Michigan Marijuana Shops Urged to Report Customers Exceeding Legal Limits

Michigan's Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) has recently reminded licensed marijuana retailers of their obligation to report customers who possess amounts exceeding legal limits.

Under Michigan law, adults aged 21 and over are permitted to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana per transaction, with a maximum of 15 grams in concentrate form. Within a residence, individuals may possess up to 10 ounces, provided any amount over 2.5 ounces is stored in a secure container. Possession exceeding these limits can result in civil infractions or misdemeanor charges, depending on the quantity.

The CRA's notice underscores that retailers must report any suspected theft, diversion, or criminal activity occurring at their establishments to both law enforcement and the agency within 24 hours. This includes instances where individuals possess more than twice the legal amount of marijuana allowed under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act.

Some dispensary operators have expressed confusion over the directive. A manager from a dispensary in the Upper Peninsula, who requested anonymity, stated, "It doesn't really make sense, at all. I think that what they're saying is: if a customer comes through and wants more than what their daily limit is, they want us to call and tell on the customer."

Legal experts note that while retailers can sell up to the legal limit per transaction, splitting sales into multiple transactions to circumvent daily limits is not permitted. John W. Fraser, an attorney specializing in cannabis law, explained, "If you ring up more than one transaction and it keeps somebody at or under the limit for a misdemeanor, that person is not committing a crime, yet."

Retailers are also required to maintain surveillance footage of sales areas, accessible to the CRA upon request. This measure aims to ensure compliance and deter practices that might lead to excessive possession by consumers.

In light of these regulations, dispensaries are encouraged to educate their staff on legal purchase limits and reporting requirements to maintain compliance and support the integrity of Michigan's regulated cannabis market.