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Q:Who will operate the Medical Marijuana Program?
A: The Bureau of Health Professions (BHP) within the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) will run the Medical Marijuana Program.
Q: What is the Medical Marijuana Program?
A: The program provides for the issuance of a registry identification card for patients qualified to use marijuana for medical purposes and for individuals qualified to serve as a caregiver on behalf of a designated patient.
Q: Who can apply for an identification card?
A: A qualifying patient is a person who has been diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition. A primary caregiver means a person who is at least 21 years old and who has agreed to assist with a patient’s medical use of marijuana and who has never been convicted of a felony involving illegal drugs. The caregiver can assist no more than five patients.
Q: What does Proposal 1 allow?
A: Proposal 1 allows for patients with a debilitating medical condition such as cancer, HIV, AIDS, or nail patella to utilize medical marijuana after obtaining a registry identification card from MDCH. In order to obtain a registry identification card, patients must obtain a written certification from a physician verifying that they have one of the qualifying debilitating medical conditions. Patients in need of medical assistance in using the medical marijuana may designate a primary caregiver. Registered patients or caregivers will be allowed to grow limited amounts of marijuana for qualifying patients in an enclosed, locked facility. MDCH cannot advise registered patients on the growing process and does not have information to give to patients. Registered patients and registered primary caregivers would be allowed to assert medical reasons for using marijuana as a defense to any prosecution involving marijuana.
Q: When can patients and caregivers begin to apply for the program?
A: DCH must promulgate administrative rules by April 4, which is 120 days after the effective date of the act, which is Dec. 4. No one can register for the program until after April 4.
Q: Upon approval, when are identification cards issued?
A: The department must verify applicant’s information or renewal information within 15 days of receiving application. The identification card must be issued within five days of approving application or renewal.
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