Michigan has become the first state in the Midwest to legalize marijuana for recreational use starting this Thursday, but no dispensaries are open yet.
About 56% of voters in the Mitten State cast their ballots in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana last month.
Now, state lawmakers need to create new regulations and a process for businesses to obtain licenses to sell the drug before any sales are made, which could take months.
Ron Plemel, who manages the S&K Smoke Shop in Menominee, Michigan says that the shop has been fielding calls from would-be marijuana buyers since it was legalized.
“A lot of calls, asking if we’re going to be selling it, which is a no,” he said. “I think any smoke shop or tobacco outlet, anything like that who sells any kind of recreational, usable tools, I believe they’re all getting calls.”
In the meantime, it is now legal for Michigan residents to “gift” each other marijuana for free, but not sell it to each other.
Adults ages 21 or older may possess or transport no more than 2.5 ounces of marijuana at a time. Residents can also grow up to 12 marijuana plants on their private property.
Marijuana still can’t be smoked or used in public places in Michigan.
Michigan is just a drive or ferry ride away for Wisconsinites, but Badger State residents should know it is illegal to transport it across states lines.
