We’ve already covered how you can register to vote (and hopefully you have registered!), but there’s a lot more to cover between now and Election Day. This week we will be looking at the four states where cannabis legalization (medicinal or adult-use recreational) is on the ballots come November 6th. Today, we’re looking at Michigan.

Overview on Michigan Cannabis:

Is it legal right now? Yes, kinda. Medicinal marijuana has been legal in the state of Michigan, for patients that meet requirements, since 2008. Proposal 18-1 “Prop 1” would allow adults over the age of 21 to use cannabis recreationally. It would also allow for the cultivation of up to 12 plants per household and implement a 10% state sales tax. Beneficiaries of the tax revenue would include public schools, infrastructure and more.

Interestingly, while the Michigan law resembles adult-use regulatory laws in other states. The law does contain a provision that prevents licensing of new operators for 24 months. This will afford existing licensees with a two-year leg up.

What else is at stake in Michigan?  Additionally, passage of the proposal would establish a regulatory system to license cultivation, retail, processing, and testing facilities in the Great Lakes State. While it’s dwarfed by by states such as Washington and Colorado on a square acreage basis, passage of Proposal 18-1 would make Michigan either the second or third largest adult-use market by population.

Likelihood of passage? According to recent polls, passage seems likely but by a fairly close margin –we’re seeing 55-45 or 60-40 depending on polls.

What passage would mean for Michigan and the national scene? Michigan cannabis means some clear “wins” for Michigan residents and businesses if Prop 1 passes. As we have discussed, the plant-touching industry is expanding rapidly and that means jobs. On the national level, passage in Michigan means a new opportunity for companies such as Metrc and others.