Navigating Michigan’s Cannabis Growing Laws: What Home Growers Need to Know

Michigan has become a cannabis-friendly state, but there are still rules and regulations every home grower must follow to stay within the law. Whether you’re new to cultivating your own cannabis or just want to ensure you’re compliant, here’s what you need to know about growing cannabis at home in Michigan.

Michigan Law: Who Can Grow Cannabis?

Under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act (MRTMA), adults 21 years and older can grow cannabis for personal use. Medical cannabis patients and caregivers also have separate protections under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act (MMMA), which can slightly differ.

How Many Plants Can You Grow?

Here's the plant limit for home growers under MRTMA:

• Up to 12 cannabis plants per household
• This means that even if you have multiple adults over 21 in your home, the total cannot exceed 12 plants
• These plants must be for personal use only - not for selling or sharing outside the household

Household Limit

• The 12-plant limit applies to the entire household, not to each adult.
• For example, if 2 adults live together, they still share the same 12-plant limit.

Outdoor Cultivation Rules

Michigan allows outdoor cannabis cultivation, but there are strict guidelines:

• Plants must be grown in an enclosed, secure area.
• Not visible to the public without binoculars, aircraft, or other optical aids.
• Fences, greenhouses, or locked structures are common solutions to meet these requirements.
• Outdoor plants must not be accessible to minors.

Selling Your Cannabis

Under current Michigan law:
🚫 You cannot sell cannabis grown at home.
✅ You can share up to 2.5 ounces with another adult (21+) without payment.

Commercial sales require a licensed facility.

Public Possession Limit

Even though you can grow your own cannabis, there are limits on what you can carry in public:

• Up to 2.5 ounces of usable cannabis
• Up to 15 grams of cannabis concentrate (extract, oils)

At home, you can possess up to 10 ounces of cannabis flower beyond what's produced by your plants.

Storing Cannabis at Home

When storing your homegrown cannabis:

• Keep it secure and out of reach of minors
• If you have more than 2.5 ounces in your residence, it must be stored in a locked container

Additional Tips for Compliance

⛔ No cannabis use or cultivation on federally owned property (like national parks or federally subsidized housing).

⛔ Be mindful of local ordinances - some cities and townships have stricter rules for cannabis cultivation.

✅ Stay up to date with state laws - they can change, so check Michigan's cannabis regulatory resources regularly.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

Issue: Plant visible from street

• Cause: Not using fencing or greenhouse
• Fix: Build a privacy fence or greenhouse

Issue: Over the plant limit

• Cause: Not counting all plants in household
• Fix: Track your plant numbers carefully

Issue: Possession limit confusion

• Cause: Mixing homegrown and purchased cannabis
• Fix: Keep records and store separately if needed

Issue: Local ordinance violations

• Cause: Not knowing local rules
• Fix: Check with city/township for specific ordinances

Michigan makes it relatively easy for adults to grow their own cannabis — up to 12 plants per household, with rules about visibility, security, and possession limits. Avoid trouble by sticking to the guidelines, ensuring your plants are out of sight, and keeping everything secure.

At HomeGrow Helpline, we’re your go-to source for cannabis cultivation insights. From seed to harvest, we’re here to help you grow confidently, safely, and in compliance with Michigan’s laws. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grower, check out our tips and product recommendations to make your grow the best it can be! Happy growing!