On April 1st 2013 the State of Michigan declared Public Act 512 a State Law.
Public Act 512 requires that medical records are reviewed at the in-person certification or renewal visit. If medical records are not reviewed, and if you do not meet with your doctor in-person, then the certification does not provide any protection for the Patient in a Court of Law.
Legality of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program
The Michigan Medical Marihuana Program (MMMP) is an official Michigan registry program that governs and implements the measures outlined in the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. Michigan voters approved this law on November 4, 2008, so that licensed doctors can prescribe legal medical marijuana to qualified patients. Michigan medical marijuana laws are quite specific about who can prescribe and receive legal medical marijuana under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program. This page contains a wealth of information about the legality of medical marijuana and medical marijuana state statutes. The MMMP protects the public from unlawful use of legal medical marijuana and ensures the confidentiality of participants in the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program. The following information has been taken from the official MMMP site. (https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-72600_72603_51869—,00.html)
Purpose of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program
The Michigan Medical Marihuana Program (MMMP) is established to administer the registration program provided for in the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act (MMMA), which was approved by Michigan voters on November 4, 2008.
MMMP Mission Statement
To assure that the registration process is conducted efficiently and effectively, consistent with all statutes and administrative rules pertaining to the MMMP.
Administration of the MMMP
The MMMP will be administered by the Michigan Department of Community Health, Bureau of Health Professions.
Responsibilities of the MMMP
Responsibilities of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program include:
• Review of applications submitted by patients and caregivers wishing to participate in the MMMP and issuance of medical marijuana registration identification cards to those individuals whose applications are approved.
• Maintaining the confidentiality of program records in accordance with applicable state and federal confidentiality laws.
• Providing information regarding the MMMA, MMMP policies and application processes.
• Collecting and disseminating statistics about participation in the MMMP including, but not limited to the:
o Number of applications filed and approved.
o Nature of the debilitating medical conditions of qualified patients.
o Number of registration identification cards revoked.
o Number of physicians providing written certifications for qualifying patients.
General Information about the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program
The following information about legal medical marijuana under the laws of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program was taken from the official Michigan State website. (https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-72600_72603_51869—,00.html) In order to qualify for legal medical marijuana under Michigan Medical Marijuana laws you must meet the following conditions:
• You must be a Michigan resident to be a registered patient in the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program (MMMP).
• There is an application fee to register for the MMMP. The fee cannot be waived, although it can be reduced under certain circumstances.
• You must have a qualifying debilitating medical condition as listed on the Attending Physician’s Statement.
• The MMMP cannot supply you with seeds or starter plants, or give you advice on how to grow medical marijuana.
• Your physician must be a Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) licensed to practice in Michigan. You must have an established patient/physician relationship with your “attending physician.” Other licensed health professionals such as Chiropractors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners cannot sign the documentation.
• The MMMP cannot refer you to a physician. The MMMP does not have a physician referral list.
• You, or your designated primary caregiver, may grow your marijuana. There is no place in the state of Michigan to legally purchase medical marijuana.
• The MMMP cannot find a designated primary caregiver for you. The MMMP does not keep a referral list of persons who want to be caregivers for patients. (You are not required to list a caregiver unless you are less than 18 years old.) Your caregiver cannot be your physician.
• If you decide to change your caregiver, it is your responsibility to notify him or her that he or she is no longer protected under the law. The MMMP does not communicate directly with caregivers.
• The MMMP will only speak directly with the patient. All written requests to release information must be signed and dated by the patient. The MMMP will not accept written or verbal requests for information from your caregiver or any other person without your permission.
• The Act neither protects marijuana plants from seizure nor individuals from prosecution if the federal government chooses to take action against patients or caregivers under the federal Controlled Substances Act.
If you have any questions about legal medical marijuana, Michigan medical marijuana state statutes, or the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program, please contact us at 248.932.6400 or email us at info@mmmcc.net.