuana for adult users.
Now that people can purchase marijuana on demand at licensed dispensaries, they sometimes operate under the incorrect assumption that they can do whatever they want with marijuana without consequence. However, prosecutors can still bring charges against people for certain types of conduct.
What behaviors might lead to marijuana charges despite Michigan being the first Midwestern state to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults?
1. Excessive possession
The law imposes a strict limit on the amount of marijuana that an individual can possess. Generally speaking, an adult can only possess up to two and a half ounces of marijuana at any given time. An amount beyond that could potentially lead to criminal charges.
2. Inappropriate cultivation
Michigan’s legalization law permits an adult to grow up to 12 cannabis plants indoors or outdoors. If law enforcement professionals discover an individual growing more than 12 plants at once or in a highly insecure manner, the grower could face charges.
3. Sharing with minors
College students and others in their twenties may not see much wrong with sharing their marijuana with younger adults or even teenagers. However, 21 is the minimum age for legal access without medical authorization. Anyone accused of transferring marijuana to those under the age of 21, with or without financial gain, could be at risk of prosecution.
Those facing Michigan drug charges may need help understanding the law and preparing an effective response. Marijuana charges can cause significant consequences unless people respond appropriately.