Is it legal to smoke weed in public in Michigan? It’s legal to use marijuana recreationally in Michigan — as long as you’re at least 21 years old.
But, despite what you may see and smell when you’re out and about, Michigan law says it’s illegal to smoke pot in public places. In fact, it’s illegal to consume pot in any form, including edibles, in public. That means no parks, no parking lots, no concert venues, no sporting events, no sidewalks or street corners, schools or playgrounds, no place besides a licensed consumption site or the privacy of your own home.
But, even then, it’s complicated.
If you rent, your ability to smoke pot at home is at the discretion of your landlord, just like keeping pets or painting the walls in your apartment. One thing landlords cannot do is prevent your from consuming gummies or edibles where you live. So there’s that.
Now, say you invite your friends over to light up on the front porch or back patio of the home you own. If you’re visible to the public, you’re breaking the law. Even if you’re on private property, you can’t consume marijuana in public view. “If there’s kids walking around or you’ve got nosy neighbors, you can get in trouble,” Morse said. Also, if you’re growing your own, it can’t be visible from a public place by the naked eye or outside an enclosed area that restricts access.
The fine for public consumption of pot is $100, according to NORML, the National Organization for the Relaxation of Marijuana Laws.
Another thing you can’t do — drive under the influence of marijuana. (And even if you’re only a passenger, you can’t smoke weed in a car, either.) Penalties for driving under the influence include up to 93 days in jail, a $500 fine and license suspension.
Read more at Detroit Free Press.
