This week, the Michigan House of Representatives passed the three bill package regulating Medical Marihuana.  A few changes were made on the House floor to gain the necessary votes to pass the package.

One of those changes is the annual registration fee cap a local can charge to assist in covering the additional costs to the community for having that type of activity within the community was increased from $1,000 to $5,000.

Additionally, the 8% excise tax that was in place as the bills passed out of committee was lowered to 3% with the distribution percentages changing (45% to counties and sheriffs, 30% to locals, and 25$ to the state).  Language was also added in stating if marihuana becomes legalized at some point in the future, the 3% excise tax will be eliminated on the medical marihuana.

The bills now move onto the Senate for additional work as it moves through the process.

Nikki is a legislative associate for the League handling economic development, land use, and municipal services issues.  She can be reached at nbrown@mml.org or 517-908-0305.