MARIHUANA EST.; LOWER EMPLOYEE AGE S.B. 807:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 807 (as introduced 4-9-24)
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act to allow an individual who was 19 years old or older to work or volunteer for a marihuana establishment or tribal marihuana business if the individual were supervised by an agent of the establishment or business who was 21 years old or older.
Currently, the Act prohibits a marihuana establishment, including a marihuana grower, processor, secure transporter, safety compliance facility, retailer, microbusiness, or tribal marihuana business, from allowing an individual under the age of 21 to volunteer or work for the establishment. The bill would lower the minimum age to work or volunteer for a marihuana establishment from 21 to 19 years of age. It also would allow a person who was 19 years of age or older to manufacture, purchase, distribute, and sell marihuana accessories in the individual's capacity as an employee or volunteer.
An individual between the ages of 19 and 21 could work for a marihuana establishment only if the following conditions were met:
-- An agent of the marihuana establishment or tribal marihuana business who was 21 years of age or older was present at the marihuana establishment or tribal marihuana business while the person was volunteering or working.
-- An agent of the marihuana establishment or tribal marihuana business who was 21 years of age or older directly supervised the person while the person was volunteering or working.
Under the bill, neither a marihuana establishment nor a tribal marihuana business could allow a person younger than 19 years of age to volunteer or work for the marihuana establishment or tribal marihuana business. The bill would maintain current provisions prohibiting individuals under the age of 21 from using marihuana or cultivating marihuana plants in a personal capacity.
MCL 333.27954 et al.
BACKGROUND
Generally, the Act permits an individual 21 years of age or older to purchase, possess, use, transport, or process marihuana and marihuana accessories, with some limitations. For example, an individual regardless of age may not operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of marihuana.
An individual under the age of 21 caught possessing marihuana or cultivating marihuana plants is responsible for a civil infraction and may be punished as follows:
|
|
Age |
Punishment |
|
First violation |
Less than 18 years of age |
-- A fine of up to $100 or community service. -- Forfeiture of the marihuana. -- Completion of four hours of drug education. |
|
|
Between 18 and 21 |
-- A fine of up to $100. -- Forfeiture of the marihuana. |
|
Second violation |
Less than 18 years of age |
-- A fine of not more than $500 or community service. -- Forfeiture of the marihuana. -- Completion of eight hours of drug education or counseling. |
|
|
Between 18 and 21 |
-- A fine of up to $500. -- Forfeiture of the marihuana. |
PREVIOUS LEGISLATION
(This section does not provide a comprehensive account of previous legislative efforts on this subject matter.)
The bill is similar to House Bill 6061 of the 2021-2022 Legislative Session.
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would not have a significant fiscal impact on State or local government.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.