Guide to Legally and Safely Transporting Marijuana in Michigan
- JK Logix
- Aug 23, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 22
Welcome back for part two of the Transporing Marijuana series! In this series, our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to transport weed legally in Michigan.
In our second post, we will highlight the important things to know about the Secure Transportation of Marijuana in Michigan. In our first post, we went over everything you should know about how to transport weed legally in your personal vehicle. But did you know there's a whole other set of Michigan marijuana laws from where it's grown to where you buy it? If you didn't, then you're in the right place!
Once again, if you're a visual learner, then head to the end of this post where you can find an infographic that provides a visual overview of the information in this post. Hope you like it!
What Is Secure Transportation in Michigan?
Secure Transportation in Michigan is the formal process of moving marijuana products from where they are grown to locations where they will eventually be sold. All providers of secure transport vehicle services are licensed through the State of Michigan and must abide by all rules and regulations overseen by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency.
What are the rules for a secure transportation vehicle?
All vehicles used for transporting marijuana products must be reported to Michigan’s Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) as secure transport vehicles.
Marijuana transportation must be free of any markings that identify them as containing cash or marijuana products.
According to Michigan armored transport regulations, Marijuana and cash must be transported in separate, secured containers that cannot be accessed during transport. So, marijuana products cannot be in the same case as cash.
What are the rules for secure transport drivers?
All drivers of secure transportation vehicles must possess a state-issued chauffeur’s license. When driving with marijuana, strict adherence to safety and compliance regulations is essential.
All shipments must be made by at least two people. One person must remain with the transport vehicle at all times during the journey.
Drivers cannot have been convicted of a felony or have been convicted of a misdemeanor related to a controlled substance within the past five years.
What are the regulations for Michigan marijuana transportation providers?
Business Location
A secure transporter’s facility must be located in a municipality that has opted in to the Medical Marijuana Facility Licensing Act (MMFLA).
Insurance
Secure transportation providers must have general liability and product liability insurance. They must also hold commercial automobile coverage on any vehicle used for transporting marijuana.
No Other Marijuana Interests
Secure transportation providers must not have any other involvement in other parts of the marijuana industry. For example, they cannot sell marijuana products.
What Are The Rules For The Secure Transport Process?
Timeline
A secure transporter can maintain custody of marijuana products for no more than 96 hours. Additional time must be approved by LARA on a case-by-case basis.
Route Requirements
All shipments are required to have route plans and manifests, which must be entered into METRC, the statewide monitoring system.
Secure transporters must follow the manifest for every cannabis transportation trip. If any change is required, the transporter must notify all relevant parties, update the manifest, and enter the revised details into the state monitoring system.
During marijuana transportation, drivers are required to carry a copy of the manifest at all times. Law enforcement officers may stop vehicles along the route to inspect documents and verify compliance.
In Michigan cannabis logistics, keeping the manifest accurate and up to date is more than just good practice — it’s a legal requirement that ensures transparency and accountability.
Businesses that transport cannabis must also ensure their drivers are properly licensed and meet all background requirements set by the state.
Following Michigan armored transport regulations not only protects the cargo but also safeguards drivers and the businesses they represent.
Check out the infographic below and share it with your friends!
And as always, stay safe out there and remember that this information is not legal advice but is for educational purposes only.
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