Top 6 Benefits of Getting A Medical Marijuana Card In Michigan

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In states such as Michigan, where both medical and recreational cannabis have been legalized, it may be challenging to comprehend why individuals would opt for a medical card. However, what many overlook is that obtaining a medical card in Michigan grants exclusive advantages accessible only to patients.

From cost savings to receiving priority treatment and various other perks, the advantages of obtaining a medical card in Michigan might be appealing. Let us explain why MI MMJ (Medical Marijuana) is superior.

 

The History of Cannabis in Michigan

Let’s start by discussing the background of cannabis in Michigan before exploring the advantages of having a medical card.

In 2008, Michigan took a significant step by legalizing medical marijuana through the approval of the Michigan Compassionate Care Initiative by voters. This initiative allowed patients possessing a Michigan medical marijuana card to legally purchase and possess marijuana for therapeutic purposes. To regulate medical marijuana affairs within the state, the Michigan Medical Marijuana Program (MMMP) was established under the Cannabis Regulatory Agency’s jurisdiction.

In addition to the medical aspect, Michigan also legalized adult-use cannabis, permitting individuals aged 21 and above to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana. This milestone was achieved in 2018 when voters approved the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, a decade after the approval of medical marijuana.

 

Michigan Laws Governing Medical Marijuana

Medical Marijuana Program (MMP): The Michigan Department of Licencing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is in charge of running Michigan’s medical marijuana program. The program is responsible for ensuring that qualified patients, carers, and dispensaries are registered.

Patient Qualification: Patients must have a debilitating medical condition that has been validated by a qualified doctor in order to qualify for a medical card in Michigan. The ailment must fall within one of the conditions recognised by the state’s medical marijuana laws.

Caregiver System: The state of Michigan permits registered patients to name a carer to help them get and use medical marijuana. A carer can look after up to five patients and must be at least 21 years old.

Reciprocity: Patients from other states can use medicinal marijuana while they are in Michigan because Michigan accepts medical marijuana identification cards from those other states.

 

The Benefits of Getting Your Medical Card in Michigan

Why is there so much discussion about obtaining a medical card in the Great Lake State when recreational marijuana is already legal?

In all states where cannabis is fully legalized, the experiences of medical and recreational users have always differed.

By obtaining a medical card in Michigan, you enjoy more benefits and advantages than recreational users, and it is unlikely to change anytime soon.

So, what exactly are these benefits? Let’s discuss them.

 

You Can Buy More Weed

Obtaining a medical card in Michigan offers a crucial advantage – the ability to possess a larger quantity of weed compared to recreational users.

Recreational consumers are restricted to holding 2.5 ounces of cannabis, whereas registered patients have the privilege of possessing up to 10 ounces of cannabis.

This indicates that by acquiring a medical card in Michigan, you can have four times the amount of cannabis allowed for recreational users. Quite impressive, isn’t it?

Moreover, there are added benefits in terms of convenience. With a medical card, you’ll need to make fewer trips to dispensaries, and your cannabis supply will last longer. It’s a win-win situation all around.

 

You Can Buy Weed Outside of Michigan

If you need to journey, you can bring along your Michigan cannabis card as long as the destination state honors reciprocity.

Due to the widespread acceptance of medical marijuana, certain states have implemented programs permitting patients with medical marijuana licenses from different states to purchase medicinal cannabis.

If you are not in Michigan, there is no need to worry about accessing your medication.

 

You Save a Ton of Money Through Taxes and Exclusive Discounts

Recall how we mentioned that having a Michigan medical marijuana card allows you to purchase more weed? Well, it gets even more advantageous: not only can you buy more, but you can also save money in the process.

You might think about the expenses associated with obtaining a medical card in Michigan, such as the application and doctor’s appointment fees, and believe that sticking with recreational marijuana is the better choice.

However, if you closely examine the cost savings due to lower taxes, you’ll discover that having a Michigan Weed card is actually the superior option.

When you purchase medical marijuana, you only need to pay a 6% sales tax. In contrast, with a medical card in Michigan, consumers are required to pay an additional 10% excise tax for recreational marijuana, resulting in a total tax of 16% on weed. Quite a significant difference.

Acquiring a medical card in Michigan may take up to 30 days from the time of application, but it is definitely worth the wait.

Once you have it, the medical marijuana card remains valid for up to two years, granting you two years of buying marijuana at a 10% discount compared to recreational users.

Besides the tax advantages of having a med card in Michigan, you can also enjoy various benefits like discounts, promotions, and loyalty programs offered by dispensaries. Many dispensaries that sell both adult-use and medical cannabis provide generous discounts to medical patients.

 

MMJ Offers Access to MMJ for Minors

The adage “health is wealth” is frequently mentioned, and one of the significant advantages of having a Michigan medical card is the accessibility of nature’s therapeutic resources for individuals of all ages.

To purchase recreational cannabis in Michigan, one must be at least 21, even if they have a qualifying condition.

Conversely, individuals below the age of 21 in Michigan are prohibited from possessing and using marijuana, except if they possess a medical card. Fortunately, medical patients under 21 can obtain an MMJ card. If you think your child could benefit from medical cannabis, particularly high-CBD products, you can apply for a medical card on their behalf.

Caregivers are allowed to enter dispensaries, make purchases, and administer products for the minors they represent. Consequently, those under 18 can access MMJ if it’s necessary for their well-being. However, this is not applicable to adult-use cannabis.

 

You Get Access to Exclusively Medical Dispensaries

Prioritizing health is essential, and that’s why certain dispensaries exclusively cater to patients holding a Michigan weed card.

As an MI MMJ cardholder, you have the advantage of quickly entering a dispensary, making your purchase, receiving prompt service, and heading home without enduring lengthy lines or additional waiting time.

Having a medical marijuana card in Michigan enables you to acquire more cannabis at a reduced price and with faster service, enhancing your overall experience.

 

You Get Priority Treatment

States often experience shortages of marijuana, and in such instances, priority is given to medical patients. Medical dispensaries are served before recreational users, who may have to wait or go without if the supply is insufficient. Therefore, having a medical card in Michigan grants access to the limited supply, ensuring that both medical and recreational consumers have access to marijuana when it’s in short supply.

 

Conclusion

The benefits of obtaining a medical card in Michigan are extensive and contribute to improved access, affordability, and legal protection for patients seeking relief through medical marijuana. With a range of qualifying medical conditions and a well-regulated program, Michigan’s medical marijuana program stands as a progressive and patient-centric model for other states to follow.