Michigan Drug Distribution Laws

By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed October 30, 2024

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The state of Michigan imposes drug charges for the unlawful distribution of controlled substances. Most drug crimes involving distribution result in felony charges, leading to years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. The severity of the crime will often depend on the quantity of drugs involved.

Michigan classifies controlled substances into five different schedules. These include prescription drugs used in an illegal manner. The schedules are:

  • Schedule 1(I): Drugs with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use (heroin, LSD, and peyote)
  • Schedule 2 (II): Drugs with a high potential for abuse and dependence but possess some accepted medical uses (methamphetamine, codeine, and oxycodone)
  • Schedule 3 (III): Drugs with a lower potential for abuse and dependence relative to Schedule 1 and 2 controlled substances that have accepted medical uses in the United States (ketamine, anabolic steroids)
  • Schedule 4 (IV): Drugs with a lower potential for abuse and dependence relative to Schedule 3 drugs that have accepted medical uses in the United States (Valium and Xanax)
  • Schedule 5 (V): Drugs with negligible potential for abuse and dependence that have accepted medical uses in the United States (cough syrups with codeine)

The chart below provides a summary of laws related to Michigan's drug trafficking and distribution laws. Follow the links in the table for more information.

Michigan Drug Distribution Code Statutes

Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL), Chapter 333, Public Health Code, Article 7

  • MCL § 333.7401 (possession with intent to manufacture or deliver)
  • MCL § 333.7407 (distribution)
  • MCL § 333.7412 (controlled substances schedules)
  • MCL § 333.7413 (penalties)

Michigan Drug Distribution Crimes and Penalties

Anyone who delivers or possesses a controlled substance with the intent to deliver it is guilty of a felony. They face the following penalties based on the amount and type of drug possessed:

  • 1000 or more grams of a Schedule I or Schedule II narcotic drug: Up to a life sentence and a fine of up to $1,000,000
  • Between 450 to 1,000 grams of a Schedule I or Schedule II narcotic drug: Up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000
  • Between 50 to 450 grams of a Schedule I or Schedule II narcotic drug: Up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000
  • Under 50 grams of a Schedule I or Schedule II narcotic drug: Up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000
  • If a person over the age of 18 delivered less than 50 grams of a Schedule I or Schedule II narcotic drug to someone who is under 18 years old and is at least three years younger than the deliverer: Up to 40 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $50,000 (MCL § 333.7410(1))
  • The delivery or distribution of less than 50 grams of a Schedule I or Schedule II narcotic drug to another person on or within 1,000 feet of a school or library: Between two to 60 years in prison and a fine of up to $75,000
  • Ecstasy, MDMA, or methamphetamine distribution: Up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000
  • An offense involving any other Schedule I, Schedule II, or Schedule III substance except marijuana not listed above: Up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
  • An offense involved a Schedule IV controlled substance: Up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000
  • Marijuana penalties (depending on the amount involved): Between four years to life imprisonment and a fine between $20,000 to $10,000,000
  • An offense involving a Schedule V controlled substance: Up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000

Misdemeanor:

  • If someone distributes marijuana without receiving remuneration and without trying to further commercial distribution, they are guilty of a misdemeanor. Offenders face up to one year of jail time and a fine of up to $1,000

Related Drug Distribution Offense

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

Michigan Drug Laws: Related Resources

Browse the following links for more information about Michigan law and drug possession laws:

Visit FindLaw's State Codes section for more information about how other states criminalize drug offenses.

Facing Drug Distribution Charges in Michigan? Contact a Michigan Attorney

If law enforcement charges you with a crime involving the distribution of illegal drugs, you could face severe penalties. These include jail time and substantial fines. Contact a Michigan criminal defense attorney for legal help with your criminal case. Let a criminal defense lawyer examine your case and craft a defense strategy for your best possible outcome.

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