Yesterday the House passed HBs 4834, 4851, 4853 and 4856, bills that tighten up some provisions in the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act (MMMA).

HB 4834 would require photos on a patient’s registration card. This was a comment change requested by law enforcement. It also increases the license renewal from one-year to two-year cycles to help the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs with the approval/renewal process.

HB 4851 defines “closed, locked facility” as well as “bona fide physician-patient relationship”. It also prohibits an individual from being a caretaker if he/she has been convicted of certain felonies.

HB 4853 addresses the sentencing guidelines for individuals selling medical marijuana. The maximum penalty is two years imprisonment.

HB 4856 requires medical marijuana to be in a car’s trunk or otherwise inaccessible or the driver could be charged with a $100, 90-day misdemeanor.

This legislation now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

Samantha Harkins works for the Michigan Municipal League handling municipal services and energy and technology issues.  She can be reached at 517-908-0306 or email at [email protected]