Remember when recreational cannabis was legalized in michigan? Well we won’t forget the many who cut their medical cards in half on social media! Here are ton’s of reasons to keep your medical card or find out if you qualify to get one. Read through to the bottom to find out how you can get your medical cannabis card in michigan!

1) The newly implemented recreational law, Proposal 1, enforces a 10% excise tax on the sales of recreational marijuana, which is in addition to the existing 6% State Sales Tax. Proposal 1 also abolishes the current 3% Excise Tax on medical marijuana sales, while the 6% State Sales Tax remains unaffected. Although retailers or dispensaries are responsible for paying the excise taxes, the cost is ultimately passed on to the consumers through retail shop pricing. Consequently, individuals with medical cards will be subject to at least 10% lower taxes compared to recreational users, in addition to enjoying reduced prices on medical cannabis products.

Let's Crunch the Numbers: According to data from "PriceOfWeed.com," the average price of "High Quality" cannabis in Michigan is $290 per ounce. For simplicity, let's assume this price is reduced to $200 per ounce. Under Proposal 1, medical card holders are likely to spend at least 10% less at dispensaries compared to recreational users. The amount of annual savings for medical card holders will depend on the quantity of cannabis consumed. 

2) As a cardholder, you may grow up to 12 plants in your home. As a caregiver, you can grow up to 12 plants in your house for EACH MEDICAL patient they have a caregiver card for (12 plants x 5 medical patients=60 plants) -(of course in separate enclosed, locked rooms). A recreational adult user may grow up to 12 plants for their own personal use if the plants are not visible to the public.

3) Medical products offer a higher level of safety and cleanliness due to more rigorous testing requirements. These medical-grade products are permitted to be more potent, with the presence and potency of cannabinoids clearly labeled. Michigan has established one of the most stringent testing and safety protocols in the country. Through testing, consumers are informed about the potency and types of cannabinoids present, while also ensuring the absence of potentially harmful contaminants like heavy metals, solvents, pesticides, microbes, and microbial toxins.

It's worth noting that the threshold for microbial load is higher for recreational-grade products. Legally, recreational products are allowed to have approximately ten times the microbial load that medical products can have. As a result, medical products are approximately ten times cleaner than their recreational counterparts. This distinction is particularly important to individuals who prioritize their health and value these stricter standards.

4) Our patient demographic primarily consists of individuals in the age range of 30 to 70, who are genuine medical users seeking relief without the associated stigma of getting "high." A significant portion of the population wishes to utilize marijuana solely as a medicine and explore alternative solutions for their health concerns. Unfortunately, many individuals face judgment from their doctors, employers, and law enforcement due to their cannabis usage. However, by having a valid medical justification for using marijuana and being able to provide evidence of such, it becomes possible to alleviate some of that judgment and skepticism. It has the potential to keep you safer when dealing with the law for example: your car smelling like cannabis & being accused of smoking while driving. 

5) Access to more Dispensaries and selection of products and cannabis strains. For example, cities like Detroit still haven't opted into recreational cannabis meaning, if you don't have a medical card, you won't be able to visit a majority of these dispensaries. So all in all, having your medical card allows you to acces medical & recreational cities (because not all cities in Michigan have chose to offer recreational cannabis to their communites).

6) Use your med card in states that offer reciprocity

• Protection when traveling

• Air travel is possible & these states reciprocate medical cards:

• Arkansas*

• Arizona

• Louisiana

• Hawaii* 

• Maine

• Maryland*

• New Jersey

• New Hampshire 

• Michigan

• Oklahoma*

• Rhode Island

• Utah*

• Washington D.C.

7) Rick Thompson, from the Michigan chapter of NORML, highlights that being a medical marijuana patient can provide advantages in employment situations. Certain employers recognize the existence of a medical necessity as opposed to recreational use. This understanding can lead to more tolerance and acceptance of medical marijuana usage among employees.

In line with this, many patients have informed their doctor that their workplace conducts marijuana testing. However, if there is a legitimate medical reason supported by their medical patient status, such usage is often tolerated. Additionally, some workplaces may even require medical marijuana usage to be disclosed for insurance purposes, further acknowledging its medical relevance and importance.

8) Obtaining a medical marijuana card provides individuals with increased legal protection. Currently, patients are allowed to have THC in their bloodstream, provided they have made the necessary payment to the state for their medical card. This protection can be advantageous if a person is pulled over by law enforcement, as it serves as a line of defense. In such situations, law enforcement authorities are required to demonstrate impairment before issuing charges of operating while intoxicated (OWI) or driving under the influence (DUI). 

Some attorneys even recommend maintaining a medical marijuana card and the associated legal protections it offers. This is particularly relevant if individuals anticipate needing documentation for employment purposes or upcoming court appearances. During a medical marijuana appointment, it may be advisable to discuss the need for such documentation with the marijuana doctor, ensuring the necessary paperwork is prepared and available when required.

9) According to the Michigan.gov website, specifically the Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) division, individuals who hold a valid registry identification card issued under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act will not be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits if they test positive for marijuana. This decision by the Michigan Supreme Court reinforces the previous ruling of the Michigan Court of Appeals regarding unemployment benefits.

In practical terms, it means that individuals with an active medical cannabis card can still receive unemployment benefits without being denied solely based on a positive marijuana test result. However, there are specific circumstances in which unemployment benefits can be denied, such as failing to provide an active MI state registry identification card proving a qualifying medical condition, ingesting marijuana at the workplace and subsequently testing positive, or being under the influence of marijuana while on the employer's premises.

The key takeaway is that if someone wants to continue receiving unemployment benefits while consuming medical cannabis, it is crucial to maintain an active medical card. If there are any questions or concerns, it is advisable to reach out for guidance and clarification. Additionally, when relevant, the medical provider can furnish a letter to the court upon request for further support.