Wednesday, May 3, 2023 9:00 AM at Traverse City Tourism

In 2018, Michigan voters approved legal cannabis for recreational use, and Michigan’s cannabis industry has grown exponentially since then. It is legal to use cannabis in the Traverse City area for a limited time (details below). There are several licensed dispensaries where you can buy marijuana; however, smoking marijuana in public is illegal and you may not drive under the influence of marijuana.
Whether you know it by marijuana, pot, or another name, before using marijuana, it’s important to understand some of the medicinal and recreational uses – what’s legal and what’s safe in the area.
Keeping it Safe and Legal
If you’re thinking about using cannabis in the Traverse City area, it’s important to know the rules and regulations. In Michigan:
- It is legal for adults (21 and older) to have up to 2.5 oz. and recreational cannabis use. Additionally, medical marijuana users are subject to the same rules and regulations that are used for recreational use in terms of location and legal use.
- You can buy cannabis from licensed dispensaries. Medical dispensaries are allowed to sell a variety of products from recreational facilities, and several businesses offer both types at the same time.
- You cannot smoke marijuana in public, including in a car on a Michigan highway or on a boat on a Michigan waterway. In Michigan, smoking (including cannabis) is prohibited in restaurants, hotels, and other public buildings.
- Police can arrest people suspected of driving marijuana and can issue a citation or ticket if they suspect or see someone using it in public.
- It is illegal to use marijuana in parks, beaches, and other trails in the area, including anywhere within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Please check the rules before your trip to be safe!
- You can use cannabis on private property as long as you have permission from the resident, landlord, and property owner. Visitors can also seek out Designated Cannabis Use Areas where they are allowed to participate.
- You cannot give cannabis to anyone under the age of 21.
As mentioned above, many places prohibit the use of marijuana and it is important to make sure that you are not breaking the law; plan ahead to be safe, legally. It is also important to be aware of the rules of your chosen accommodation; many accommodations have specific rules and do not allow smoking or possession of controlled substances on the premises.
Anyone who uses or carries cannabis must respect the law, the world, and those around you. For example, if you are around children, it is important to make sure that you store your marijuana properly. Individuals cannot sell or supply cannabis to anyone under the age of 21.
It is important to note that the use of marijuana is still illegal under federal law. This means that you can face criminal charges if you are caught using or possessing marijuana in Michigan, and you must not use marijuana in any state-controlled area such as the airport or Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
You should also talk to your doctor or other medical professional to learn more about the risks and benefits of using marijuana.
Cannabis site
The Cannabis Regulatory Agency of Michigan maintains a map of legal cannabis use areas in our state and throughout the state. These companies continue to evolve in our community and each location can offer different products. Others focus on giving back to the community, caring for visitors, or preserving and protecting our environment.
Traveling with Cannabis
Under federal law, cannabis remains illegal as a controlled substance, and carries severe penalties for possession and use. Airports are considered federal property and therefore subject to federal law; you can be charged with possession or use of marijuana in any US airport including Cherry Capital Airport.
Although you can drive within Michigan with marijuana — as long as it’s kept in a sealed container or in the trunk of a vehicle — it’s a federal crime to transport marijuana across state lines.
You can find more information about specific laws and regulations that may affect your trip here: