In the 2018 mid-term elections Michigan voters said yes to Prop 1, which legalizes possession and recreational use of marijuana for those over the age of 21, but when does the law go into effect?

Michigan has had a rocky road to marijuana legalization, despite a majority of residents being in favor of it for quite some time. We almost had a chance to vote on legalization in 2016, but some quick maneuvers by Rick Snyder & friends invalidated the ballot proposal. This time, however, they weren't able to silence the electorate.

Proposal 1 passed with 56% of the vote, meaning Michigan is the 10th state to legalize marijuana for recreational use... but don't brazenly fire one up just yet. Laws like these do not go into effect immediately. So your next question is probably "when does smoking weed officially become legal in Michigan?" We have an answer for you.

The law will officially go into effect 10 days after the election results are certified, which according to an official with the Secretary of State will be December 6th, 2018. That date is just for the legalization of marijuana, other aspects of the law will take longer to kick in. For example, they're saying you may not be able to legally buy marijuana in stores until 2020... but at least you won't get busted for holding a bag after December 6th. On the consumption and possession end of the law, here is what becomes legal after that date:

  • Adults (age 21 and up) can purchase, possess, and use marijuana and marijuana-infused edibles.
  • Adults can grow up to 12 marijuana plants for personal use.
  • Adults can possess up to 10 ounces of marijuana in their home, any amount over 2.5 ounces must be secured in a locked container.

So there you have it, recreational marijuana is expected to be fully legal in Michigan on December 6th, 2018.

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