As someone who may use medical marijuana, it is important that you ensure that your rights are protected. Michigan medical marijuana identification cards can be a valuable way to show you are not participating in criminal activity by using marijuana. As a qualifying and ID carrying patient, you are allowed to use medical marijuana, and can even possess it in certain amounts. If you use medical marijuana to treat your illness or condition, consult a dedicated medical marijuana attorney that could advocate for you and help you navigate the ID application process. Read on to learn more about Michigan medical marijuana identification cards, as well as the ways a skilled lawyer could assist you today.
Protecting Patient RightsA qualifying medical marijuana patient cannot be arrested or prosecuted for the medical use of marijuana. They cannot be subjected to any civil or criminal penalty because of the use of medical marijuana. A qualifying patient may also possess not more than 2.5 ounces of the usable marijuana. A qualifying patient who has more than 2.5 ounces can theoretically be prosecuted criminally for any amount over 2.5 ounces. Michigan medical marijuana identification cards allow patients to medicate without having to be as concerned about being arrested or other potential consequences of marijuana use. Know that a professional defense attorney can offer their assistance to patients who may have been wrongly arrested under these circumstances.
Patient Cultivation of MarijuanaIf a qualifying patient did not designate a caregiver when they applied for their license, they can possess, cultivate, and grow up to 12 marijuana plants themselves. However, these plants must be kept in an enclosed locked facility. A failure to follow these rules very carefully can lead to criminal prosecution. If a qualifying patient is lawfully growing medical marijuana for their own use, they can possess an incidental amount of seeds, stocks, or usable roots. To avail of themselves of these civil and criminal protections, a qualifying patient must present their registration and driver's license or other valid photo ID to the police when requested to do so. In addition, a primary caregiver is also not subject to arrest or prosecution or to any civil penalty for assisting a qualifying medical marijuana patient and their use of medical marijuana.
Necessity of Identification Cards for CaregiversCaregivers do not obtain Michigan medical marijuana identification cards. Instead, they are designated by a qualifying patient as being their specific caregiver. The caregiver must be matched up with the patient and the patient files their paperwork indicating to the state that this particular individual is designated as their caregiver. That gives the caregiver the right and the ability to produce and provide medical marijuana to the specific patient. A single caregiver can have up to five qualifying patients.
Caregiver QualificationsThe caregiver must have a photo id and a valid registry card. The caregiver can possess a larger quantity of useful marijuana up to a combined total of 2.5 ounces of marijuana and useful marijuana equivalents for as many as five patients for a total of 12.5 ounces of marijuana. Additionally, a caregiver may cultivate up to 12 plants for each patient for a total of 60 plants. The caregiver must keep the marijuana in an enclosed locked facility. Finally, a caregiver may possess an incidental amount of seed, stocks, or useful roots. If a caregiver is also a patient, they can have an additional 2.5 ounces and/or 12 plants for their own use. That is a combined total of 15 ounces of marijuana or 72 plants.
Working With CaregiversIt should be known and understood that a caregiver can charge patients for their actual expenses. This includes receiving reasonable compensation for each patient incurred for the services they provide. The designation of the caregiver was created with the understanding and recognition that some patients with debilitating diseases are not able to grow their own. It takes a lot of time, expense, expertise, and constant care to properly grow high-quality medical marijuana. Many patients do not have the resources or the desire to cultivate medical marijuana. They still have the need, and caregivers can fill this need. Individuals who want to know more about obtaining Michigan medical marijuana identification cards and working with caregivers should consult a qualified medical marijuana lawyer today.