Michigan Lawmakers Propose New Crimes for Illegal Cannabis Cultivation, Delivery, and Processing

A pair of Michigan bills aims to create new criminal penalties for cultivating, delivering, or processing cannabis illegally, and changing the concentrate possession limits for individuals. 

Under HB 5105, people convicted of manufacturing between 10 kilograms and 25 kilograms of cannabis, or between 50 and 100 plants, or between one kilogram and 25 kilograms of concentrate could face a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to $20,000, or both, according to the bill summary.  

As the weights and plant counts increase, so do the charges. 

If the amount is 25 kilograms or more but less than 125 kilograms, or 100 plants or more but fewer than 500 plants, or 2.5 kilograms or more but less than 12.5 kilograms of concentrates, it would be a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to $500,000, or both. 

If the amount is 125 kilograms or more but less than 250 kilograms, or 500 plants or more but fewer than 1,000 plants, or 12.5 kilograms or more but less than 25 kilograms of concentrates, a felony could be charged, punishable by imprisonment for up to four years or a fine of up to $2 million, or both. 

If the amount is 250 kilograms or more, or 1,000 plants or more, or 25 kilograms or more of concentrate, it would be a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of up to $10 million, or both. 

HB 5107 would not change the 12-plant home grow limits or the 10-ounce personal possession limits, but it would add a 200-gram limit for concentrate possession. The proposal would make violations of the law a misdemeanor but would not require imprisonment unless the violation involved violence or was “habitual, willful, and for a commercial purpose,” according to the bill summary.   

Both bills were referred to the House Committee on Regulatory Reform.