Cannabis is officially legal in Detroit, wherein both medical and recreational cannabis is allowed. The medicinal use of cannabis was approved in 2008, while the recreational use of cannabis was legalized in 2018.
On the other hand, in 2019, licensing sales began and are likely to increase in the next years. Each municipality in Michigan has the authority to approve or prohibit the selling of cannabis.
Read on to find out the details about the cannabis laws in Michigan and how to effectively market the cannabis business.
Cannabis Laws in Michigan
Operating a cannabis dispensary and having the products in your hands as a buyer or medical patient is legal in Michigan. However, there are still strict legal restrictions to follow.
To be compliant, listed below are the legal guidelines you need to know for both recreational and medical marijuana.
Buying of Marijuana
Individuals aged 21 and above can now purchase and transport 70 grams (2.5 ounces) of cannabis or 15 grams (0.53 ounces) of concentrates lawfully. For those who were caught with anything over 2.5 ounces for a first offense, a fine of up to $500 will be given.
Adults are also permitted to keep up to 280 grams (10 ounces) of marijuana in their homes. Medical marijuana (MMJ) patients are allowed to obtain 2.5 ounces of cannabis at a time, with a monthly purchase restriction of 10 ounces.
If consumers buy cannabis-infused items, they should look for the following marijuana content equivalents in the goods: Solids (16 ounces), Liquids (36 ounces), and Gas (7 grams).
MMJ patients in Michigan can get marijuana delivered to their homes. Michigan has authorized recreational product delivery because of the pandemic. It is unclear whether this is a temporary action or will persist once the COVID-19 situation is resolved.
Medical Marijuana
The MMJ program has undergone significant revisions since its introduction in 2008. The registration process became simple and easy. All eligible patients may now register online and get an MMJ card.
Medical marijuana can be used, possessed, and purchased at local dispensaries by these cardholders. The state provides medical marijuana to out-of-state patients who visit Michigan because it supports reciprocity.
A card can only be applied for by Michigan residents. They must get certification from a certified therapist who can attest to the fact that the cannabis medication is helpful to the patient’s overall health.
Patients can choose the main caregiver to help them in the purchase and use of cannabis. Caregivers must be 21 years old and live in Michigan. They must not have been convicted of any offense involving illegal substances.
Caregivers can care for up to 5 patients at a time. They are eligible for state reimbursement for their expenses and are also allowed to cultivate cannabis on behalf of their patients.
A patient’s caregivers are included on the application form. Caregivers should fill out an application and register in the same way as patients. They receive an MMJ card in the same way that their patients do.
Consumption of Marijuana
While it is legal, marijuana cannot be used anywhere. It should be consumed in the privacy of your own home, away from the general public. If you are going to a friend’s place to smoke it, make sure the host agrees. If you reside in a rental unit, you must first receive approval from your landlord.
Consumption of marijuana on public property or in public areas, such as hospitals, parks, schools, bars, and vehicles, is illegal and punishable by law.
Marijuana usage is prohibited on federal lands since it is still illegal on the federal level. For a first offense, possession of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by 1 year in prison or a $1,000 fine.
Growing of Marijuana
MMJ cardholders and adults are allowed to grow cannabis on their own property as long as they follow Michigan’s cultivation rules.
A maximum of 12 plants is allowed to be grown per household. Flowers should be planted in a private area away from public sight. Indoor storage is possible for all harvested goods.
Driving
Smoking cannabis inside a vehicle or operating a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana is illegal. Possible punishments that a person can receive for the first offense are a $300 fine, a 93-day sentence, and/or 360 hours of community service.
Adults are allowed to transport their legal cannabis possession limit in a vehicle if they keep their marijuana in a sealed container or put them in the trunk.
It is also illegal to export cannabis or mail it over state lines. It is a federal offense that carries a penalty.
The number of marijuana arrests has dropped slightly since legalization. A large percentage of these arrests are for possession of cannabis.
Starting a Cannabis Business in Michigan
In 2018, when recreational marijuana usage became legal in Michigan, individuals who are into enterprising from all around the state have expressed interest in being part of this profitable market.
If you are one of those who plan to create their own cannabis business, keep in mind that there will be a lot of legal paperwork to do to get your firm up and running properly.
First and foremost, anyone aiming to run a recreational cannabis enterprise must first get medicinal cannabis licenses until December 6, 2021. After accomplishing that, candidates can apply for a license to operate an adult-use marijuana facility.
Only the following applications for licensure may be accepted until December 6, 2021, according to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act (MRTMA):
- Residents of Michigan can apply for a class A grower or microbusiness license.
- Those individuals with medical marijuana facility licenses can apply for a class B or class C grower, retailer, processor, or transporter license.
The requirements on Michigan residency and the medical marijuana facility license will be eliminated after December 6, 2021. Everyone can then apply for an adult-use marijuana enterprise license.
Industrial hemp is a kind of cannabis plant that has less than 0.3 percent THC, and this plant is commonly grown as a major source of cannabidiol (CBD). Michigan legislation has established a road to license for anyone interested in growing it.
Marketing Tips To Promote Your Cannabis Business
After completing the legal requirements and establishing your cannabis business, here are some marketing tips on how you may raise awareness about your marijuana products, boost sales, and enhance the value of your brand.
Work with Advertising Platforms
Several marijuana-friendly ad networks have emerged since the legalization of marijuana. With these specialized advertising platforms, you may expand your traffic as both an advertiser and a publisher.
Make Your Own Website and an Online Store
Similar to many businesses nowadays, creating a website and online store is a helpful move in promoting a business in the digital era.
According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, internet searches for marijuana grew by 98 percent, with millions of Americans searching for it.
Utilize SEO Tools and Keywords
When selling online, you must learn about search engine optimization (SEO) to improve your web content. There are also high-converting keywords you need to discover to increase traffic and sales.
Event Marketing
Marijuana event marketing may certainly is a lot of work, but it is a fantastic experience. You may interact with different marijuana entrepreneurs, vendors, brands, and, of course, buyers through event marketing.
If you are thinking about investing in event marketing, do not restrict yourself to booths only. You should also go out and meet enthusiasts, converse with them, and try to form connections with them. You should also use social media platforms to spread the word about your event.
Educate the Public
Not everyone is aware of marijuana’s benefits. Take the initiative and raise awareness of the advantages of using cannabis. Educating people is effective in promoting a business.
You may design and create a marijuana-related informative material plan. Ideas for social media content, blog entries, and visual materials should all be included.
Target Local Consumers
Local markets can provide quick awareness for your business at a reduced cost. It is also essential to seize the local market in cannabis-legalized states, aside from building a website to increase traffic and revenue.
Write Guest Posts on Websites and Magazines
Guest posting is one of the most effective marijuana marketing strategies for gaining quick exposure to your target market. This way can assist you in increasing brand awareness, trust, and sales.
You can look for reputable websites and magazines that offer guest posting about marijuana and related items. Guest posting on famous specialty websites may help you enhance search ranks, build a stronger backlink profile, increase your ROI, and raise traffic and leads.
Always read the site’s contributor guidelines and criteria before approaching them about guest posting.
The Bottom Line
It is critical to be aware of and understand the cannabis laws in each state. Moreover, marijuana marketing can help in the development of your business. And, with innovation, you may take your marketing techniques to the next level to grow your marijuana business.