Contents
A comprehensive guide to the legal status of weed in Detroit in 2022.
Checkout this video:
Introduction
The short answer is no, weed is not currently legal in Detroit. However, a ballot initiative was passed in November 2020 that will make it legal for adults 21 and over to possess and use small amounts of marijuana for personal use beginning in January 2021. It is still illegal to sell marijuana without a license, and it remains illegal to use marijuana in public or while operating a vehicle.
The History of Weed in Detroit
In Detroit, the use of marijuana dates back to the early 1900s. It was first used by Mexican immigrants who came to work in the auto industry. By the 1930s, it was estimated that nearly half of all illegal drugs in the United States were being trafficked through Detroit.
In the 1960s, marijuana use became more widespread among young people. In 1968, a riot broke out at a Detroit police station after officers raided a house party and found marijuana. The incident led to a citywide crackdown on marijuana dealers.
In 1971, Michigan passed a law decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana. However, possession of larger amounts remained a felony.
In the mid-1990s, Michigan voters passed a medical marijuana law. The law allowed patients with certain medical conditions to use marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation.
In 2018, Michigan became the 10th state to legalize recreational marijuana use. The law went into effect on December 6, 2018. Under the law, adults 21 and over can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants at home.
As of February 2021, there are no dispensaries open in Detroit yet. However, there are several dispensaries that are expected to open in the city later this year.
The Current Legal Status of Weed in Detroit
In November 2018, Michigan voters passed Proposition 1, making it legal for adults 21 and over to possession and use marijuana for recreational purposes. The Michigan Legislature then took up the task of crafting the rules and regulations for the new industry, which are still being worked out.
In the meantime, it is legal to possess and use small amounts of marijuana for personal use, grow up to 12 cannabis plants per household (max. 2 per person), and give away weed as long as no money or other compensation is exchanged. However, it is still illegal to buy or sell marijuana in Detroit until state-licensed retail outlets are up and running, which is expected to happen sometime in 2020.
When retail sales do begin, there will be a 10% excise tax on all sales in addition to the 6% state sales tax, so expect prices to be on the high side at first. If you’re caught with more than 2.5 ounces of weed on you (or 5 grams of concentrated cannabis), you can be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine. However, if you have a valid medical marijuana card, you can possess up to 2.5 ounces without facing any penalties.
Overall, the current legal status of weed in Detroit is a bit of a confusing mess, but things should start becoming clearer once retail sales start happening later this year.
The Future of Weed in Detroit
The future of weed in Detroit is unclear. While the city has decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana, it is still technically illegal according to state and federal law. There is a possibility that Michigan will legalize recreational marijuana use in 2022, which would make Detroit one of the few cities in the country where weed is legal. However, it is also possible that the city will continue to enforce its current laws, meaning that possession of even small amounts of marijuana could still lead to arrest and prosecution.
Conclusion
As of right now, it is not legal to possess or use recreational marijuana in the state of Michigan. However, this could change in the future. A bill was recently introduced that would make recreational marijuana use legal for adults 21 and over. If this bill is passed, it is possible that weed would become legal in Detroit in 2022.
