How to Become a Michigan Medical Marijuana Caregiver
Caregivers in Michigan provide a safety net for medical cannabis patients. A caregiver can obtain, deliver, transport, and administer cannabis to patients unable to do so themselves. And while caregivers do have many rights in the cannabis industry, they're not the same as a patient's rights.
Continue reading to explore how these rights differ and learn how to become a Michigan caregiver.
Steps to Become an MMJ Caregiver in Michigan
Michigan allows patients unable to manage their own medications to designate a caregiver. That caregiver can assist them in purchasing, growing, and consuming cannabis.
There are two options for how to become a caregiver in Michigan.
- Patients can name an MMJ caregiver when they register for their medical cannabis card. Simply add the caregiver’s information to the patient’s registration, including the caregiver’s state-issued ID.
- Patients can submit a separate form if they wish to add a caregiver after registering for their med card.
Some important things to note:
- Patients under 18 must designate a parent or guardian, specifically, as their caregiver.
- If you need to change an address, request a replacement card, or remove a caregiver, the Michigan state website offers patients an amendment form.
- Adding or changing a caregiver, removing a patient from a registry card, or changing who will possess the cannabis plants must be completed via a paper form.
- Read and follow the instructions on the application or amendment form completely to help prevent any potential denial.
What is a Medical Marijuana Caregiver (and Who Qualifies in Michigan)?
A Michigan caregiver can support up to five patients at one time. However, each patient can only designate one primary caregiver.
To qualify as a medical marijuana caregiver in Michigan, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be 21 years old or older.
- Agree and consent to assist the patient with their cannabis medication.
- Be a permanent resident of Michigan with proof of residency.
- Not have been convicted of a felony in the past 10 years.
- Never have been convicted of a drug-related, assault-related, or other violent felony.
Michigan Caregiver and Patient Laws
Designating a Michigan Caregiver
Michigan cannabis patients may only designate one primary caregiver at any time. However, caregivers may support up to five patients at the same time. If you meet the qualifications, a patient must then submit one of the following forms to designate you as their caregiver:
- If the patient already has an active registry card, they must complete the state’s Add or Change Caregiver Form.
- If the patient isn’t a current patient with an active registry card or the patient is within 90 days of his or her registry card expiring, they must complete the Application Packet that includes the caregiver’s information.
For either of these forms or packets, you must submit your valid state-issued driver’s license or state ID. That helps ensure the state can verify your identity, age, and ability to support the patient as a caregiver.
Cultivating Cannabis as an MMJ Caregiver in Michigan
The Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, or MMMA, allows an MMJ caregiver to cultivate cannabis on behalf of their patient. The patient must have already specified that the caregiver can grow cannabis for them.
Cultivation, even as a caregiver, must take place in enclosed, locked facilities.
A Michigan caregiver may grow up to 12 cannabis plants per patient. Since caregivers can support up to five patients, they may grow up to 60 plants at one time. However, a caregiver can also be a cannabis patient themselves, which can raise that cultivation limit to 72.
Only the caregiver may access the caregiver’s cannabis cultivation area. It’s a felony for anyone else to enter the caregiver’s grow site.
Learn more about Michigan’s cannabis laws and regulations today, review our extensive patient FAQs, or visit one of our other helpful resources for current and prospective Michigan medical cannabis patients.
