Michigan medical marijuana card benefits still matter for some people, even with adult-use stores open to anyone 21 and older. A card changes who can shop, how much tax you pay, how much you can buy and who can help you. Here's how to decide if it's worth it.
Short answer: who still gains from a card
A card helps most if you're 18 to 20, buy often enough for tax savings to add up, need a caregiver, or want the legal protections of registration. If you're at least 21 and buy now and then, adult-use shopping may be all you need. Our guide to buying medical vs. recreational cannabis compares the two.
Age: patients 18 and older can shop
Adult-use shopping starts at 21. Registered patients 18 and older can buy with a valid card, and High Society welcomes them.
Michigan medical marijuana card benefits for your budget
Adult-use purchases carry a 10% excise tax plus 6% sales tax, figured on the price including the excise. Medical sales to registered patients skip the excise.
| On a $100 purchase | Adult-use | Medical |
|---|---|---|
| 10% excise tax | $10.00 | $0 |
| 6% sales tax | $6.60 | $6.00 |
| Total tax | $16.60 | $6.00 |
At $10.60 saved per $100, about $380 in purchases over the card's two years covers the $40 state fee. The doctor's visit is a separate cost that varies by provider.
Patient limits, home grow and legal protections
| Registered patient | Adult-use (21+) | |
|---|---|---|
| Buying | 2.5 oz a day, 10 oz a month | 2.5 oz per transaction, up to 15 g concentrate |
| Carrying | 2.5 oz of usable marijuana | 2.5 oz, up to 15 g concentrate |
| Home grow | 12 plants in a locked, enclosed space if no caregiver grows for you | 12 plants per residence, locked and out of public view |
| Edibles | Up to 50 mg THC per dose | Up to 10 mg THC per serving |
Arrest protection comes from showing a valid registry card with photo ID. A card doesn't stop a private employer from disciplining you for cannabis use. Our Michigan cannabis laws guide has the details.
Caregivers for patients who can't shop for themselves
A registered caregiver can buy and grow for you. Caregivers must be 21 or older, agree to a criminal background check, have no disqualifying convictions and hold a caregiver card for each patient. One caregiver can help up to five patients, and each patient can have only one caregiver. To name one, use the paper application; there's no separate caregiver fee.
Getting certified: conditions, physician and registry
Michigan's qualifying conditions include cancer, PTSD, chronic pain, arthritis, glaucoma and Crohn's disease, among others. A Michigan-licensed MD or DO certifies you after an evaluation, which the state's online instructions say must be within the past six months. You then apply to the state registry online, or on paper if you're naming a caregiver. Cards go only to Michigan residents and last two years. Our medical card guide covers each step.
A first patient visit at High Society
Bring your registry card and a valid photo ID; Michigan stores check ID before every sale. You'll check in at the front desk, a budtender will help you choose, and a staff member will take payment and review your order. Cash works, and other payment options vary by store. If you'd like to order ahead, ask your store how pickup works for patients. Find your nearest store or browse our dispensary FAQ.
Out-of-state use: what reciprocity does and doesn't cover
Michigan honors valid cards from other states at licensed provisioning centers, but your Michigan card works elsewhere only where that state allows it. Never take cannabis across state lines. Our guide to medical marijuana reciprocity explains how states differ.
