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What you will learn in this post:
Michigan legalized medical marijuana by passing Proposal 1 in 2009. While Proposal 1 gave Michigan medical marijuana patients and caregivers legal protections, it failed to establish a regulated medical marijuana program. In 2016, Michigan passed three bills establishing regulations for medical marijuana businesses and further legal protections for medical cannabis patients and caregivers.
In 2018 voters again passed Proposal 1, but this time to legalize the use and sale of adult-use cannabis. Over a year later, adult-use cannabis sales in Michigan began on December 1st, 2019. Currently, both the medical and recreational use and sale of cannabis are permitted in the state of Michigan. As of May 31st, 2022, Michigan has over 225,000 medical marijuana patients and over 25,000 caregivers.
How Do I Become a Medical Cannabis Patient in Michigan?
To get a medical marijuana card in Michigan, just follow these simple steps:
- Get a medical evaluation from an MD or DO.
- Submit an application, with your completed evaluation, to the state Medical Marijuana Portal and pay a $40 fee.
- The MMMP will approve or deny your application within 20 business days and issue you a card in the mail if approved.
- Once approved, you'll receive an email approval that you can use at dispensaries until your physical card arrives in the mail.
How Do I Renew a Med Card in Michigan?
Medical marijuana cards in Michigan are valid for up to two years from the date of issue. In order to renew a Michigan medical marijuana card, patients must obtain a new evaluation from a DO or MD licensed in the state of Michigan. Evaluations can easily be completed through nuggmd.com/Michigan, regardless of where the initial recommendation was obtained.
Who Qualifies for Medical Cannabis in Michigan?
Individuals with a qualifying condition who are residents of Michigan and have obtained a recommendation from a DO or MD can obtain a medical marijuana card. Individuals over 18 are permitted to apply for a medical marijuana card in Michigan as long as the above requirements are met. For individuals under 18 with one or more qualifying conditions, Michigan requires that the parent or guardian act as a caregiver and remain in possession of the cannabis products and plants. The caregiver is also responsible for controlling the purchasing, dosing, and frequency of medical marijuana use. Regulations require that for individuals under 18, two separate physicians, a DO or MD, must sign off on the recommendation for medical marijuana. You can head to Michigan’s Cannabis FAQ for more information on the requirements to become a medical marijuana cardholder in Michigan.
What Are the Qualifying Conditions to Get a Med Card in Michigan?
Michigan lists the following conditions as those for which patients can be approved for a medical marijuana card.
- Agitation of Alzheimer’s Disease
- AIDS
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Arthritis
- Autism
- Cancer
- Cerebral Palsy
- Chronic Pain
- Colitis
- Crohn’s Disease
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- HIV Positive
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Nail Patella
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Tourette’s Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis, or
- A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following: Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome, Severe and Chronic Pain, Severe Nausea, Seizures (Including but not limited to those characteristics of epilepsy), Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms (Including but not limited to those characteristics of multiple sclerosis).
How to Find a MI Medical Marijuana Doctor for an MMJ Evaluation
Finding a physician to recommend medical marijuana can be difficult, as medical schools often don’t teach their students about medicinal cannabis. Failing to educate about medical cannabis leaves physicians unprepared to recommend cannabis to their patients confidently. In the case of Michigan, regulations require medical marijuana recommendations to be from an MD or a DO. NuggMD works with state-licensed medical marijuana doctors in Michigan who evaluate your condition honestly, helping you decide if cannabis is worth trying.
Before you visit with a physician, you should collect the relevant medical documentation that verifies your qualifying condition. Having these documents on hand for your evaluation will help ensure your physician can give you a thorough assessment. These documents may include:
- Patient charts
- Current prescriptions
- Physical therapy records
- Medical test results
- Hospital records
If you are unsure how to get started on obtaining your Michigan medical marijuana card and don’t have time to find a doctor or make it into your doctor's office, head over to nuggmd.com/Michigan. With NuggMD, you can schedule a visit with a verified physician in your state to receive your medical marijuana recommendation from the comfort and privacy of your home.
Get Your Medical Cannabis Recommendation Online: The NuggMD Process
It’s easy to see a qualified medical marijuana doctor with NuggMD.
- Determine if you have one of the following qualifying conditions listed above.
- Schedule an appointment with a doctor. NuggMD offers appointments with fully licensed and eligible physicians in Michigan for just $99.
- Complete an evaluation with your doctor. Just log on to NuggMD.com/Michigan, create an account, fill out your medical history, and a licensed doctor will be with you shortly to complete the evaluation. Your evaluation will occur face-to-face via video chat as soon as a doctor is available.
- Once the evaluation with your doctor is complete, you'll receive an email with your medical marijuana physician certification form.
- Create an online account at Michigan’s online medical marijuana portal and submit all proper documentation, including proof of residency, proof of identification, your completed physician certification form, and a $40 payment.
- Once approved, the MMMP will send an approval email that you can use at dispensaries until your medical marijuana card arrives by mail.
- Purchase cannabis at a medical dispensary. You’ll need to have a valid form of government ID and your state medical marijuana card or approval email to make your purchase.
What to Expect When Talking to a MI Medical Marijuana Doctor on NuggMD
When talking to a Michigan medical marijuana doctor, they will want to know about current medications and treatments. It is important to upload current medical records so your doctor has the information needed to make a recommendation for cannabis. They may request additional records before approval for a Michigan medical card if necessary.
NuggMD recommends you write down any questions for your doctor before your evaluation. Our doctors are happy to educate you about the potential benefits and adverse effects of cannabis use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Cannabis in Michigan
What Types of Cannabis Products Are Available in Michigan?
Patients in Michigan have access to a wide variety of cannabis products, including:
- Concentrates/Extracts
- Drinks
- Edibles
- Flower
- Tinctures
- Topicals
- Plants
What Does Marijuana Feel Like?
Cannabis is a versatile plant containing hundreds of compounds that produce a variety of effects. Some of the most common effects include:
- Change in perception of time
- Difficulting concentration (or the opposite, hyper-focusing)
- Euphoria
- Giggling
- Increased appetite
- Relaxation
- Sedation (aka “couch-lock”)
However, when someone takes too high of a dosage, the person can experience some more adverse effects of cannabis which can include:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Paranoia
- Psychosis, and
- Vomiting
With the exception of psychosis, these adverse effects of cannabis are common among individuals who take a high dose of THC. It is essential to remember when using cannabis that it is best to start low and go slow to avoid these adverse effects.
Many states have recommended 5mg or 10mg of THC doses for first-time edible users. However, many individuals find that just 2.5mg of THC can produce strong enough effects. Individuals may also find that 5mg or 10mg of THC is way too much. If the patient is ingesting a cannabis edible, the onset of effects can vary based on metabolism as well as if and what the patient has eaten. Cannabis edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours to first feel the effects of THC. Some individuals may find that it takes them even longer than 3 hours to begin feeling the effects of a cannabis edible.
For beginner cannabis users, having a safe person with you is always recommended when you first try out a cannabis product. Another medical marijuana patient is a plus since they can help you prepare and know what to expect after using cannabis.
Some patients have a much different experience and find it difficult to feel any effects at a lower dose, leading them to need much higher doses to feel relief. Unfortunately, we don’t yet have a way of determining which patients will need what dose. This is why it's important to work with your doctor and be patient when it comes to finding the correct dosage.
What If My Dose Is Too High?
Finding the perfect cannabis dose for a new medical marijuana cardholder is a game of trial and error. It's no surprise that new cannabis users may overdo their first dose, but it's no reason to be embarrassed. Cannabis metabolizes in each individual differently; because of this, the effects and doses needed to feel the effects can vary from person to person.
We recommend you speak to your recommending physician right away for guidance on adjusting your dosage if your current dose produces more negative effects.
If you find yourself in an uncomfortable state after using medical marijuana, you can follow some of the tips in our article, How to Sober Up from Weed. As always, seek medical attention immediately if you believe you’re experiencing a medical emergency.
What If I Can’t Find My MI Med Card or Didn’t Receive One?
If you need to replace your Michigan medical marijuana card, you can request one by mail or online. Be sure to have a copy of your proof of residency or proof of identification to submit with your request. To request a replacement medical marijuana card online, you must first register with the state. Once registered, fill out the application to order a replacement medical marijuana card.
To request a new medical marijuana card by mail, fill out the Request Replacement Card Form and send it to the address below:
Michigan Medical Marijuana Program
PO Box 30083
Lansing, MI 48909
Does Michigan have reciprocity laws?
The state of Michigan allows dispensaries to offer medical cannabis reciprocity to patients from medical cannabis states that also allow reciprocity for Michigan medical marijuana patients.
Have More Questions About How to Get Your Med Card in Michigan?
If you have more questions, you can learn more about Michigan’s cannabis laws & regulations. You can also contact our friendly NuggMD customer support team. Our customer support team is there to help you navigate the often-confusing medical marijuana systems. The customer support team at NuggMD answers hundreds of questions, from where to find your state’s cannabis laws to what's needed to start the medical marijuana card process.
Since 2016 NuggMD customer support professionals have helped over 1 million patients connect with medical marijuana doctors to find relief with cannabis. NuggMD's practitioners are fully licensed in the state for which they provide evaluations and have received all required state medical marijuana training and certifications.
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
