Michigan Proposal 1, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2018)

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Michigan Proposal 1
Flag of Michigan.png
Election date
November 6, 2018
Topic
Marijuana
Status
Approveda Approved
Type
State statute		Origin
Citizens

Michigan Proposal 1, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, was on the ballot in Michigan as an indirect initiated state statute on November 6, 2018.[1] The measure was approved.

A "yes" vote supported legalizing the recreational use and possession of marijuana for persons 21 years of age or older and enacting a tax on marijuana sales.
A "no" vote opposed legalizing the recreational use and possession of marijuana for persons 21 years of age or older and enacting a tax on marijuana sales.

Election results

Michigan Proposal 1

Result Votes Percentage

Approved Yes

2,354,640 55.89%
No 1,858,354 44.11%
Results are officially certified.
Source


Overview

What changes did Proposal 1 make to laws governing marijuana in Michigan?

Proposal 1 made Michigan the first state in the Midwest to legalize the possession and use of recreational marijuana for adults (age 21 years or older). Individuals were permitted to grow up to 12 marijuana plants in their residences. The measure created an excise sales tax of 10 percent, which was to be levied on marijuana sales at retailers and microbusinesses. Proposal 1 required that revenue from the tax be dedicated to local governments, K-12 education, and road and bridge maintenance. The ballot initiative also legalized the cultivation, processing, distribution, and sale of industrial hemp. Municipalities were authorized to ban or limit marijuana establishments within their boundaries.[1]

Before Proposal 1, what was the legal status of marijuana in Michigan?

In Michigan, the possession and use of marijuana for recreational purposes was illegal. Voters approved a ballot initiative, also titled Proposal 1, to legalize the medical use of marijuana in 2008.[2] As of 2018, marijuana had been decriminalized in multiple jurisdictions in Michigan, including Detroit, Flint, and Grand Rapids.[3]

As of 2018, both medical and recreational marijuana were illegal under federal law. However, the Department of Justice (DOJ) under Presidents Trump (R) and Obama (D) had not prosecuted most individuals and businesses following state and local marijuana laws. On January 4, 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions (R) rescinded guidelines, known as the Cole Memo, that deprioritized the enforcement of federal marijuana laws in states where marijuana had been legalized. The DOJ issued the Cole Memo in 2013, following the legalization of marijuana in Colorado and Washington. Sessions' DOJ authorized U.S. attorneys to decide which marijuana crimes to prosecute and directed them to consider "federal law enforcement priorities, the seriousness of the crime, the deterrent effect of criminal prosecution, and the cumulative impact of particular crimes on [communitites]."[4][5] In April 2018, Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner (R) said President Trump told him that "the Department of Justice's rescission of the Cole memo will not impact Colorado's legal marijuana industry." Gardner also said, "Furthermore, President Trump has assured me that he will support a federalism-based legislative solution to fix this states' rights issue once and for all."[6][7][8] New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker (D) responded to Gardner's statement, saying, "The only way to truly protect states that have legalized marijuana is for Congress to act."[9]

Who was behind the campaigns surrounding the ballot initiative?

The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, a political action committee, led the campaign in support of Proposal 1. The PAC raised $3.73 million. The New Approach PAC contributed $1.78 million to the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol.[10]

Healthy and Productive Michigan led the campaign in opposition to Proposal 1. The Committee to Keep Pot Out of Neighborhoods and Schools PAC also registered to oppose the measure. Together, the committees received $2.67 million, with $1.78 million of the total from Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action).[10]

Looking for more information about marijuana on the ballot in 2018? Explore other Ballotpedia articles on the subject below.
Marijuana laws in the U.S.
Drug Policy Alliance • Marijuana Policy Project • NORML • SAM Action
Recreational marijuana on the ballot:
Michigan Proposal 1 • North Dakota Measure 3
Medical marijuana on the ballot:
Missouri Amendment 2 • Missouri Amendment 3 • Missouri Proposition C • Oklahoma State Question 788 • Utah Proposition 2

Initiative design

Click on the arrows (▼) below for summaries of the different provisions of Michigan Proposal 1.

Marijuana Users: use and possession of marijuana

Use and possession

Proposal 1 allowed individuals 21 years of age or older to possess, use, transport, or process 2.5 ounces or less of marijuana or 15 grams of marijuana concentrate. Individuals were allowed to grow up to 12 marijuana plants, as long as the plants are not visible from a public place, and store up to 10 ounces of marijuana from the plants in locked containers in their residences for personal use. Individuals were allowed to share or transfer without payment up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana to other persons 21 years of age or older. Being under the influence of marijuana remained illegal while operating motor vehicles, aircrafts, motorboats, off-road recreational vehicles, or snowmobiles. Smoking marijuana remained illegal in all public places.[1]

Proposal 1 allowed landlords and leaseholders to prohibit smoking marijuana on their properties. The measure also allowed employers to punish employees for violating workplace drug policies and working under the influence.[1]

Marijuana Regulation: regulation of marijuana production and sales

Regulation

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (DLRA) was made responsible for implementing the initiative and controlling the commercial production and distribution of marijuana. The DLRA's responsibilities included:[1]

  • granting or denying applications for licenses;
  • collecting fees for licenses and fines for violations;
  • determining license fee amounts (but not in an amount more than necessary to pay for the initiative's administration and enforcement) and license qualifications;
  • determining standards for safe cultivation, processing, and distribution of marijuana;
  • deciding testing, packaging, and labeling standards, including a maximum tetrahydrocannabinol level for marijuana-infused products;
  • determining security and record-keeping requirements for establishments;
  • providing requirements for marijuana-secure transporters;
  • developing reasonable restrictions on advertising and marketing of marijuana;
  • promoting participation in the marijuana sector by people from communities that had been impacted by marijuana prohibition and to positively impact those communities;
  • regulating the cultivation, processing, distribution, and sale of industrial hemp;
  • holding public meetings each year to hear public complaints and viewpoints; and
  • submitting reports to the governor regarding the number of licenses issued, demographic information, and statements on violations, revenues, and expenses.

Proposal 1 prohibited the DLRA from establishing rules that would:[1]

  • limit the number of licenses that can be granted;
  • require customers to provide retailers with identifying information other than age or with personal information other than that needed to make a transaction;
  • prohibit marijuana establishments from operating at a shared location of a medical marijuana facility;
  • prohibit marijuana growers, marijuana processors, or marijuana retailers from operating within a single facility; and
  • be deemed unreasonably impracticable.

Local Control: local and municipal regulation of marijuana

Local control

Municipalities were authorized to ban or limit marijuana establishments within their boundaries. Marijuana establishments were prohibited from being located in an area zoned exclusively for residential use or within at least 1,000 feet of a public or private school unless a local government adopts an ordinance reducing the distance requirement.[1]

Marijuana Licenses and Establishments: licenses for marijuana establishments

Licenses and establishments

Proposal 1 authorized the regulatory department to license the following types of establishments:[1]

  • Marijuana retailer: a person licensed to obtain marijuana from marijuana establishments and sell marijuana.
  • Marijuana safety compliance facility: a person licensed to test marijuana and certify marijuana for potency and the presence of contaminants.
  • Marijuana secure transporter: a person licensed to obtain marijuana from marijuana establishments in order to transport it to other marijuana establishments.
  • Marijuana processor: a person licensed to obtain marijuana from marijuana establishments, process and package the marijuana, and sell it to marijuana establishments.
  • Marijuana microbusiness: a person licensed to cultivate not more than 150 plants, process and package marijuana, and sell marijuana.
  • Class A marijuana grower: a person licensed to cultivate no more than 100 marijuana plants and sell the marijuana to marijuana establishments.
  • Class B marijuana grower: a person licensed to cultivate no more than 500 marijuana plants and sell the marijuana to marijuana establishments.
  • Class C marijuana grower: a person licensed to cultivate no more than 2,000 marijuana plants and sell the marijuana to marijuana establishments.

The regulatory department was made responsible for deciding testing, packaging, and labeling standards for marijuana.[1]

The initiative required that all state licenses be valid for at least one year. It also prohibited marijuana establishments from selling tobacco products.[1]

Taxation of Marijuana Sales: taxes levied on marijuana

Taxation

Proposal 1 levied an excise sales tax of 10 percent, in addition to the existing 6 percent sales tax, on marijuana sales at retailers and microbusinesses.[1]

Revenue from Marijuana Sales: allocation of revenue from taxes on marijuana

Revenue

Proposal 1 required the revenue from the 10 percent excise tax to be placed in a Marihuana Regulation Fund. The revenue was to first be used to fund the initiative's implementation, administration, and enforcement and, for at least two years or until 2022, provide $20 million each year to one or more USDA-approved clinical trials researching the effectiveness of marijuana for treating medical conditions of U.S. armed services veterans and preventing veteran suicide. The initiative dedicated the remaining revenue as follows:[1]

(a) 15 percent to municipalities with a marijuana retail store or a microbusiness;
(b) 15 percent to counties with a marijuana retail store or a microbusiness;
(c) 35 percent to the school aid fund to be used for K-12 education; and
(d) 35 percent to the state transportation fund for the repair and maintenance of roads and bridges.

Industrial Hemp: cultivation and sale of industrial hemp

Industrial hemp

Proposal 1 also legalized the cultivation, processing, distribution, and sale of industrial hemp. The initiative defined industrial hemp as a plant of the genus Cannabis with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration not exceeding 0.3 percent.[1] As of 2018, the state allowed universities and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to grow hemp for research purposes.[11]

Legal Penalties: penalties for violating the initiative's provisions

Penalties

Persons not authorized to possess, cultivate, or deliver marijuana in otherwise legal amounts were to be penalized with a civil infraction and a fine not more than $100 and forfeiture of the marijuana. Persons who possess, cultivate, or deliver not more than twice the amount of marijuana were to be penalized with a civil infraction and a fine not more than $500 and forfeiture of the marijuana for a first violation; with a civil infraction and a fine not more than $1,000 and forfeiture for a second violation; and with a misdemeanor and a fine not more than $2,000 and forfeiture for a third violation. Persons who possessed, cultivated, or delivered more than twice the amount of marijuana were to be penalized with a misdemeanor, but were not to be imprisoned unless the violation was “habitual, willful, and for a commercial purpose or the violation involved violence.”[1]

Persons under the legal age of 21 and who possess otherwise legal amounts of marijuana were to be fined between $100 and $500 and required to complete between four and eight hours of drug education.[1]


Text of measure

Ballot title

The ballot title was as follows:[12]

“ Proposal 18-1. A proposed initiated law to authorize and legalize possession, use and cultivation of marijuana products by individuals who are at least 21 years of age and older, and commercial sales of marijuana through state-licensed retailers.[13] ”

Ballot summary

The ballot summary was as follows:[12]

“

This proposal would:

  • Allow individuals 21 and older to purchase, possess and use marijuana and marijuana-infused edibles, and grow up to 12 marijuana plants for personal consumption.
  • Impose a 10-ounce limit for marijuana kept at residences and require amounts over 2.5 ounces be secured in locked containers.
  • Create a state licensing system for marijuana businesses and allow municipalities to ban or restrict them.
  • Permit retail sales of marijuana and edibles subject to a 10% tax, dedicated to implementation costs, clinical trials, schools, roads, and municipalities where marijuana businesses are located.
  • Change several current violations from crimes to civil infractions.

Should this proposal be adopted?

[ ] YES

[ ] NO[13]

”

Full text

The full text of the initiative is as follows:[1]

An initiation of legislation to allow under state law the personal possession and use of marihuana by persons 21 years of age or older; to provide for the lawful cultivation and sale of marihuana and industrial hemp by persons 21 years of age or older; to permit the taxation of revenue derived from commercial marihuana facilities; to permit the promulgation of administrative rules; and to prescribe certain penalties for violations of this act. The people of the State of Michigan enact:

Sec. 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act.

Sec. 2. The purpose of this act is to make marihuana legal under state and local law for adults 21 years of age or older, to make industrial hemp legal under state and local law, and to control the commercial production and distribution of marihuana under a system that licenses, regulates, and taxes the businesses involved. The intent is to prevent arrest and penalty for personal possession and cultivation of marihuana by adults 21 years of age or older; remove the commercial production and distribution of marihuana from the illicit market; prevent revenue generated from commerce in marihuana from going to criminal enterprises or gangs; prevent the distribution of marihuana to persons under 21 years of age; prevent the diversion of marihuana to illicit markets; ensure the safety of marihuana and marihuana-infused products; and ensure security of marihuana establishments. To the fullest extent possible, this act shall be interpreted in accordance with the purpose and intent set forth in this section.

Sec. 3. As used in this act:

(a) "Cultivate" means to propagate, breed, grow, harvest, dry, cure, or separate parts of the marihuana plant by manual or mechanical means.

(b) "Department" means the department of licensing and regulatory affairs.

(c) "Industrial hemp" means a plant of the genus cannabis and any part of that plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration that does not exceed 0.3% on a dry-weight basis, or per volume or weight of marihuana-infused product, or the combined percent of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid in any part of the plant of the genus cannabis regardless of moisture content.

(d) "Licensee" means a person holding a state license.

(e) "Marihuana" means all parts of the plant of the genus cannabis, growing or not; the seeds of the plant; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant or its seeds or resin, including marihuana concentrate and marihuana-infused products. For purposes of this act, marihuana does not include:

(1) the mature stalks of the plant, fiber produced from the stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of the plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the mature stalks, except the resin extracted from those stalks, fiber, oil, or cake, or any sterilized seed of the plant that is incapable of germination;

(2) industrial hemp; or

(3) any other ingredient combined with marihuana to prepare topical or oral administrations, food, drink, or other products.

(f) "Marihuana accessories" means any equipment, product, material, or combination of equipment, products, or materials, which is specifically designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing marihuana into the human body.

(g) "Marihuana concentrate" means the resin extracted from any part of the plant of the genus cannabis.

(h) "Marihuana establishment" means a marihuana grower, marihuana safety compliance facility, marihuana processor, marihuana microbusiness, marihuana retailer, marihuana secure transporter, or any other type of marihuana-related business licensed by the department.

(i) "Marihuana grower" means a person licensed to cultivate marihuana and sell or otherwise transfer marihuana to marihuana establishments.

(j) "Marihuana-infused product" means a topical formulation, tincture, beverage, edible substance, or similar product containing marihuana and other ingredients and that is intended for human consumption.

(k) "Marihuana microbusiness" means a person licensed to cultivate not more than 150 marihuana plants; process and package marihuana; and sell or otherwise transfer marihuana to individuals who are 21 years of age or older or to a marihuana safety compliance facility, but not to other marihuana establishments.

(l) "Marihuana processor" means a person licensed to obtain marihuana from marihuana establishments; process and package marihuana; and sell or otherwise transfer marihuana to marihuana establishments.

(m) "Marihuana retailer" means a person licensed to obtain marihuana from marihuana establishments and to sell or otherwise transfer marihuana to marihuana establishments and to individuals who are 21 years of age or older.

(n) "Marihuana secure transporter" means a person licensed to obtain marihuana from marihuana establishments in order to transport marihuana to marihuana establishments.

(o) "Marihuana safety compliance facility" means a person licensed to test marihuana, including certification for potency and the presence of contaminants.

(p) "Municipal license" means a license issued by a municipality pursuant to section 16 of this act that allows a person to operate a marihuana establishment in that municipality.

(q) "Municipality" means a city, village, or township.

(r) "Person" means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership of any type, trust, or other legal entity.

(s) "Process" or "Processing" means to separate or otherwise prepare parts of the marihuana plant and to compound, blend, extract, infuse, or otherwise make or prepare marihuana concentrate or marihuana-infused products.

(t) "State license" means a license issued by the department that allows a person to operate a marihuana establishment.

(u) "Unreasonably impracticable" means that the measures necessary to comply with the rules or ordinances adopted pursuant to this act subject licensees to unreasonable risk or require such a high investment of money, time, or any other resource or asset that a reasonably prudent businessperson would not operate the marihuana establishment.

Sec. 4. 1. This act does not authorize:

(a) operating, navigating, or being in physical control of any motor vehicle, aircraft, snowmobile, off-road recreational vehicle, or motorboat while under the influence of marihuana;

(b) transfer of marihuana or marihuana accessories to a person under the age of 21;

(c) any person under the age of 21 to possess, consume, purchase or otherwise obtain, cultivate, process, transport, or sell marihuana;

(d) separation of plant resin by butane extraction or another method that utilizes a substance with a flashpoint below 100 degrees Fahrenheit in any public place, motor vehicle, or within the curtilage of any residential structure;

(e) consuming marihuana in a public place or smoking marihuana where prohibited by the person who owns, occupies, or manages the property, except for purposes of this subdivision a public place does not include an area designated for consumption within a municipality that has authorized consumption in designated areas that are not accessible to persons under 21 years of age;

(f) cultivating marihuana plants if the plants are visible from a public place without the use of binoculars, aircraft, or other optical aids or outside of an enclosed area equipped with locks or other functioning security devices that restrict access to the area;

(g) consuming marihuana while operating, navigating, or being in physical control of any motor vehicle, aircraft, snowmobile, off-road recreational vehicle, or motorboat, or smoking marihuana within the passenger area of a vehicle upon a public way;

(h) possessing marihuana accessories or possessing or consuming marihuana on the grounds of a public or private school where children attend classes in preschool programs, kindergarten programs, or grades 1 through 12, in a school bus, or on the grounds of any correctional facility; or

(i) Possessing more than 2.5 ounces of marihuana within a person's place of residence unless the excess marihuana is stored in a container or area equipped with locks or other functioning security devices that restrict access to the contents of the container or area.

2. This act does not limit any privileges, rights, immunities, or defenses of a person as provided in the Michigan medical marihuana act, 2008 IL 1, MCL 333.26421 to 333.26430, the medical marihuana facilities licensing act, 2016 PA 281, MCL 333.27101 to 333.27801, or any other law of this state allowing for or regulating marihuana for medical use.

3. This act does not require an employer to permit or accommodate conduct otherwise allowed by this act in any workplace or on the employer's property. This act does not prohibit an employer from disciplining an employee for violation of a workplace drug policy or for working while under the influence of marihuana. This act does not prevent an employer from refusing to hire, discharging, disciplining, or otherwise taking an adverse employment action against a person with respect to hire, tenure, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of that person's violation of a workplace drug policy or because that person was working while under the influence of marihuana.

4. This act allows a person to prohibit or otherwise regulate the consumption, cultivation, distribution, processing, sale, or display of marihuana and marihuana accessories on property the person owns, occupies, or manages, except that a lease agreement may not prohibit a tenant from lawfully possessing and consuming marihuana by means other than smoking.

5. All other laws inconsistent with this act do not apply to conduct that is permitted by this act.

Sec. 5. 1. Notwithstanding any other law or provision of this act, and except as otherwise provided in section 4 of this act, the following acts by a person 21 years of age or older are not unlawful, are not an offense, are not grounds for seizing or forfeiting property, are not grounds for arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, are not grounds for search or inspection, and are not grounds to deny any other right or privilege:

(a) except as permitted by subdivision (b), possessing, using or consuming, internally possessing, purchasing, transporting, or processing 2.5 ounces or less of marihuana, except that not more than 15 grams of marihuana may be in the form of marihuana concentrate;

(b) within the person's residence, possessing, storing, and processing not more than 10 ounces of marihuana and any marihuana produced by marihuana plants cultivated on the premises and cultivating not more than 12 marihuana plants for personal use, provided that no more than 12 marihuana plants are possessed, cultivated, or processed on the premises at once;

(c) assisting another person who is 21 years of age or older in any of the acts described in this section; and

(d) giving away or otherwise transferring without remuneration up to 2.5 ounces of marihuana, except that not more than 15 grams of marihuana may be in the form of marihuana concentrate, to a person 21 years of age or older, as long as the transfer is not advertised or promoted to the public.

2. Notwithstanding any other law or provision of this act, except as otherwise provided in section 4 of this act, the use, manufacture, possession, and purchase of marihuana accessories by a person 21 years of age or older and the distribution or sale of marihuana accessories to a person 21 years of age or older is authorized, is not unlawful, is not an offense, is not grounds for seizing or forfeiting property, is not grounds for arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, and is not grounds to deny any other right or privilege.

3. A person shall not be denied custody of or visitation with a minor for conduct that is permitted by this act, unless the person's behavior is such that it creates an unreasonable danger to the minor that can be clearly articulated and substantiated.

Sec. 6. 1. Except as provided in section 4, a municipality may completely prohibit or limit the number of marihuana establishments within its boundaries. Individuals may petition to initiate an ordinance to provide for the number of marihuana establishments allowed within a municipality or to completely prohibit marihuana establishments within a municipality, and such ordinance shall be submitted to the electors of the municipality at the next regular election when a petition is signed by qualified electors in the municipality in a number greater than 5% of the votes cast for governor by qualified electors in the municipality at the last gubernatorial election. A petition under this subsection is subject to section 488 of the Michigan election law, 1954 PA 116, MCL 168.488.

2. A municipality may adopt other ordinances that are not unreasonably impracticable and do not conflict with this act or with any rule promulgated pursuant to this act and that:

(a) establish reasonable restrictions on public signs related to marihuana establishments;

(b) regulate the time, place, and manner of operation of marihuana establishments and of the production, manufacture, sale, or display of marihuana accessories;

(c) authorize the sale of marihuana for consumption in designated areas that are not accessible to persons under 21 years of age, or at special events in limited areas and for a limited time; and

(d) designate a violation of the ordinance and provide for a penalty for that violation by a marihuana establishment, provided that such violation is a civil infraction and such penalty is a civil fine of not more than $500.

3. A municipality may adopt an ordinance requiring a marihuana establishment with a physical location within the municipality to obtain a municipal license, but may not impose qualifications for licensure that conflict with this act or rules promulgated by the department.

4. A municipality may charge an annual fee of not more than $5,000 to defray application, administrative, and enforcement costs associated with the operation of the marihuana establishment in the municipality.

5. A municipality may not adopt an ordinance that restricts the transportation of marihuana through the municipality or prohibits a marihuana grower, a marihuana processor, and a marihuana retailer from operating within a single facility or from operating at a location shared with a marihuana facility operating pursuant to the medical marihuana facilities licensing act, 2016 PA 281, MCL 333.27101 to 333.27801.

Sec. 7. 1. The department is responsible for implementing this act and has the powers and duties necessary to control the commercial production and distribution of marihuana. The department shall employ personnel and may contract with advisors and consultants as necessary to adequately perform its duties. No person who is pecuniarily interested, directly or indirectly, in any marihuana establishment may be an employee, advisor, or consultant involved in the implementation, administration, or enforcement of this act. An employee, advisor, or consultant of the department may not be personally liable for any action at law for damages sustained by a person because of an action performed or done in the performance of their duties in the implementation, administration, or enforcement of this act. The department of state police shall cooperate and assist the department in conducting background investigations of applicants. Responsibilities of the department include:

(a) promulgating rules pursuant to section 8 of this act that are necessary to implement, administer, and enforce this act;

(b) granting or denying each application for licensure and investigating each applicant to determine eligibility for licensure, including conducting a background investigation on each person holding an ownership interest in the applicant;

(c) ensuring compliance with this act and the rules promulgated thereunder by marihuana establishments by performing investigations of compliance and regular inspections of marihuana establishments and by taking appropriate disciplinary action against a licensee, including prescribing civil fines for violations of this act or rules and suspending, restricting, or revoking a state license;

(d) holding at least 4 public meetings each calendar year for the purpose of hearing complaints and receiving the views of the public with respect to administration of this act;

(e) collecting fees for licensure and fines for violations of this act or rules promulgated thereunder, depositing all fees collected in the marihuana regulation fund established by section 14 of this act, and remitting all fines collected to be deposited in the general fund; and

(f) submitting an annual report to the governor covering the previous year, which report shall include the number of state licenses of each class issued, demographic information on licensees, a description of enforcement and disciplinary actions taken against licensees, and a statement of revenues and expenses of the department related to the implementation, administration, and enforcement of this act.

Sec. 8. 1. The department shall promulgate rules to implement and administer this act pursuant to the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to MCL 24.328, including:

(a) procedures for issuing a state license pursuant to section 9 of this act and for renewing, suspending, and revoking a state license;

(b) a schedule of fees in amounts not more than necessary to pay for implementation, administration, and enforcement costs of this act and that relate to the size of each licensee or the volume of business conducted by the licensee;

(c) qualifications for licensure that are directly and demonstrably related to the operation of a marihuana establishment, provided that a prior conviction solely for a marihuana-related offense does not disqualify an individual or otherwise affect eligibility for licensure, unless the offense involved distribution of a controlled substance to a minor;

(d) requirements and standards for safe cultivation, processing, and distribution of marihuana by marihuana establishments, including health standards to ensure the safe preparation of marihuana-infused products and prohibitions on pesticides that are not safe for use on marihuana;

(e) testing, packaging, and labeling standards, procedures, and requirements for marihuana, including a maximum tetrahydrocannabinol level for marihuana-infused products, a requirement that a representative sample of marihuana be tested by a marihuana safety compliance facility, and a requirement that the amount of marihuana or marihuana concentrate contained within a marihuana-infused product be specified on the product label;

(f) security requirements, including lighting, physical security, and alarm requirements, and requirements for securely transporting marihuana between marihuana establishments, provided that such requirements do not prohibit cultivation of marihuana outdoors or in greenhouses;

(g) record keeping requirements for marihuana establishments and monitoring requirements to track the transfer of marihuana by licensees;

(h) requirements for the operation of marihuana secure transporters to ensure that all marihuana establishments are properly serviced;

(i) reasonable restrictions on advertising, marketing, and display of marihuana and marihuana establishments;

(j) a plan to promote and encourage participation in the marihuana industry by people from communities that have been disproportionately impacted by marihuana prohibition and enforcement and to positively impact those communities; and

(k) penalties for failure to comply with any rule promulgated pursuant to this section or for any violation of this act by a licensee, including civil fines and suspension, revocation, or restriction of a state license.

2. In furtherance of the intent of this act, the department may promulgate rules to:

(a) provide for the issuance of additional types or classes of state licenses to operate marihuana-related businesses, including licenses that authorize only limited cultivation, processing, transportation, delivery, storage, sale, or purchase of marihuana, licenses that authorize the consumption of marihuana within designated areas, licenses that authorize the consumption of marihuana at special events in limited areas and for a limited time, licenses that authorize cultivation for purposes of propagation, and licenses intended to facilitate scientific research or education; or

(b) regulate the cultivation, processing, distribution, and sale of industrial hemp.

3. The department may not promulgate a rule that:

(a) establishes a limit on the number of any type of state licenses that may be granted;

(b) requires a customer to provide a marihuana retailer with identifying information other than identification to determine the customer's age or requires the marihuana retailer to acquire or record personal information about customers other than information typically required in a retail transaction;

(c) prohibits a marihuana establishment from operating at a shared location of a marihuana facility operating pursuant to the medical marihuana facilities licensing act, 2016 PA 281, MCL 333.27101 to 333.27801, or prohibits a marihuana grower, marihuana processor, or marihuana retailer from operating within a single facility; or

(d) is unreasonably impracticable.

Sec. 9. 1. Each application for a state license must be submitted to the department. Upon receipt of a complete application and application fee, the department shall forward a copy of the application to the municipality in which the marihuana establishment is to be located, determine whether the applicant and the premises qualify for the state license and comply with this act, and issue the appropriate state license or send the applicant a notice of rejection setting forth specific reasons why the department did not approve the state license application within 90 days.

2. The department shall issue the following state license types: marihuana retailer; marihuana safety compliance facility; marihuana secure transporter; marihuana processor; marihuana microbusiness; class A marihuana grower authorizing cultivation of not more than 100 marihuana plants; class B marihuana grower authorizing cultivation of not more than 500 marihuana plants; and class C marihuana grower authorizing cultivation of not more than 2,000 marihuana plants.

3. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the department shall approve a state license application and issue a state license if:

(a) the applicant has submitted an application in compliance with the rules promulgated by the department, is in compliance with this act and the rules, and has paid the required fee;

(b) the municipality in which the proposed marihuana establishment will be located does not notify the department that the proposed marihuana establishment is not in compliance with an ordinance consistent with section 6 of this act and in effect at the time of application;

(c) the property where the proposed marihuana establishment is to be located is not within an area zoned exclusively for residential use and is not within 1,000 feet of a pre-existing public or private school providing education in kindergarten or any of grades 1 through 12, unless a municipality adopts an ordinance that reduces this distance requirement;

(d) no person who holds an ownership interest in the marihuana establishment applicant:

(1) will hold an ownership interest in both a marihuana safety compliance facility or in a marihuana secure transporter and in a marihuana grower, a marihuana processor, a marihuana retailer, or a marihuana microbusiness;

(2) will hold an ownership interest in both a marihuana microbusiness and in a marihuana grower, a marihuana processor, a marihuana retailer, a marihuana safety compliance facility, or a marihuana secure transporter; and

(3) will hold an ownership interest in more than 5 marihuana growers or in more than 1 marihuana microbusiness, except that the department may approve a license application from a person who holds an ownership interest in more than 5 marihuana growers or more than 1 marihuana microbusiness if, after January 1, 2023, the department promulgates a rule authorizing an individual to hold an ownership interest in more than 5 marihuana growers or in more than 1 marihuana microbusiness.

4. If a municipality limits the number of marihuana establishments that may be licensed in the municipality pursuant to section 6 of this act and that limit prevents the department from issuing a state license to all applicants who meet the requirements of subsection 3 of this section, the municipality shall decide among competing applications by a competitive process intended to select applicants who are best suited to operate in compliance with this act within the municipality.

5. All state licenses are effective for 1 year, unless the department issues the state license for a longer term. A state license is renewed upon receipt of a complete renewal application and a renewal fee from any marihuana establishment in good standing.

6. The department shall begin accepting applications for marihuana establishments within 12 months after the effective date of this act. Except as otherwise provided in this section, for 24 months after the department begins to receive applications for marihuana establishments, the department may only accept applications for licensure: for a class A marihuana grower or for a marihuana microbusiness, from persons who are residents of Michigan; for a marihuana retailer, marihuana processor, class B marihuana grower, class C marihuana grower, or a marihuana secure transporter, from persons holding a state operating license pursuant to the medical marihuana facilities licensing act, 2016 PA 281, MCL 333.27101 to 333.27801; and for a marihuana safety compliance facility, from any applicant. One year after the department begins to accept applications pursuant to this section, the department shall begin accepting applications from any applicant if the department determines that additional state licenses are necessary to minimize the illegal market for marihuana in this state, to efficiently meet the demand for marihuana, or to provide for reasonable access to marihuana in rural areas.

7. Information obtained from an applicant related to licensure under this act is exempt from disclosure under the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.

Sec. 10. 1. Notwithstanding any other law or provision of this act, and except as otherwise provided in section 4 of this act or the rules promulgated thereunder, the following acts are not unlawful, are not an offense, are not grounds for seizing or forfeiting property, are not grounds for arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, are not grounds for search or inspection except as authorized by this act, and are not grounds to deny any other right or privilege:

(a) a marihuana grower or an agent acting on behalf of a marihuana grower who is 21 years of age or older, cultivating not more than the number of marihuana plants authorized by the state license class; possessing, packaging, storing, or testing marihuana; acquiring marihuana seeds or seedlings from a person who is 21 years of age or older; selling or otherwise transferring, purchasing or otherwise obtaining, or transporting marihuana to or from a marihuana establishment; or receiving compensation for goods or services;

(b) a marihuana processor or agent acting on behalf of a marihuana processor who is 21 years of age or older, possessing, processing, packaging, storing, or testing marihuana; selling or otherwise transferring, purchasing or otherwise obtaining, or transporting marihuana to or from a marihuana establishment; or receiving compensation for goods or services;

(c) a marihuana secure transporter or an agent acting on behalf of a marihuana secure transporter who is 21 years of age or older, possessing or storing marihuana; transporting marihuana to or from a marihuana establishment; or receiving compensation for services;

(d) a marihuana safety compliance facility or an agent acting on behalf of a marihuana safety compliance facility who is 21 years of age or older, testing, possessing, repackaging, or storing marihuana; transferring, obtaining, or transporting marihuana to or from a marihuana establishment; or receiving compensation for services;

(e) a marihuana retailer or an agent acting on behalf of a marihuana retailer who is 21 years of age or older, possessing, storing, or testing marihuana; selling or otherwise transferring, purchasing or otherwise obtaining, or transporting marihuana to or from a marihuana establishment; selling or otherwise transferring marihuana to a person 21 years of age or older; or receiving compensation for goods or services; or

(f) a marihuana microbusiness or an agent acting on behalf of a marihuana microbusiness who is 21 years of age or older, cultivating not more than 150 marihuana plants; possessing, processing, packaging, storing, or testing marihuana from marihuana plants cultivated on the premises; selling or otherwise transferring marihuana cultivated or processed on the premises to a person 21 years of age or older; or receiving compensation for goods or services.

(g) leasing or otherwise allowing the use of property owned, occupied, or managed for activities allowed under this act;

(h) enrolling or employing a person who engages in marihuana-related activities allowed under this act;

(i) possessing, cultivating, processing, obtaining, transferring, or transporting industrial hemp; or

(j) providing professional services to prospective or licensed marihuana establishments related to activity under this act.

2. A person acting as an agent of a marihuana retailer who sells or otherwise transfers marihuana or marihuana accessories to a person under 21 years of age is not subject to arrest, prosecution, forfeiture of property, disciplinary action by a professional licensing board, denial of any right or privilege, or penalty in any manner, if the person reasonably verified that the recipient appeared to be 21 years of age or older by means of governmentissued photographic identification containing a date of birth, and the person complied with any rules promulgated pursuant to this act.

3. It is the public policy of this state that contracts related to the operation of marihuana establishments be enforceable.

Sec. 11. (a) A marihuana establishment may not allow cultivation, processing, sale, or display of marihuana or marihuana accessories to be visible from a public place outside of the marihuana establishment without the use of binoculars, aircraft, or other optical aids.

(b) A marihuana establishment may not cultivate, process, test, or store marihuana at any location other than a physical address approved by the department and within an enclosed area that is secured in a manner that prevents access by persons not permitted by the marihuana establishment to access the area.

(c) A marihuana establishment shall secure every entrance to the establishment so that access to areas containing marihuana is restricted to employees and other persons permitted by the marihuana establishment to access the area and to agents of the department or state and local law enforcement officers and emergency personnel and shall secure its inventory and equipment during and after operating hours to deter and prevent theft of marihuana and marihuana accessories.

(d) No marihuana establishment may refuse representatives of the department the right during the hours of operation to inspect the licensed premises or to audit the books and records of the marihuana establishment.

(e) No marihuana establishment may allow a person under 21 years of age to volunteer or work for the marihuana establishment.

(f) No marihuana establishment may sell or otherwise transfer marihuana that was not produced, distributed, and taxed in compliance with this act.

(g) A marihuana grower, marihuana retailer, marihuana processor, marihuana microbusiness, or marihuana testing facility or agents acting on their behalf may not transport more than 15 ounces of marihuana or more than 60 grams of marihuana concentrate at one time.

(h) A marihuana secure transporter may not hold title to marihuana.

(i) No marihuana processor may process and no marihuana retailer may sell edible marihuana-infused candy in shapes or packages that are attractive to children or that are easily confused with commercially sold candy that does not contain marihuana.

(j) No marihuana retailer may sell or otherwise transfer marihuana that is not contained in an opaque, resealable, child-resistant package designed to be significantly difficult for children under 5 years of age to open and not difficult for normal adults to use properly as defined by 16 C.F.R. 1700.20 (1995), unless the marihuana is transferred for consumption on the premises where sold.

(k) No marihuana establishment may sell or otherwise transfer tobacco.

Sec. 12. In computing net income for marihuana establishments, deductions from state taxes are allowed for all the ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying out a trade or business.

Sec. 13. 1. In addition to all other taxes, an excise tax is imposed on each marihuana retailer and on each marihuana microbusiness at the rate of 10% of the sales price for marihuana sold or otherwise transferred to anyone other than a marihuana establishment.

2. Except as otherwise provided by a rule promulgated by the department of treasury, a product subject to the tax imposed by this section may not be bundled in a single transaction with a product or service that is not subject to the tax imposed by this section.

3. The department of treasury shall administer the taxes imposed under this act and may promulgate rules pursuant to the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to MCL 24.328 that prescribe a method and manner for payment of the tax to ensure proper tax collection under this act.

Sec. 14. 1. The marihuana regulation fund is created in the state treasury. The department of treasury shall deposit all money collected under section 13 of this act and the department shall deposit all fees collected in the fund. The state treasurer shall direct the investment of the fund and shall credit the fund interest and earnings from fund investments. The department shall administer the fund for auditing purposes. Money in the fund shall not lapse to the general fund.

2. Funds for the initial activities of the department to implement this act shall be appropriated from the general fund. The department shall repay any amount appropriated under this subsection from proceeds in the fund.

3. The department shall expend money in the fund first for the implementation, administration, and enforcement of this act, and second, until 2022 or for at least two years, to provide $20 million annually to one or more clinical trials that are approved by the United States food and drug administration and sponsored by a non-profit organization or researcher within an academic institution researching the efficacy of marihuana in treating the medical conditions of United States armed services veterans and preventing veteran suicide. Upon appropriation, unexpended balances must be allocated as follows:

(a) 15% to municipalities in which a marihuana retail store or a marihuana microbusiness is located, allocated in proportion to the number of marihuana retail stores and marihuana microbusinesses within the municipality;

(b) 15% to counties in which a marihuana retail store or a marihuana microbusiness is located, allocated in proportion to the number of marihuana retail stores and marihuana microbusinesses within the county;

(c) 35% to the school aid fund to be used for K-12 education; and

(d) 35% to the Michigan transportation fund to be used for the repair and maintenance of roads and bridges.

Sec. 15. A person who commits any of the following acts, and is not otherwise authorized by this act to conduct such activities, may be punished only as provided in this section and is not subject to any other form of punishment or disqualification, unless the person consents to another disposition authorized by law:

1. Except for a person who engaged in conduct described in sections 4(1)(a), 4(1)(b), 4(1)(c), 4(1)(d), 4(1)(g), or 4(1)(h), a person who possesses not more than the amount of marihuana allowed by section 5, cultivates not more than the amount of marihuana allowed by section 5, delivers without receiving any remuneration to a person who is at least 21 years of age not more than the amount of marihuana allowed by section 5, or possesses with intent to deliver not more than the amount of marihuana allowed by section 5, is responsible for a civil infraction and may be punished by a fine of not more than $100 and forfeiture of the marihuana.

2. Except for a person who engaged in conduct described in section 4, a person who possesses not more than twice the amount of marihuana allowed by section 5, cultivates not more than twice the amount of marihuana allowed by section 5, delivers without receiving any remuneration to a person who is at least 21 years of age not more than twice the amount of marihuana allowed by section 5, or possesses with intent to deliver not more than twice the amount of marihuana allowed by section 5:

(a) for a first violation, is responsible for a civil infraction and may be punished by a fine of not more than $500 and forfeiture of the marihuana;

(b) for a second violation, is responsible for a civil infraction and may be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 and forfeiture of the marihuana;

(c) for a third or subsequent violation, is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine of not more than $2,000 and forfeiture of the marihuana.

3. Except for a person who engaged in conduct described by section 4(1)(a), 4(1)(d), or 4(1)(g), a person under 21 years of age who possesses not more than 2.5 ounces of marihuana or who cultivates not more than 12 marihuana plants:

(a) for a first violation, is responsible for a civil infraction and may be punished as follows:

(1) if the person is less than 18 years of age, by a fine of not more than $100 or community service, forfeiture of the marihuana, and completion of 4 hours of drug education or counseling; or

(2) if the person is at least 18 years of age, by a fine of not more than $100 and forfeiture of the marihuana.

(b) for a second violation, is responsible for a civil infraction and may be punished as follows:

(1) if the person is less than 18 years of age, by a fine of not more than $500 or community service, forfeiture of the marihuana, and completion of 8 hours of drug education or counseling; or

(2) if the person is at least 18 years of age, by a fine of not more than $500 and forfeiture of the marihuana.

4. Except for a person who engaged in conduct described in section 4, a person who possesses more than twice the amount of marihuana allowed by section 5, cultivates more than twice the amount of marihuana allowed by section 5, or delivers without receiving any remuneration to a person who is at least 21 years of age more than twice the amount of marihuana allowed by section 5, shall be responsible for a misdemeanor, but shall not be subject to imprisonment unless the violation was habitual, willful, and for a commercial purpose or the violation involved violence.

Sec. 16. 1. If the department does not timely promulgate rules as required by section 8 of this act or accept or process applications in accordance with section 9 of this act, beginning one year after the effective date of this act, an applicant may submit an application for a marihuana establishment directly to the municipality where the marihuana establishment will be located.

2. If a marihuana establishment submits an application to a municipality under this section, the municipality shall issue a municipal license to the applicant within 90 days after receipt of the application unless the municipality finds and notifies the applicant that the applicant is not in compliance with an ordinance or rule adopted pursuant to this act.

3. If a municipality issues a municipal license pursuant to this section:

(a) the municipality shall notify the department that the municipal license has been issued;

(b) the municipal license has the same force and effect as a state license; and

(c) the holder of the municipal license is not subject to regulation or enforcement by the department during the municipal license term.

Sec. 17. This act shall be broadly construed to accomplish its intent as stated in section 2 of this act. Nothing in this act purports to supersede any applicable federal law, except where allowed by federal law. All provisions of this act are self-executing. Any section of this act that is found invalid as to any person or circumstances shall not affect the application of any other section of this act that can be given full effect without the invalid section or application.

Readability score

See also: Ballot measure readability scores, 2018
Using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) formulas, Ballotpedia scored the readability of the ballot title and summary for this measure. Readability scores are designed to indicate the reading difficulty of text. The Flesch-Kincaid formulas account for the number of words, syllables, and sentences in a text; they do not account for the difficulty of the ideas in the text. The state board wrote the ballot language for this measure.


The FKGL for the ballot title is grade level 21, and the FRE is 4.5. The word count for the ballot title is 35, and the estimated reading time is 9 seconds. The FKGL for the ballot summary is grade level 14, and the FRE is 18. The word count for the ballot summary is 102, and the estimated reading time is 27 seconds.

In 2018, for the 167 statewide measures on the ballot, the average ballot title or question was written at a level appropriate for those with between 19 and 20 years of U.S. formal education (graduate school-level of education), according to the FKGL formula. Read Ballotpedia's entire 2018 ballot language readability report here.

Support

Michigan 2018 Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol logo.png


The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol led the campaign in support of the initiative.[14] Former state Rep. Jeff Irwin (D-53) was political director of the campaign.[15]

Supporters

Committee

The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol identified the following organizations as members of its initiative drafting committee:[16]

Officials

Organizations

Arguments

Josh Hovey, a spokesperson for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, said:[24]

“ Just like with alcohol, marijuana prohibition has been a huge failure. Instead of wasting law enforcement resources on a substance that is proven to be less harmful than either alcohol or tobacco, our initiative creates a tightly regulated system that will generate significant revenue for the state that will help fund our roads, public schools, and local governments – three of Michigan’s most under-funded needs.[13] ”

Opposition

Healthy & Productive Michigan logo 2018.png

Healthy and Productive Michigan led the campaign in opposition to the ballot initiative.[25][26][27] Scott Greenlee, former vice chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, organized the campaign. Randy Richardville, former Republican majority leader of the state Senate, was a spokesperson for the campaign.[28]

Opponents

Officials

Former officials

Organizations

Individuals

  • Ted Nugent, musician[33]

Arguments

The Committee to Keep Pot Out of Neighborhoods and Schools, a political action committee, issued a statement saying the initiative is "ill-advised and not in the public interest" and that:[34][35]

“ We are on the verge of creating a regulated system for the production of medical marijuana which will provide regulation, taxation and rigorous testing so that patients and doctors will know the products are safe. The ballot proposal puts the public at risk and will be vigorously opposed.[13] ”

Kevin Sabet, president and founder of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, stated:[36]

“

Michiganders would do well to slow down and learn from other states: The marijuana experiment has led to increased substance abuse, more impaired drivers on our roads, thriving black markets and continued racial disparities.

Big Marijuana has its eyes set firmly on one goal: profits driven by selling highly potent products. Let’s not expand this failed experiment to the Wolverine State.[13]

”


Campaign finance

See also: Campaign finance requirements for Michigan ballot measures
Total campaign contributions:
Support: $3,731,704.31
Opposition: $2,671,208.26

There was one ballot measure committee, the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, registered in support of the measure. The committee raised $3.73 million and expended $3.55 million.[37][10]

The top contributor to the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol was the New Approach PAC, which contributed $1.78 million.[37]

There were two committees, Healthy and Productive Michigan and the Committee to Keep Pot Out of Neighborhoods and Schools, registered in opposition to the initiative. The committees raised $2.67 million and expended $2.67 million.[38][39]

The top contributor to the opposition committees was Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action), which donated $1.78 million.[38][39]

Support

The following table includes contribution and expenditure totals for the committee in support of the initiative:[37]

Committees in support of Proposal 1
Supporting committeesCash contributionsIn-kind servicesCash expenditures
Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol$1,912,616.05$1,819,088.26$1,728,653.92
Total$1,912,616.05$1,819,088.26$1,728,653.92
Totals in support
Total raised:$3,731,704.31
Total spent:$3,547,742.18

Donors

The following were the top five donors who contributed to the support committee:[37]

Donor Cash In-kind Total
New Approach PAC $683,500.00 $1,097,391.93 $1,780,891.93
Marijuana Policy Project $470,100.00 $84,105.10 $554,205.10
Smokers Outlet Management $200,000.00 $50,000.00 $250,000.00
Marijuana Policy Project Foundation $0.00 $188,807.91 $188,807.91
MI Legalize 2018 $0.00 $170,000.00 $170,000.00

Opposition

The following table includes contribution and expenditure totals for the committees in opposition to the initiative:[38]

Committees in opposition to Proposal 1
Opposing committeesCash contributionsIn-kind servicesCash expenditures
Healthy and Productive Michigan$2,433,515.00$230,193.26$2,427,735.71
Committee to Keep Pot Out of Neighborhoods and Schools$7,500.00$0.00$4,421.98
Total$2,441,015.00$230,193.26$2,435,232.71
Totals in opposition
Total raised:$2,671,208.26
Total spent:$2,665,425.97

Donors

The following were the top five donors who contributed to the opposition committees:[38]

Donor Cash In-kind Total
Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action) $1,566,000.00 $215,018.03 $1,781,018.03
Michigan Energy First $250,000.00 $0.00 $250,000.00
Dow Chemical $100,000.00 $0.00 $100,000.00
J.C. Huizenga $51,000.00 $0.00 $51,000.00
Business Leaders for Michigan $50,000.00 $0.00 $50,000.00

Reporting dates

Michigan ballot question committees filed a total of six campaign finance reports in 2018. The filing dates for reports were as follows:[40]

Date Report Period
1/31/2018 Annual Report for 2017 1/01/2017 - 12/31/2017
2/15/2018 Report #1 1/01/2018 - 2/10/2018
4/25/2018 Report #2 2/11/2018 - 4/20/2018
7/25/2018 Report #3 4/21/2018 - 7/20/2018
10/26/2018 Report #4 7/21/2018 - 10/21/2018
12/06/2018 Report #5 10/22/2018 - 11/26/2018
1/31/2019 Annual Report for 2018 1/01/2018 - 12/31/2018

Methodology

To read Ballotpedia's methodology for covering ballot measure campaign finance information, click here.

Media editorials

Support

  • Detroit Free Press: "Most of you don't smoke marijuana, for medical or recreational use. So you may be wondering, as you hear that Michiganders can vote to make recreational marijuana legal in the Nov. 6 election: Why should I vote yes? Here's the short answer: Michiganders should vote YES this fall on Proposal 1 because: [1] Prohibiting it outright does not work (about 15% of Michiganders used marijuana in 2015, according to federal data); [2] Enforcing laws against weed consumes significant law enforcement resources; [3] The impact of that enforcement effort falls disproportionately on African Americans, who use marijuana at the same rates as whites, but are four to 10 times more likely to be arrested for it; and [4] Legalizing marijuana and regulating its possession and use can provide needed tax revenue."[41]
  • Lansing State Journal: "Momentum is building across the country to legalize marijuana, and nearly 300,000 people in our state already carry medical marijuana cards. Ingham County is among about half of the counties in Michigan where some communities allow medical marijuana dispensaries. Michigan is better served to be on the front edge of this wave – capitalizing on opportunities, embracing regulation and pushing for more significant research on its uses."[42]

Opposition

  • The Detroit News: "The primary problem with this proposal is that it won’t do what its name implies: regulate marijuana like alcohol. Prop 1 would leave too much of the marijuana production and distribution network underground, making enforcement of regulatory and tax policies difficult. ... The state has considerable leeway in regulating alcohol; it would not have the same ability to manage the distribution and sale of marijuana. For that reason, voters should say No to Proposal 1."[43]

Polls

See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls
See also: 2018 ballot measure polls
Michigan Proposal 1, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2018)
Poll Support OpposeUndecidedMargin of errorSample size
Glengariff Group
10/25/2018 - 10/27/2018		 57.0%40.2%2.8%+/-4.0600
EPIC-MRA
10/18/2018 - 10/23/2018		 57.0%41.0%2.0%+/-4.0600
The Glengariff Group
9/30/2018 - 10/2/2018		 62.0%35.0%3.0%+/-4.0600
EPIC-MRA
9/21/2018 - 9/25/2018		 55.0%41.0%4.0%+/-4.0600
JMC Analytics
9/13/2018 - 9/16/2018		 43.0%40.0%17.0%+/-4.0600
Strategic National
9/8/2018 - 9/9/2018		 46.0%42.0%12.0%+/-3.11,000
The Glengariff Group
9/05/2018 - 9/07/2018		 56.0%38.0%6.0%+/-4.0600
Emerson College
7/19/2018 - 7/21/2018		 60.0%26.0%14.0%+/-4.3600
Target Insyght
6/24/2018 - 6/26/2018		 44.0%47.0%9.0%+/-3.0800
Victory Phones
5/01/2018 - 5/06/2018		 48.0%42.0%11.0%+/-3.39800
EPIC-MRA
2/24/2018 - 2/27/2018		 61.0%35.0%4.0%+/-4.0600
AVERAGES 53.55% 38.84% 7.71% +/-3.8 672.73
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Summaries

The following are brief summaries of polls that provided info in addition to overall support and opposition:

  • The Glengariff Group (commissioned by The Detroit News and WDIV-TV) surveyed 600 likely voters between October 25 and October 27, 2018, finding 57.0 percent of respondents in support of Proposal 1, 40.2 percent opposed, and 2.8 percent undecided. About 86 percent of respondents between the ages of 18 and 29 supported Proposal 1, whereas 38.5 percent of respondents over the age of 65 supported Proposal 1. Glengariff Group pollster Richard Czuba said, “Voters know where they stand on the issue of legalization. But the one red flag I’d wave here is that if younger voters don’t materialize at the polls, this is going to be a closer proposal than it's polling at right now.”[44]
  • EPIC-MRA (commissioned by Detroit Free Press, WLNS-TV 6, WOOD-TV 8, and WJRT-TV 12) surveyed 600 likely voters between October 18 and October 23, 2018, finding 57 percent of respondents in support of Proposal 1, 41 percent opposed, and 2 percent undecided. Josh Hovey, spokesman for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, responded to the poll, saying, "the public recognizes that prohibition causes more harm than the product itself and that regulation and taxation is the way we need to go." Scott Greenlee, director of Healthy and Productive Michigan, also responded, stating, "Polls are always interesting things. We learned that in the 2016 elections, didn’t we? That’s not the feel we have on the ground."[45]
  • The Glengariff Group (commissioned by The Detroit News and WDIV-TV) surveyed 600 likely voters between September 30 and October 2, 2018. Support for Proposal 1 was 62 percent—the highest level of support for Proposal 1 found by a poll in 2018. Opposition was 35 percent.[46]
  • Between September 13 and 16, 2018, JMC Analytics surveyed 600 likely voters on Proposal 1. Support for the ballot initiative was 43 percent. Opposition to the ballot initiative was 40 percent. The respondents were divided along age groups, with support at 59 percent for 18-34 years of age and 33 percent for 65 years and older.[47]
  • The Glengariff Group (commissioned by The Detroit News and WDIV-TV) surveyed 600 likely voters between September 5 and September 7, 2018, on Proposal 1. The media outlets found support for Proposal 1 at 56 percent in their sample of voters. Jonathan Oosting of The Detroit News said age was the most predictive variable of whether a respondent supported or opposed Proposal 1. He said, "Just 37 percent of voters over the age of 65 said they support legalization compared with 79 percent for 18-29 year olds and about 72 percent for 30-39 year olds."[48]
  • Healthy & Productive Michigan, an opponent of Proposal 1, hired Victory Phones to ask voters about the initiative in early May 2018. The firm surveyed 800 residents, finding support at 48 percent, opposition at 42 percent, and 11 percent undecided. Scott Greenlee, president of Healthy & Productive Michigan, said, "Previous polls showing majority support didn’t pass the smell test. When polling, it is always important to review how the questions are asked and what size of audience responds."[49][50]
  • Michigan NORML, a supporter of Proposal 1, hired polling firm EPIC-MRA to ask voters about the measure in late February 2018. EPIC-MRA surveyed 600 residents, finding support at 61 percent, opposition at 35 percent, and 4 percent undecided or who refused to answer the question. The strongest level of support for the measure, at 87 percent, came from residents between ages 18-34. The strongest level of opposition to the measure, at 58 percent, came from residents who described themselves as strong GOP Tea Party supporters. Of those surveyed, a majority of Democrats (74 percent) and independents (72 percent) supported the initiative, while the percentage of Republicans who supported and who opposed the measure was tied at 48 percent.[51]

Reports and analyses

VS Strategies

The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol commissioned VS Strategies to estimate how much tax revenue the state would generate from marijuana legalization via Proposal 1. VS Strategies estimated that Proposal 1 could generate $129.4 million in 2024 and each year thereafter in tax revenue. Andrew Livingston, a VS Strategies' analyst, added, "We’re estimating $520 million in taxes from 2020-24. By 2023, Michigan will reach maturity with sales of just under $1.5 billion (for both medical and recreational marijuana)." VS Strategies' analysis considered about 4 million state residents, along with out-of-state tourists, as potential consumers of marijuana.[52][53][54]

Josh Hovey, a Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol spokesperson, responded to the research, saying, "Roads, schools and local governments have been under-funded in Michigan for years. By voting yes on Proposal 1, we will generate hundreds of millions in new revenue for these vital needs and improve our state. In addition to generating new tax dollars, we will also save millions of dollars each year by ending the failure of marijuana prohibition."[55]

Scott Greenlee, president of the opposition PAC Healthy and Productive Michigan, said the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol campaigned on Proposal 1 bringing in $200 million. Greenlee said, "What went wrong? The report is very clear: the numbers do not match their promises."[52] He also said, "What impact would it have in Michigan with a $57-billion budget? It’s just not that significant."[54]

Senate Fiscal Agency

The Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency released a fiscal analysis of Proposal 1 in October 2018. The Senate Fiscal Agency estimated that Proposal 1 could generate $287.9 million in 2023 in tax revenue. The fiscal analysis said the estimate was "based upon per capita sales data from states that have adopted similar laws."[56]

Josh Hovey, spokesperson of the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, responded, "Whether you take our conservative estimate or the state's more bullish estimate, the key thing is that Proposal 1 will help the state collect significant and much-needed tax revenue to help fund roads, schools and local communities."[57]

Scott Greenlee, president of the opposition PAC Healthy and Productive Michigan, stated, "We're talking about a tiny half a drop in the bucket for the state budget. I know a lot of people are looking at this. It shows further ambiguity of what is actually going to happen."[57]

Background

Gubernatorial candidates on ballot initiative

On November 6, 2018, Michigan held a gubernatorial election to select a candidate to succeed term-limited Gov. Rick Snyder (R). Gretchen Whitmer (D) and Bill Gelineau (L) supported the ballot initiative. Bill Schuette (R) opposed the ballot initiative but said that he would respect the will of voters if the measure was approved. To amend the ballot initiative, a three-fourths voted would be needed in each chamber of the Michigan State Legislature along with the governor's signature. Whitmer won the election.

Positions of Michigan 2018 gubernatorial candidates in the general election on November 6, 2018
Candidate Position Statement
Democratic Party Gretchen Whitmer Category:Ballot measure endorsements Whitmer: “I am going to be a “Yes” vote on the initiative. … When this passes, because I believe it will, I will take it very seriously and push forward to make sure we do it right.”[18]
Republican Party Bill Schuette Circle thumbs down.png Spokesperson: "Bill [Schuette] does not personally support legalizing recreational marijuana but as governor he will respect the will of the voters."[18]
Libertarian Party Bill Gelineau Category:Ballot measure endorsements Gelineau: "I believe marijuana, like gun ownership, is a fundamental right."[19] "I do [support the initiative], reluctantly. I have two criticisms of it. One is that it has an excise tax. ... The second thing is... if elected, [I] would pardon all the people who have committed a low-level drug offense who didn’t, in concert with that, commit a violent crime."[58]


Click Show to see the positions of candidates that were defeated in the primary election on August 7, 2018.

Legalization initiatives in the U.S.

See also: Marijuana on the ballot and History of marijuana on the ballot

California Proposition 19, which would have legalized marijuana, appeared on the ballot in 2010. It was defeated, with 53.5 percent of voters casting "no" votes.[61] U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder came out against Proposition 19, saying President Obama's (D) administration would "vigorously enforce the (Controlled Substances Act) against those individuals and organizations that possess, manufacture or distribute marijuana for recreational use, even if such activities are permitted under state law." Support for the proposition dropped following Holder's statement.[62] Mason Tvert, spokesperson for the Marijuana Policy Project, said the 2010 initiative was defeated because "it was done during a midterm election." He continued, "If it had been done in a presidential election, things might have turned out very differently. We find that the more people who vote, the more who favor ending marijuana prohibition."[63]

In 2012, legalized recreational marijuana advocates saw their first statewide victories in Colorado and Washington. Two years later, voters in Oregon, Alaska, and Washington, D.C. approved marijuana legalization, and President Obama revised his position on recreational marijuana, stating, "We've got bigger fish to fry. It would not make sense for us to see a top priority as going after recreational users in states that have determined that it's legal."[64]

In 2015, voters in Ohio defeated Issue 3, which was designed to legalize the sale and use of marijuana and authorize 10 facilities with exclusive commercial rights to grow marijuana.[65]

Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada all had marijuana legalization initiatives on their 2016 general election ballots. The initiatives passed in all of the states but Arizona, where voters rejected the measure 51 to 49 percent.[66]

As of 2018, one state—Vermont—had legalized the recreational use of marijuana through the legislative process and governor's signature. On May 11, 2017, the Vermont State Legislature became the first in the nation to pass a bill to legalize marijuana.[67] However, Gov. Phil Scott (R) vetoed the legislation.[68][69] The Vermont State Legislature approved a second bill to legalize marijuana, and Gov. Scott signed the bill into law on January 22, 2018.[70]

There were 14 states, including Michigan, with the initiative process that had not voted on ballot measures designed to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, as of 2018. There were a total of 15 remaining states, including Arizona and Ohio, where citizens could petition for initiatives to legalize marijuana.

The following map depicts the legal status of recreational marijuana in different states:

State political context of legalization initiatives

The following table provides information on the political context of the states that had voted on legalization measures as of 2022.

Click "Show" to expand the table.

Comparison of legalization initiatives

The following table compares a selection of provisions, including possession limits, local control, taxes, and revenue dedications, of ballot initiatives that were designed to legalize marijuana.

Click "Show" to expand the table.

Marijuana-infused alcohol

On October 2, 2018, the Michigan State Legislature approved House Bill 4668 (HB 4668), which was designed to ban the possession, use, and sale of marijuana-infused alcoholic beverages. HB 4668 passed the state Senate in a 35-1 vote. The bill passed the state House in a 101-4 vote. Gov. Rick Snyder (R) signed HB 4668 into law on October 16, 2018.[71]

Sen. Rick Jones (R-24) said HB 4668 was preemptive in case Proposal 1 passed in November. He said, "Why would you let a disaster happen and then try to play cleanup? It's so much better to be preemptive."[72]

In California, the state Department of Public Health issued a similar regulation banning marijuana-infused alcoholic beverages following the passage of Proposition 64, which legalized marijuana, in 2016.[73]

Medical marijuana in Michigan

Voting on Marijuana
Marijuana Leaf-smaller.gif
Ballot Measures
By state
By year
Not on ballot
See also: Michigan Medical Marijuana Initiative, Proposal 1 (2008)

In 2008, voters in Michigan approved Proposal 1, an initiative designed to allow qualifying patients to possess 2.5 ounces of marijuana and 12 marijuana plants for medical use with a physician's approval.[74]

Dispensaries

In 2013, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that dispensaries could not conduct patient-to-patient sales and that facilitating these types of sales made dispensaries a public nuisance. Attorney General Bill Schuette (R), following the ruling, sent an order to local prosecutors with instructions on how to file public nuisance claims against dispensaries. He said, "Today Michigan's highest Court clarified that this law is narrowly focused to help the seriously ill, not an open door to unrestricted retail marijuana sales. Dispensaries will have to close their doors. Sales or transfers between patients or between caregivers and patients other than their own are not permitted under the Medical Marijuana Act." Tim Beck, who was involved in the campaign to pass Proposal 1, said the ruling did not surprise him, stating, "The original intent of the law, as written, did not contemplate dispensaries. It was a deliberate political strategy not to address dispensaries because we wanted to win at the polls, and we were worried there would be blowback because dispensaries had such a bad rap in California."[75]

In 2016, the state legislature passed legislation to regulate and license medical marijuana dispensaries, growers, processors, transporters, and testing facilities. The legislation also enacted a 3 percent tax on gross income of dispensaries.[76] Gov. Rick Snyder (R) signed the legislation into law, saying, "We can finally implement a solid framework that gives patients a safe source from which to purchase and utilize medical marijuana."[77] Existing dispensaries were given a deadline of June 15, 2018, to acquire a license or shut down.[78] The deadline was extended to September 15, 2018, and then again to October 31, 2018.[79]

Path to the ballot

See also: Laws governing the initiative process in Michigan

Process in Michigan

In Michigan, the number of signatures required to qualify an indirect initiated state statute for the ballot is equal to 8 percent of votes cast for governor in the last gubernatorial election. Signatures older than 180 days are invalid, which means all signatures must be collected within a 180-day window. Petitions for initiated statutes must be filed 160 days prior to the election. Successful initiative petitions are sent to the legislature, which then has 40 days to pass the proposed law. If the legislature does not approve the initiative, it goes on the ballot. If the legislature approves the initiative, it becomes law without needing the signature of the governor.

The requirements to get an initiated state statute certified for the 2018 ballot:

Signature petitions are filed with the secretary of state and verified by the board of state canvassers using a random sample method of verification.

Getting the initiative placed on the ballot

The indirect initiated state statute was filed with the secretary of state's office on May 5, 2017.[80] The Board of State Canvassers approved the petition for circulation on May 18, 2017.[81] The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol stated that signature gathering began before the end of May 2017.[82] The campaign employed National Petition Management to collect signatures.[83] Petitioners were required to collect 252,523 valid signatures within any period of 180 days before May 30, 2018, to get the measure certified for the election on November 6, 2018.

Within 40 days of being approved the circulate petitions, the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol reported that more than 100,000 signatures had been collected.[84] On November 20, 2017, supporters submitted 365,384 signatures for the ballot initiative.[85] Lissa Satori, a coordinator for the effort, said paid signature gatherers had pre-verified 250,288 of the signatures.[86][87]

On April 23, 2018, the staff of the Michigan Department of State completed a random sample of signatures for the initiative. A total of 277,370 signatures were estimated as valid—24,847 more signatures than was required.[88] On April 26, 2018, the state Board of Canvassers approved the staff's report, sending the initiative to the Michigan State Legislature for consideration.[89]

The Michigan State Legislature had 40 days—until June 5, 2018—to adopt or reject the proposal. As the legislature took no action on the proposal the measure was placed on the general election ballot for November 6, 2018.

Cost of signature collection:
Sponsors of the measure hired National Petition Management to collect signatures for the petition to qualify this measure for the ballot. A total of $783,535.66 was spent to collect the 252,523 valid signatures required to put this measure before voters, resulting in a total cost per required signature (CPRS) of $3.10.[37]

How to cast a vote

See also: Voting in Michigan

Poll times

In Michigan, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. Most of the state is observes Eastern Time, while several counties observe Central Time. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote.[90]

Registration requirements

Check your voter registration status here.

To vote in Michigan, you must be a United States citizen and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days. Voters must be at least 18 years old by Election Day.[91]

Voters may register to vote online, by mail, or in person at clerk's offices in their county, city, or township or at a state department branch office at least 15 days before an election.[91]

Same-day registration is available on Election Day and during the 14 days prior. "Individuals who register to vote within the 14-day period immediately preceding an election must appear in person at their city or township clerk’s office and provide proof of residency."[91] Acceptable documents for proving residency include:

  • Michigan driver’s license or State ID card
  • Current utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Paycheck or government check
  • Other government document[91]

Automatic registration

Michigan automatically registers eligible individuals to vote when they apply for or update a driver’s license or personal identification card.

Online registration

See also: Online voter registration

Michigan has implemented an online voter registration system. Residents can register to vote by visiting this website.

Same-day registration

Michigan allows same-day voter registration.

Residency requirements

Michigan law requires 30 days of residency in the state before a person may vote.

Verification of citizenship

See also: Laws permitting noncitizens to vote in the United States

Michigan does not require proof of citizenship for voter registration.

Verifying your registration

This page, administered by the Michigan Department of State, allows residents to check their voter registration status online.

Voter ID requirements

Michigan requires voters to present photo identification while voting.[92]

The following list of accepted ID was current as of July 2023. Click here for the Michigan Secretary of State page on accepted ID to ensure you have the most current information.[93]

  • Michigan driver’s license
  • Michigan personal identification card
  • Current driver’s license or personal ID card issued by another state
  • Current operator's or chauffeur's license
  • Current federal, state, or local government-issued photo ID
  • Current U.S. passport
  • Current military identification card with photo
  • Current student identification with photo from an educational institution
  • Current tribal identification card with photo.

A voter who does not have an acceptable form of identification can cast a ballot by signing an affidavit.[92]

Voters can obtain a state identification card at a secretary of state branch office for $10. Voters over the age of 65, voters who are blind, and voters whose driving privileges have been terminated due to a physical or mental disability can obtain an identification card for free. Additionally, voters who can present a reason for having the fee waived may also obtain an ID for free. Visit the Michigan secretary of state’s page or call (888) SOS-MICH (767-6424) for more information.[92]

See also

External links

Information

Support

Opposition

Additional reading


Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 Michigan Secretary of State, "Initiative Petition," accessed December 4, 2017
  2. ↑ MLive, "Michigan voters approve medical marijuana measure," November 4, 2017
  3. ↑ Marijuana Policy Project, "Decriminalization is sweeping Michigan - one city at a time," accessed July 25, 2018
  4. ↑ The Hill, "Read: Attorney General Jeff Sessions's memo changing marijuana policy," January 4, 2018
  5. ↑ Politico, "Sessions announces end to policy that allowed legal pot to flourish," January 4, 2018
  6. ↑ Los Angeles Times, "Trump administration abandons crackdown on legal marijuana," April 13, 2018
  7. ↑ New York Times, "Trump Says He’s Likely to Back Marijuana Bill, in Apparent Break With Sessions," June 8, 2018
  8. ↑ Fox News, "Trump signals willingness to back bill easing pot regulation," June 8, 2018
  9. ↑ Vox, "Trump is already trying to call off his attorney general’s war on marijuana," April 13, 2018
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Michigan Secretary of State, "2018 Ballot Proposals," accessed July 25, 2018
  11. ↑ NCSL, "State Industrial Hemp Statutes," October 26, 2017
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Michigan Secretary of State, "Official Ballot Wording," accessed September 10, 2018
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  14. ↑ Michigan Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, "Homepage," accessed May 18, 2017
  15. ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Pot activists push to put legalization on 2018 ballot in Michigan," April 30, 2017
  16. ↑ Michigan Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, "Our Coalition," accessed May 18, 2017
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Detroit Free Press, "Stabenow, James debate in Detroit: Fact-checking their claims," October 15, 2018
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6 18.7 Michigan Radio, "Legalizing recreational marijuana divides candidates for Michigan's next governor," July 19, 2018
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 Wood TV, "Libertarian gubernatorial candidates debate at WOOD," July 15, 2018
  20. ↑ Weed News, "Law Enforcement Action Partnership Endorses Michigan Marijuana Legalization Initiative," November 5, 2018
  21. ↑ Weed News, "National Business League Endorses Michigan Marijuana Legalization Initiative," October 31, 2018
  22. ↑ NORML, "NORML Endorses Michigan’s Proposal 1," September 13, 2018
  23. ↑ Our Revolution, "Our Initiatives," accessed September 23, 2018
  24. ↑ Detroit Metro Times, "Plan to legalize recreational marijuana in Michigan clears key hurdle to ballot," November 20, 2017
  25. ↑ Healthy and Productive Michigan, "Homepage," accessed May 2, 2018
  26. ↑ MLive, "Marijuana legalization one step closer to getting on the ballot in Michigan," November 20, 2017
  27. ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Opponents of legalized marijuana in Michigan form group to fight ballot proposal," November 29, 2017
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 MLive, "Former Michigan Senate leader joins anti-marijuana legalization campaign," July 23, 2018
  29. ↑ The Daily Reporter, "Leutheuser: “I am against all of the ballot initiatives," September 11, 2018
  30. ↑ MLive, "Detroit NAACP urges 'no' vote on legal marijuana as campaign makes final push," October 23, 2018
  31. ↑ Business Insider, "Michigan Chamber Of Commerce Opposes Three Petition Drives That Are Bad Public Policy And Would Take Our State In The Wrong Direction," September 27, 2017
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 The Voice, "Large number of sheriffs statewide against recreational marijuana proposal," October 22, 2018
  33. ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Ted Nugent sounds off on Michigan politics, marijuana and Kavanaugh," October 3, 2018
  34. ↑ The Detroit News, "Marijuana group files signatures for Mich. proposal," November 20, 2017
  35. ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Marijuana legalization proposal could add to crowded ballot in November 2018," November 20, 2017
  36. ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Legal pot brings more substance abuse, impaired drivers, racial disparity | Opinion," September 14, 2018
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 37.3 37.4 Michigan Secretary of State, "Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol BQC," accessed November 20, 2017
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 38.3 Michigan Secretary of State, "Committee to Keep Pot Out of Neighborhoods and Schools BQC," accessed July 25, 2018
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 Michigan Secretary of State, "Healthy and Productive Michigan BQC," accessed July 25, 2018
  40. ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "Campaign Finance Filing Schedule," accessed November 20, 2017
  41. ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Legal marijuana: Vote for it, even if you aren't going to smoke it," September 23, 2018
  42. ↑ Lansing State Journal, "Editorial: Vote yes on Proposal 1, but use caution with recreational marijuana," October 14, 2018
  43. ↑ The Detroit News, "Editorial: Vote no on all ballot proposals," October 9, 2018
  44. ↑ The Detroit News, "Poll: Most minds made up on Michigan pot legalization proposal, but attacks escalate," October 30, 2018
  45. ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Poll: Legal weed, anti-gerrymandering, voter access proposals lead big," October 26, 2018
  46. ↑ WDIV-TV, "WDIV/Detroit News poll: Marijuana, redistricting, voter access measures above 50 percent support," October 4, 2018
  47. ↑ JMC Analytics, "Michigan Marijuana Ballot Proposal Poll Results," September 18, 2018
  48. ↑ The Detroit News, "Poll: Marijuana proposal support high, redistricting muddled," September 11, 2018
  49. ↑ Marijuana Moment, "Opposition Group’s Marijuana Poll Shows Strong Support for Legalization," May 22, 2018
  50. ↑ Victory Phones, "Marijuana Poll Results," accessed May 22, 2018
  51. ↑ EPIC-MRA, "EPIC-MRA Statewide Survey – 600 sample – 4% error rate; Conducted by live callers from February 24 to February 27, 2018," March 5, 2018
  52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 MLive, "Recreational marijuana in Michigan could generate $129.4M in taxes," October 1, 2018
  53. ↑ Michigan Radio, "Study claims recreational marijuana will produce a big boost in tax revenues in Michigan," October 1, 2018
  54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 Detroit Free Press, "Estimated tax haul from marijuana sales would grow to $134 million per year," October 1, 2018
  55. ↑ Weed News, "Michigan: Legal Marijuana Will Net $520 Million In New Taxes," October 1, 2018
  56. ↑ Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency, "Ballot Proposal 18-1," accessed October 16, 2018
  57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 MLive, "State estimates legalized marijuana could bring in $287.9M in new tax revenue," October 15, 2018
  58. ↑ WDET, "Prepare to Vote: Libertarian Candidate for Governor Bill Gelineau Joins Detroit Today," July 23, 2018
  59. ↑ Bridge Magazine, "Jim Hines: Michigan school problems can’t be solved with money alone," July 19, 2018
  60. ↑ Ryan Byrne, "Email communication with John Tatar," August 5, 2018
  61. ↑ LA Weekly, "What Killed Prop. 19?" November 4, 2010
  62. ↑ Washington Post, "How Democrats derailed marijuana legalization in California," November 10, 2014
  63. ↑ Los Angeles Business Journal, "Tweaked legal pot initiative to reach 2016 ballot," September 29, 2014
  64. ↑ Washington Post, "Obama: I’ve got ‘bigger fish to fry’ than pot smokers," December 14, 2014
  65. ↑ CNN, "Ohio voters reject legal marijuana," November 4, 2015
  66. ↑ Time, "These States Just Legalized Marijuana," November 8, 2016
  67. ↑ The Washington Times, "Vermont becomes first state to pass legal marijuana bill with legislature," May 11, 2017
  68. ↑ Rolling Stone, "Vermont Governor Vetoes Marijuana Bill," May 24, 2017
  69. ↑ Burlington Free Press, "Gov. Scott on marijuana: 'I have to do what I think is right'," May 17, 2017
  70. ↑ Burlington Free Press, "Vermont's legal marijuana law: What you should know," January 23, 2018
  71. ↑ Michigan State Legislature, "House Bill 4668," accessed October 4, 2018
  72. ↑ WWJ News Radio, "Michigan Legislature Votes To Preemptively Ban Marijuana-Infused Beer," October 3, 2018
  73. ↑ Marijuana Business Daily, "Michigan lawmakers vote to prohibit marijuana-infused beer and liquor," October 3, 2018
  74. ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "Proposal 1," accessed December 4, 2017
  75. ↑ MLive, "Michigan Supreme Court: Dispensaries selling medical pot can be shut down as public nuisance," February 8, 2013
  76. ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Vote clears way for Michigan medical pot dispensaries," September 8, 2016
  77. ↑ MLive, "Gov. Snyder signs medical marijuana bills clarifying dispensaries, edibles," September 21, 2016
  78. ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Why Michigan hasn't given out any medical marijuana licenses yet," April 19, 2018
  79. ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Michigan marijuana dispensaries get new deadline for approval, closure," October 1, 2018
  80. ↑ Michigan Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, "Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol moves toward 2018 Michigan ballot proposal to end prohibition," May 5, 2017
  81. ↑ U.S. News, "State OKs Form of Marijuana, Prevailing Wage Petitions," May 18, 2017
  82. ↑ Marijuana Legalization Ballot Language Approved by the State Board of Canvassers," May 18, 2017
  83. ↑ The Detroit News, "Michigan pot legalization petitions hitting streets," May 18, 2017
  84. ↑ Click on Detroit, "Group hits 100K signatures for Michigan ballot measure to legalize marijuana," July 10, 2017
  85. ↑ U.S. News, "Michigan Vote on Legalizing Marijuana Is Likely in 2018," November 20, 2017
  86. ↑ The Detroit News, "Cash crunch holds up Michigan pot legalization push," November 13, 2017
  87. ↑ The Detroit News, "Pot group to turn in 360K signatures for Mich. proposal," November 16, 2017
  88. ↑ Michigan Department of State, "Staff Report," accessed April 26, 2018
  89. ↑ Click on Detroit, "Michigan recreational marijuana legalization proposal approved for ballot," April 26, 2018
  90. ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "Frequently Asked Questions: Elections and Voting," accessed April 16, 2023
  91. ↑ 91.0 91.1 91.2 91.3 Michigan Secretary of State, "Registering to Vote," accessed April 16, 2023
  92. ↑ 92.0 92.1 92.2 Michigan.gov, "Notice to Voters: Voter Identification Requirement in Effect," accessed April 17, 2023
  93. ↑ 'Bill Track 50, "MI SB0373," accessed June 21, 2023
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