Cost of Michigan Medical Marijuana Card to Go Down?

Michigan medical marijuana cards may become cheaper for most patients.

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs released a draft of a new proposal earlier this week that would establish a flat $60 rate for a two-year registration instead of the previous $100. However, this concept would cost a few bucks more for patients receiving public assistance who have been getting a reduced rate of $25.

State officials say the decrease will help the majority – 88 percent – of the those enrolled in the program that pay full price. Yet, some people are disappointed in the state’s plan to stick it to the less privileged.

“I don’t know why there’s a reason to punish the poor people, because they certainly can afford to give them a $25 registration,” Matthew Abel, with Detroit-based Cannabis Counsel, told MLive. “It may make it easier on the government, but that doesn’t necessarily make it better for the people.”

The ACLU has also stepped up to voice concerns over the elimination of public assistance discounts, as well as apprehension about the program transitioning to a fully online registration process.

“It looks like they’re anticipating an all-online process, and I just want to make sure they’re going to have some way to make sure that people who can’t do it online have the ability to apply in a way that isn’t burdensome,” said Shelli Weisberg, legislative director with the ACLU.

The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules will decide on this issue within the next couple of weeks.