Michigan Medical Marijuana Patients Will See Changes to Fees

Michigan medical marijuana patients can expect to see some new rules in regards to enrollment fees later this month. It was announced earlier this week that despite concerns surrounding the adjustment of costs involved with the medical marijuana program, the state intends to move forward with the plan.

One of the biggest changes to come is the reduction of two-year registration fees for the majority of patients from $100 to $60. This plan caused a great deal of controversy last year over concerns that it would create a hardship for low-income patients, whose fees are set to increase from $25 to $60. Yet, supporters of the measure argue that nearly 90 percent of the applicants will benefit from the reduction.

In addition, licensed caregivers will pay an extra $25 fee to cover their background checks rather than continuing to charge the patient that expense. Patients may also be required to apply online, an element of the new rules that was not well received by some lawmakers. If this happens, Michigan would become the first state to implement an online only application process.

Although the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules refused to sign off on the new regulations, the verbiage of the Administrative Procedures Act allows the rules to go into effect without their approval. A representative from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs said the committee did not file an objection within the allotted 15 days, so the rules are set to go into effect.

Patients can expect to see these changes on January 15.