Weed dispensaries in Detroit, MI
Weed dispensaries in Detroit, MI
Cannabis Dispensaries in Detroit, MI
The major Midwest cultural center of Detroit, Michigan pairs a thriving music, arts, and sports scene with a rapidly growing cannabis scene. Cannabis seekers in the city should know both the broader Michigan cannabis law regulations, as well as the city’s specific regulations.
Detroit Dispensary Maps
The Lowdown on Detroit Cannabis Laws
Both medicinal and recreational marijuana use are legal in Detroit. Michigan became the 13th state to legalize medical cannabis in 2008, when it passed the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. In 2018, it became the 10th state to legalize recreational cannabis—and the first in the Midwest—when it passed Proposal 1, the Michigan Taxation and Regulation of Marihuana Act. Medical marijuana is legal for adults over the age of 18; minors under 18 may obtain a license with the support of their parent or guardian. Recreational marijuana is legal for adults over the age of 21.
State-licensed cannabis sales officially began for recreational use in December 2019, but Detroit initially opted out of recreational sales. After facing delays, some due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first licenses for recreational sales in Detroit were initially expected to be issued in the summer of 2021.
Recreational Cannabis Laws in Detroit
While the Detroit City Council unanimously passed an amended ordinance in October 2020 to allow recreational cannabis sales, the process is on hold due to a lawsuit arguing a provision in it violates the law by favoring Detroit residents.
The provision stipulates that no less than half of all licenses awarded will go to ‘legacy’ residents. Per Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, “The city will not issue a license to any business unless 50% of the licenses in that category are Detroiters. Which means if you’re from outside the city, you can’t get a license unless a Detroiter already has one.”
Applicants qualify for the ‘legacy’ certification if they’ve:
Lived in Detroit for 15 of the last 30 years
Lived in Detroit for 13 of the last 30 years and are low-income
Lived in Detroit for 10 of the last 30 years and have a past marijuana-related conviction
While controversial, city leaders say that the provision was designed to ensure residents disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs—which hit Detroit residents hard—will have an equitable opportunity to participate in the industry.
"It was imperative for us to ensure we right that wrong," said city councilman James Tate. "We have individuals who are making a very good living on marijuana today, the same plant that created this situation of mass incarceration around our country in the city of Detroit, so this is an opportunity for us."
You can find more information regarding the timeline by keeping an eye on Detroit City Council updates.
Detroit’s laws for medical cannabis
Qualifying Detroit residents can purchase and grow medical cannabis according to the 2008 Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. Patients suffering from a state-approved debilitating medical condition can possess up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana and equivalents, which are:
16 ounces of marijuana-infused products in solid form
7 grams of marijuana-infused products in gaseous form
36 fluid ounces of marijuana-infused product in liquid form
Qualifying patients can also grow up to 12 cannabis plants and possess any marijuana cultivated from those plants, as long as they’re kept in an enclosed and locked facility. Specified caregivers may possess the same number of plants and amount of usable marijuana as patients.
Patients wishing to acquire medical marijuana or related infused products from licensed Detroit dispensaries must present a valid registry identification card at the time of purchase.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Detroit
Detroit residents wishing to obtain a valid medical marijuana ID card can do so at the Michigan Medical Marijuana Program (MMMP) website, and must:
Be a patient without a caregiver (or if renewing, remove their previous caregiver)
Create a secure online account
Have an in-person medical evaluation form from an active Michigan physician
The application fee is $40, and IDs are valid for two years.
Minors under the age of 18 can receive a medical marijuana ID card. Their parent or legal guardian must complete an MMMP Minor Application Packet, which is also found on the MMMP website. The packet must be submitted by mail in one envelope, and requires:
A Completed application form
Two Physician Certification Forms signed by two different physicians
A Declaration of Person Responsible Form
Proof of parentage or legal guardianship
Proof of parent/guardian’s Michigan residency
The $40 application fee
Where is it Legal to Consume Cannabis in Detroit
If you buy marijuana from a Detroit weed dispensary, you must consume it in your own home or in a private space. Using marijuana in public is illegal, as is using cannabis in a privately owned vehicle. Universities with drug-free campus regulations also prohibit the use of marijuana possession and use on campus.
Consumption of marijuana on private property is legal, subject to the discretion of the property owner (e.g., if you rent an apartment, you must get permission from your landlord to use cannabis).
How to Buy Cannabis at a Detroit Dispensary
There are many recreational dispensaries throughout Detroit. Hours of operation vary, but most Detroit dispensaries are open from 9am-9pm, and many offer curbside pickup.
While there aren’t yet recreational dispensaries in Detroit, keep an eye out once licenses are available. The good news for recreational dispensaries is that there are many in the surrounding areas.
Cannabis Taxes in Detroit
There is no tax on medical marijuana in the state of Michigan. Once dispensaries are able to sell recreational cannabis, those purchases will have a 10% excise tax and a 6% sales tax.
The Michigan Department of Treasury released a press release in March 2021 explaining that the excise tax revenue will go to local schools, governments, and roads. According to the press release, in the 2020 fiscal year, Michigan collected over $31 million from the excise tax in communities allowing the sale of recreational cannabis; the City of Detroit estimates that once dispensaries can open locally, the new taxes will generate $7 to $8 million in revenue for the city annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average price of an 8th in Detroit
The average price of an 8th in Detroit is $60. Some of the strains at this price include; Vanilla Bean, Bermuda Punch, Guava Cake, Wedding Cake, GMO, Gelato, 99 Problems, Mac, Triple Scoop, Strawberry Bubba Kush, Apollo-11, Gulf of Tonkin, Operation Northwoods, Banana Cream Pie, Lion's Mane, and Mendo. Other strains include; Lion OG at $55, Blue Dream at $50, Hash Haze at $40, KB3 at $50, Grapefruit Durban at $40, Diamond Punch at $50, Sour Alien OG at $40, Sour Diesel at $50, Gary Payton at $65, and Funfetti Cake at $55.
Most popular strain in Detroit
The most popular strain is Blue Dream. It is a sativa-dominant hybrid that has a sweet berry aroma. Blue Dream also has delicious blueberry and sugar flavors. It has dense buds with neon green nugs which are popcorn shaped. Another highly-sought strain is Sour Diesel. Its buds are round and medium-sized with yellowish-green leaves. Sour Diesel has a blend of skunk, fuel, and citrus. The strain also has a pungent diesel aroma.
Laws and regulations in Detroit
Adults at least 21 years of age can legally purchase and consume cannabis products.
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle or bicycle under the influence of cannabis products.
Adults 21 years of age and over may cultivate a maximum of 12 marijuana plants per household.
It is illegal to transport cannabis products from one state to another.
It is legal to transport cannabis products for patients, adults, and caregivers, as long as the products must be sealed or contained in a car trunk.
It is illegal to consume cannabis products in public.
Flower/concentrate/edible possession limit in Detroit
Adults 21 years of age and above may possess up to 2.5 ounces (70.8 grams) of marijuana outside their residence, a maximum of 15 grams of marijuana concentrates, and up to 10 ounces (283.4 grams) of marijuana at their household. Medical marijuana patients can possess a limit of 16 ounces (453.6 grams) of marijuana-infused products in solid form, 7 grams of marijuana-infused products in gaseous form, and 36 fluid ounces (1020 grams) of marijuana-infused products in liquid form.
Difference between a storefront and a dispensary
A storefront is set to sell cannabis products without medical necessity, whereas dispensaries offer cannabis derivatives primarily for medical benefits to patients.
In a storefront, customers don't need a prescription from a doctor to buy cannabis. In contrast, in a dispensary, customers must have an order from a qualified physician to purchase.
In a storefront, customers may purchase cannabis products as long as they have a valid ID proving they are over the age of 21. In a dispensary, patients have a waiting room from where they are invited into the saleroom to discuss which cannabis products may be the most effective treatment for their condition or symptoms.
Difference between adult-use, or recreational, and medical
Adult-use, or recreational, cannabis is used by adults to get “high” rather than to acquire health benefits while medical marijuana is consumed by patients to treat a chronic condition or underlying symptoms.
Adult-use, or recreational, cannabis may contain high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for intoxicating effects. Medical marijuana strains, on the other hand, are developed with a focus on therapeutic potency, with higher levels of cannabidiol (CBD), which has been shown to have therapeutic benefits.
Medical patient benefits in Detroit
Medical marijuana products are exempt from excise and state sales tax, making it more affordable for medical marijuana patients.
Medical marijuana patients have access to a wider variety of products containing higher amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol.
Medical marijuana patients are given priority over adult consumers at dispensaries.
Medical marijuana patients may be medically recommended by a physician to consume high amounts of cannabis products.
Medical marijuana information in Detroit
To qualify for a medical marijuana card in Detroit, you must be a resident of Michigan with a valid Michigan ID to show proof of residency. If you don’t have an ID, then a passport or other documents showing proof of residency can be used. These documents can be a utility bill, a bank statement, etc.
Medical marijuana patients and adults 21 years of age and above must have a diagnosed debilitating condition.
You must obtain legitimate medical records or documentation from your primary care physician describing their diagnosis.
Patients are required to register with the Michigan Medical Marijuana Program (MMMP) and pay a registration fee of $60.
The application and physician's certification can be submitted to the state or mailed online to the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH).
The MDCH should approve patient applications after 15 days, and patients should contact the MDCH directly if they do not receive confirmation of approval.