This article was originally published on the Marijuana Patients Organization site on November 17, 2014.
It has been over 5 years since the State of Michigan enacted one of the most liberal medical cannabis laws in the entire United States. The Michigan Medical Marihuana Act of 2008 allows its citizens to use marijuana without arrest, and it took the program a little further by providing the same protections for residents of other states while visiting Michigan.
Michigan is not alone. Arizona, Montana, Rhode Island, Delaware and Montana also maintain reciprocity within their state’s marijuana programs. It makes sense. When you drive your car through other states you are still able to drive. Every state has reciprocity for licensed drivers of other states. How goofy would it be if they did not?
Michigan has promoted its Pure Michigan campaign to attract visitors to the Great Lake State. While funding for advertising with the Pure Michigan campaign has decreased during the tenure of Michigan’s marijuana law, tourism to Michigan has grown. Could this be a result of liberal marijuana laws? It should be noted that all states with reciprocity have experienced increased tourism.
A recent survey posted by the Dispensary Association, an organization of dispensary and caregiving outfits in Michigan claim that in 2013, out-of-state patients represented 1.4% of all patients assisted. This is in contrast to .2% in 2012.
Sources: http://www.michigan.org/lib/files/Industry/Industry_Research/2014%20Tourism%20Conf%20PDF.pdf
https://www.ustravel.org/