Michigan voters will be deciding in November whether to legalize recreational marijuana. Proposal 18-1, the ballot initiative creating the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA), if passed, will require each community to decide if it is going to allow or prohibit state-licensed recreational marihuana establishments. This has many local governments asking questions, and trying to figure out how the MRTMA would interact with existing medical marijuana laws, like the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act, PA 281 of 2016 (MMFLA). What are potential impacts to local municipalities? When would the MRTMA take effect, and a host of other questions.
Due to the number of inquires and questions on this issue, the League will be hosting an informational event on October 23, 2018. Details and registration information can be found HERE. The web links and following materials are being shared to aid those seeking information, and for informational purposes only.
The League has put together a document highlighting some of the differences between the MMFLA and the MRTMA. Click HERE to review.
Official Ballot Wording for Proposal 18-1:
A proposed initiated law to authorize and legalize possession, use and cultivation of marijuana products by individuals who are at least 21 years of age and older, and commercial sales of marijuana through state-licensed retailers This proposal would:
• Allow individuals 21 and older to purchase, possess and use marijuana and marijuana-infused edibles, and grow up to 12 marijuana plants for personal consumption.
• Impose a 10-ounce limit for marijuana kept at residences and require amounts over 2.5 ounces be secured in locked containers.
• Create a state licensing system for marijuana businesses and allow municipalities to ban or restrict them.
• Permit retail sales of marijuana and edibles subject to a 10% tax, dedicated to implementation costs, clinical trials, schools, roads, and municipalities where marijuana businesses are located.
• Change several current violations from crimes to civil infractions.
Should this proposal be adopted? [ ] YES [ ] NO
2018 League Convention presentation – HR Up in Smoke: The Intersection Between Marijuana Legalization and Employment Law
Jennifer Rigterink is a legislative associate for the League handling economic development, land use and municipal services issues. She can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0305.