Smiling woman smoking a marijuana joint. Photo by paje victoria on Unsplash.

After one year of waiting – the initiative passed in November 2018, Michigan residents will be able to buy marijuana for recreational use on December 1.

According to the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency, medical marijuana establishments must obtain a recreational license from the state. Michigan regulators started accepting and approving those licenses earlier this month. Once the recreational license is acquired, they can transfer up to half of their inventory to the recreational market.

The use of recreational marijuana is restricted inside a private residence. Using inside a private vehicle or any public place is not allowed. Plants grown at home must be safe and cannot be noticeable to the public.

Michigan laws regarding driving under the influence of marijuana are similar to the state’s drunk driving law which is illegal.

Extensive commercial sales of cannabis most likely will not happen until March or April of 2020 giving licensed suppliers time to grow and harvest their first crop.

However, the law also supports local communities to decide whether they want to allow marijuana businesses within their boundaries. Some mid-Michigan towns have decided against marijuana sales.

Also, companies are allowed to ban marijuana use among their employees. Corporations such as General Motors have said employees using marijuana could face disciplinary action.

Commercial marijuana sales in Michigan are subject to an additional 10% tax. That is expected to raise about $130 million a year for schools, roads, and local governments.