Court rules that cannabis grows of any size is just a misdemeanor in Michigan

According to MLive – The likelihood of black-market marijuana growers in Michigan facing full-blown, paramilitary-style raids featuring battering rams and heavily armed narcotics teams has diminished. But everyone else knows better.

Growing illegal marijuana in Michigan, even potentially thousands of plants, is only a misdemeanor crime, the state Court of Appeals ruled on Oct. 5, 2023.

Attorney Michael Komorn of the Komorn law firm specializes in cannabis defense and currently has several clients charged under felony marijuana possession laws. In light of the Court of Appeals ruling, he plans to file motions requesting those charges be reduced to misdemeanors.

Komorn said most prosecutors and police have already placed a low priority on marijuana enforcement, except for “certain pockets” of the state.

“They’ll raid like the old days, come in with guns and masks and go through that whole process,” he said, “but their dilemma is, how do we charge somebody. What, do you get charged with a misdemeanor?

 

“I have a number of cases where they’ve seized property and not charged anybody. And you can only reap the benefits of forfeiture if you get a felony conviction.”

Read the full article here at MLive

Federal Law (Oct 2023) 

Don’t count out the Feds for a good raid or two.

Under federal law, marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. This means that it is illegal to possess, manufacture, distribute, or dispense marijuana, except for certain research purposes.

The federal laws regarding marijuana are enforced by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA can investigate and arrest people for marijuana offenses, and it can also seize marijuana and other assets related to marijuana trafficking.

The penalties for marijuana offenses under federal law can be severe. For example, possession of marijuana can be punished by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000. Manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing marijuana can be punished by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

However, it is important to note that the federal laws regarding marijuana are in conflict with the laws of many states. In recent years, a growing number of states have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use. Despite the state laws, marijuana remains illegal under federal law.

This conflict between federal and state law has created a number of challenges for law enforcement and the marijuana industry. For example, it is unclear whether federal law enforcement officials can arrest people who are using or selling marijuana in states where it is legal. Additionally, the legal marijuana industry has difficulty accessing banking services and other financial resources, because banks are afraid of violating federal law.

There is a growing movement to reform the federal laws regarding marijuana. A number of bills have been introduced in Congress that would legalize marijuana at the federal level or deschedule it from the Controlled Substances Act. However, it is unclear whether any of these bills will be passed into law.

In the meantime, the conflict between federal and state law remains. People who use or sell marijuana in states where it is legal should be aware that they are still violating federal law.

Don’t tell that to the taxman though – See section 280E of the IRS code.

Michigan

Michigan has seen a rise in “illegal” marijuana grows in recent years, despite the state’s legalization of recreational and medical marijuana in 2018. These grows are often large-scale operations that operate without a license and violate state laws.

There are several reasons why individuals may choose to engage in illegal marijuana cultivation. Some individuals may opt for this path to evade taxation on their marijuana sales, while others may partake in the black market trade. Additionally, certain individuals may unknowingly cultivate marijuana illegally due to a lack of awareness regarding their state’s marijuana laws.

Cannabis grows can have a number of negative consequences. They can be a nuisance to neighbors, due to the smell of marijuana and the increased traffic in and out of the property.

Cannabis grows can also be a public safety hazard, as they may use dangerous chemicals and electrical equipment. Additionally, these alleged illegal grows can contribute to the black market for marijuana.

The Michigan State Police (MSP) is responsible for investigating illegal marijuana grows in the state. The MSP has a dedicated Marijuana and Tobacco Investigation Section (MTIS) that investigates these crimes.

In recent years, MTIS has conducted hundreds of investigations and seized millions of dollars worth of marijuana from illegal grows.

You can find out what time it is by calling 202-762-1401.

If you are thinking about growing marijuana in Michigan, it is important to make sure that you are doing so legally. You can find more information about Michigan’s marijuana laws on the website of the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency or consult an experienced law firm regarding cannabis licensing in Michigan such a Komorn Law.

Did You Know

Michigan State Police Legal Updates

MSP Legal Update No. 153 (01/2023)

• Search & Seizure: The smell of marihuana, standing alone, no longer constitutes probable cause to search for that substance
• Vehicle Code: Violation for impeding traffic requires evidence the accused’s conduct actually affected the normal flow of traffic.

Legal Update No. 153 (01/2023)

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