To renew a Michigan medical marijuana card, you get a new physician certification and send a renewal application to the state's medical marijuana registry, run by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA). You can apply up to 90 days before your card expires, and patients without a caregiver can submit the application online. Here's the order to do it in, and what changes if your card lapses.
Why renewing on time matters
A valid card is what makes your purchases medical ones:
- Age. Patients 18 to 20 can buy only with a valid card. Without one, dispensary shopping is for adults 21 and older.
- Taxes. Michigan doesn't charge its 10% adult-use excise tax on medical sales to registered patients. The 6% sales tax still applies.
- Protection. Michigan's medical law protects you from arrest only when you can show a valid registry card and photo ID. An application or physician form doesn't count as a card.
For more reasons patients keep their cards current, see our look at Michigan medical card benefits.
When to renew your Michigan medical marijuana card
A Michigan patient registry card is valid for two years. The state accepts renewal applications starting 90 days before the expiration date on your card. Because issuing a card can take up to 20 business days plus mail time, book your physician visit about three months before the card expires.
Step 1: get a new physician certification
Each renewal needs a new physician certification. The CRA's instructions call for a medical evaluation by an active Michigan physician within the last six months, and its guidance describes that evaluation as in person. If you need to find a certifying physician, our guide on getting certified in Michigan explains your options.
Step 2: apply through the state's online registry
Patients without a caregiver can renew through the CRA's secure online portal, and so can patients who are removing their caregiver at renewal. If you have a caregiver or want to name one, you'll use the paper application packet instead. For first-time applicants, our Michigan medical card guide covers the full process.
Fees, processing time and proof while you wait
As of October 2026, the state's fee is $40, and the CRA's online portal takes payment by credit card or electronic check.
The program must approve or deny an application within 15 business days of receiving it, and it has up to 20 business days to issue a card or a denial letter. Mail adds more time. Online applicants may receive a temporary registry card by email in the meantime.
If your old card expires before the new card or a temporary card arrives and you're 21 or older, you'll shop as an adult-use customer until it does.
If your card expires: shopping adult-use at 21+
An expired card works like no card. If you're 21 or older, you can still shop adult-use with a valid government-issued ID or passport, but those purchases carry the 10% excise tax. If you're 18 to 20, you'll need to wait until your renewal comes through. Our guide to buying medical vs. recreational cannabis compares the two.
Shopping as a medical patient at High Society
High Society welcomes medical patients 18 and older with a valid medical marijuana card. Bring your registry card and a valid photo ID, order ahead for in-store or curbside pickup, and find your nearest store. If you haven't yet, Join The Society, our free loyalty program, to earn points on qualifying purchases.
