Michigan Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing Laws

By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed October 29, 2024

Legally Reviewed

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.

Fact-Checked

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.

In Michigan, the unlawful cultivation, creation, or manufacture of controlled substances is a felony. A felony can bring severe penalties. Depending on the amount of drugs involved, the offender could face up to life in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.

Although the Michigan legislature legalized marijuana for personal use, state law prohibits people from growing cannabis plants with the intent to sell or otherwise distribute it. The table below provides an overview of Michigan’s drug cultivation and manufacturing laws. For more information, follow the links in the table and the list following it.

Michigan Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing Code Statutes	Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 333, Public Health Code MCL § 333.7401 (Manufacturing a controlled substance) MCL § 333.7401c (Possession of drug paraphernalia) MCL § 333.7402 (Counterfeit controlled substances manufacturing)
Michigan Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing Offenses	Unless authorized by law, it’s illegal for a person to create or manufacture the following: A controlled substance A controlled substance analog A prescription form
Michigan Drug Manufacturing Crimes and Penalties	A person violates MCL § 333.7401 if they create, manufacture, or possess with the intent to manufacture, create, or deliver a controlled substance, a prescription form, or a counterfeit prescription form. If the substance was a Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 narcotic drug in the following amounts, they are guilty of a felony and face the following penalties: 1,000 or more grams: Up to life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1,000,000 Between 450 and 1,000 grams: Up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 Between 50 and 450 grams: Up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 Under 50 grams: Up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 Ecstasy, MDMA, or methamphetamine: Up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 If the substance was any other Schedule 1, 2, or 3 drug except marijuana or synthetic marijuana: Up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 If the substance was a Schedule 4 drug: Up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000 Marijuana (marihuana or cannabis): Over 45 kilograms or over 200 marijuana plants: Up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000 Between five to 45 kilograms or between 20 plants to 200 plants: Up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 Less than five kilograms or fewer than 20 plants: Up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000 If the substance was a Schedule V drug: Up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000 Creating a prescription form or counterfeit prescription form: Up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000

Michigan Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing Code Statutes

Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 333, Public Health Code

MCL § 333.7401 (Manufacturing a controlled substance)
MCL § 333.7401c (Possession of drug paraphernalia)
MCL § 333.7402 (Counterfeit controlled substances manufacturing)

Michigan Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing Offenses

Unless authorized by law, it’s illegal for a person to create or manufacture the following:

A controlled substance
A controlled substance analog
A prescription form

Michigan Drug Manufacturing Crimes and Penalties

A person violates MCL § 333.7401 if they create, manufacture, or possess with the intent to manufacture, create, or deliver a controlled substance, a prescription form, or a counterfeit prescription form.

If the substance was a Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 narcotic drug in the following amounts, they are guilty of a felony and face the following penalties:

1,000 or more grams: Up to life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1,000,000
Between 450 and 1,000 grams: Up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000
Between 50 and 450 grams: Up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000
Under 50 grams: Up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000

Ecstasy, MDMA, or methamphetamine:

Up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000

If the substance was any other Schedule 1, 2, or 3 drug except marijuana or synthetic marijuana:

Up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000

If the substance was a Schedule 4 drug:

Up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000

Marijuana (marihuana or cannabis):

Over 45 kilograms or over 200 marijuana plants: Up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000
Between five to 45 kilograms or between 20 plants to 200 plants: Up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000
Less than five kilograms or fewer than 20 plants: Up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000

If the substance was a Schedule V drug:

Up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000

Creating a prescription form or counterfeit prescription form:

Up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000

Note: Michigan state laws are subject to change through new legislation and other means. Consult a Michigan drug crime attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify current state laws.

Michigan Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing Laws: Related Resources

For more information about Michigan’s laws and drug possession laws, visit the links below:

Visit FindLaw’s State Codes section for more information about other states’ drug laws.

Facing Drug Cultivation or Manufacturing Charges in Michigan? Speak With an Attorney

If the state of Michigan’s law enforcement has charged you with a drug manufacturing charge, you could face severe criminal penalties. Contact a Michigan criminal defense attorney for legal representation and advice against serious criminal charges. They can provide helpful information about the following:

How a prior conviction regarding illegal drugs could affect a potential prison sentence
The range of penalties you may face for misdemeanor or felony charges, including jail time, fines, and the loss of your driver’s license
Specific defense strategies for drug possession charges, including whether you were authorized to possess medical marijuana

A conviction for a drug crime under Michigan law often imposes severe penalties. Contact a Michigan criminal defense lawyer to ensure the best possible outcome in your case.

Was this helpful?

Why was this helpful?

Easy to understand

Solved my problem

Other

Why was this not helpful?

Missing the information I need

Too complicated / too many steps

Out of date

Other

Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties

Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Michigan attorneys offer free consultations.

If you need an attorney, find one right now.

Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life

Enter your email address to subscribe

Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.

Helpful Links

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

Or contact an attorney near you:

Next Steps

Contact a qualified attorney to help you navigate the challenges presented by litigation.

Enter information. (Required)

Find a Qualified Attorney Near You