A coalition of Michigan’s leading cannabis advocacy groups will gather at the Capitol on Thursday, July 17 to oppose House Bill 4391, which would authorize roadside saliva testing for cannabis and other controlled substances. The coalition will also raise
strong concerns about the Governor’s proposed wholesale cannabis tax.
The coalition includes Michigan NORML, Americans for Safe Access – Michigan, Michigan Weedsters, and the Democratic and Republican Cannabis Caucuses of Michigan. If passed, HB4391 would make Michigan only the third state—alongside Alabama and Indiana, neither of which allow adult-use cannabis—to implement roadside saliva testing.
Advocates warn the tests are scienti[ically unreliable, do not measure impairment, and raise constitutional concerns due to warrantless collection of DNA-containing saliva.
“This bill represents a step backward for Michigan,” said Ryan Bringold of the Michigan Weedsters. “Saliva tests don’t measure impairment—they only detect presence. That could lead to wrongful arrests of drivers who’ve used cannabis legally and responsibly.”
“Michigan already invested years and substantial public resources to study this issue, and
the state’s own commission found no reliable way to link cannabis use to impaired driving,”
said Amie Carter President of Michigan Weedsters. “The House is reviving a policy we
already rejected. The Senate has a chance to set it right.”
While the coalition supports practical, evidence-based traf[ic safety measures, HB4391 fails that standard and could lead to pro[iling, invasive searches, and unfair consequences. The same coalition also voiced strong opposition to the Governor’s proposed wholesale tax increase, warning it would hurt small businesses, destabilize the regulated market, and
undermine the intent of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA).
They note that a policy of this magnitude may also require a supermajority vote in the Legislature, raising serious legal questions.
“This isn’t reform—it’s regression,” said Jamie Lowell, Executive Director of Michigan NORML. “You can’t stabilize a market by adding burdens and calling it balance. Between the proposed wholesale tax, the misguided talk of a license moratorium, and this scienti[ically unsupported roadside testing scheme, we’re seeing a rush to impose controls that voters never asked for and that serve no clear public safety need.”
This coalition represents voters, patients, and professionals who helped shape Michigan’s cannabis laws—and who are now working to defend them from misguided rollbacks.
When: Thursday, July 17, 2025 — Meet at 9:00 AM
Where: Binsfeld Of[ice Building, 201 Townsend Street, Lansing, MI
Participants will meet with state senators to advocate for thoughtful, rights-respecting
public safety policy. All concerned citizens are encouraged to attend.
