Throughout the U.S and around the globe marijuana is becoming legalized at a rapid rate for medicinal- and in some state’s recreational purposes. If you are thinking about transporting marijuana, it is important to understand the Ins and Outs of the industry so that you have a thorough understanding of what is Legal and what is Illegal.
Remember, marijuana is still illegal under federal law.
What does this mean?
While this may be confusing if
your’ state has legalized marijuana medicinally or recreationally, this means
that transporting marijuana across state lines make it a federal affair and can
put any alleged crime out of the hands of your local state authorities and into
the Feds hands.
Michigan State Laws on Transporting Marijuana
When transporting marijuana as a business, you are required to be legally licensed not only by the state, but also on a local level. There are specific transfer and transport requirements of which you must abide by – to ensure you are within the legal parameters of the law and do not subject yourself to prosecution.
In Michigan if you are transporting marijuana as a business, you are required to have a secure transporter license. Michigan Law: 333.27503 – Secure transporter license.
Michigan Law states that If your primary place of business for your secure transportation business is in a municipality that has adopted an ordinance under section 205 which authorizes the marijuana facility, the secure transportation business is able to travel through any municipality in Michigan while transporting marijuana.
In Michigan, a secure transportation business that will be transporting marijuana is required to have at least 2 people in the vehicle when transporting marijuana within the state. You must also abide by state law by ensuring that at least 1 individual remains in the vehicle at all-times during the transportation route.
A secure transportation business that will be transporting
marijuana is also required to submit a route plan and manifest to the statewide
monitoring system, prior to embarking in the route, in addition to keeping a
copy of the route plan readily available to present to law enforcement.
Federal Laws on Transporting Marijuana
The transportation of marijuana is very highly and meticulously regulated in multiple aspects. With marijuana still being illegal under federal law, if you transport marijuana across state lines – you could be criminally prosecuted under federal law. You can always refer to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) website for the most up to date information regarding associated penalties for trafficking or transporting marijuana across state lines.
**Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be legally binding nor a form of legal advice. If you plan to transport marijuana as a business, we strongly recommend that you first seek advice from a qualified attorney or a legal representative in your state to ensure you are abiding by all state and local laws.
