What are the Cannabis Laws in Muskegon?

In Michigan, cannabis laws are the result of a somewhat unique approach; while both recreational and medical cannabis are legal, the state has given power to municipalities like Muskegon County to either allow or restrict the sale of the plant. Due to this, there are some inconsistencies with the legacies of cannabis in Michigan.

In order to clear up any confusion regarding cannabis laws in Muskegon, we’ve outlined some of the most important aspects for anyone looking to purchase or consume cannabis in Muskegon, Michigan.

History of Cannabis Legalization in Michigan

Michigan voters approved the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act in 2008, effectively legalizing cannabis for medicinal purposes. This meant that a person seeking medical cannabis needed to be seriously or terminally ill and receive a doctor’s approval in order to buy or cultivate a limited amount of the plant. Though this was not sweeping legalization, it got the ball rolling on legalization.

Ten years later, voters approved Proposal 1, making Michigan the first state in the Midwest to legalize recreational cannabis and tenth state in the US. So what does this mean for folks in Muskegon?

Muskegon Cannabis Laws

While the state legalized the use of cannabis, municipalities that issue business licenses and control zoning laws still have the final say on how cannabis is bought and sold. Muskegon decided to opt in to the cannabis program, allowing recreational cannabis sales and their subsequent tax benefits to circulate through the community. But where does that leave the consumer – can you just smoke pot anywhere now? Not exactly.

Cannabis Regulations and Communities

While it is legal to purchase, grow or consume cannabis, there are still gray areas that can potentially lead to run-ins with law enforcement. First of all, cannabis must be purchased from a licensed provisioning center such as Body and Mind. 

Ensuring that cannabis provisioning centers (or cannabis dispensaries) are licensed helps to confirm that all of the products they distribute are tested for safety as well as quality. This protects the consumer as well as the community by only allowing safe, regulated products to be sold. 

With a 10% excise tax on all recreational cannabis products sold, cities, townships, and counties like Muskegon are already seeing the economic benefits. In fact, Michigan collected more than $350 Million in recreational cannabis tax revenue in 2021.

Cannabis Laws and the Consumer 

A person may not consume cannabis in public or drive while under the influence of the plant. Michigan state law requires that individuals consume cannabis in the privacy of their home or a private residence where permission to do so is granted. 

That includes rental properties – if you are renting, you should get permission from your landlord before smoking any cannabis in their home. Laws also govern transportation and the amount you can purchase at any given time.

When transporting cannabis by vehicle it must be stored in a sealed container or in the trunk. There is also a limit to how much someone can buy at a time. There is a maximum of 2.5 oz. per purchase, or 10 oz. per month. An individual can grow up to 12 plants and possess 15 grams of concentrated cannabis at a time. 

Know Before You Go

When purchasing medical marihuana or recreational cannabis in Michigan, always be sure to purchase from a clean, licensed provisioning center. A legal and high-quality provisioning center like Body and Mind will ensure all products are fresh, well within the best before date, and have been properly tested for safety and quality. 

Marijuana is for use only by individuals 21 years of age or older.