Marijuana may be legal in Michigan now, but that doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all!
Welcome back and thanks for joining us for this Q and A session about the changes going into effect now that Michigan residents voted to legalize recreational marijuana. As we pointed out in our previous article, the new law may have been voted in, but it doesn’t go into effect for about another month, so until then you should continue to act as if marijuana is illegal – because that’s exactly how the cops are going to act! Anyway, let’s jump back in where we left off last time…
Answers to your questions about the legalization of recreational weed in Michigan:
Q: Is there a name for this new law?
A: Yup, it’s called the the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act.
A: Does that mean the government will tax the sale of pot?
Q: Indeed it does. Once LARA (Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) has set up licenses and businesses are established to sell recreational marijuana to people 21 and older, those sales will be subject to taxation.
Q: Will you be able to buy your weed in stores like beer and wine?
A: Eventually yes, but don’t hold your breath! Before pot can be purchased in stores like other mainstream products, it will have to be regulated by LARA and that will probably take years to iron out the details.
Q: Will weed be available everywhere in Michigan in the future?
A: Not necessarily, no. Many cities and communities around Michigan weren’t excited about the legalization of pot, and the new law allows them to create zoning laws and local ordinances that ban marijuana businesses. So while it may soon be legal to consume pot recreationally, you might not be able to get it whenever you want without growing it yourself, as it may not be commercially available where you live.
Q: Can you still get arrested before the law goes into effect?
A: Absolutely! Until the new law goes into effect, the “old” law is still enforceable. So believe it or not, it’s entirely possible to be arrested for marijuana possession in a state that just legalized marijuana possession!
Q: How can you consume your recreational pot?
A: You can consume it by smoking it, eating “medibles” (which are food products made with cannabis infused butter or oil), or vaping it.
Q: Will you still be able to lose your job for using pot?
A: For sure! If your place of employment doesn’t allow employees to use marijuana, then they are entirely within their rights to fire you if you violate the terms of your employment. Just because the law says you can, doesn’t mean your job is required to change their policies.
Q: Where can you consume weed safely and legally?
A: You can consume weed in your own home, or in the home of others who allow its use. However, remember that if you’re renting your home, your landlord has the right to make rental policies against marijuana use. Violating those policies could get you evicted! So if you’re a tenant, be sure you know what your rental property allows before lighting up in your living room.
Q: Is marijuana still illegal according to the federal government?
A: Absolutely! Under federal law marijuana for any reason, medical or otherwise, is against the law. So be sure not to take marijuana with you into any federal buildings, or onto any federal land. Doing so could land you in very hot water!
Major change oftens brings with it confusion and anxiety.
While the state of Michigan is transitioning to a state where marijuana is legal for recreational use, there are likely to be some hiccups along the way. People make mistakes, and assume things, which can lead to unfortunate situations – in this case, that could mean jail time! So if you or a loved one need any help with a drug-related charge, marijuana or otherwise, please call The Kronzek Firm at 866 766 5245. Our skilled and experienced criminal defense attorneys have spent decades helping the people of Michigan fight drug charges. WE can help you too!