Michigan NORML is taking a different approach to candidate recommendations in the 2026 elections, reflecting growing concerns about the bipartisan willingness to compromise sensible cannabis policy, individual rights, and the framework Michigan voters approved in 2018.

 

The passage of Michigan's new 24% wholesale cannabis tax is a particularly troubling example. The tax originated with Governor Whitmer's road funding proposal and ultimately became part of a bipartisan budget agreement. Despite significant opposition and warnings about its economic and constitutional implications, lawmakers from both parties approved a substantial new tax on an already struggling regulated market.

 

The tax was enacted through a separate statute rather than an amendment to the voter approved Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA). Whether this approach unlawfully undermines the initiative's purposes has been challenged in court. Regardless of the outcome, we believe it represents a serious departure from the framework voters approved.

 

Our concerns extend beyond taxation. Additional proposals would restrict cannabis business licenses, impose new financial requirements, and increase exposure to criminal penalties. Notably, the nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency warned that a proposed retailer license cap could create regional monopolies or oligopolies, restrict new businesses, and reduce local government revenue.

 

These developments raise broader concerns about respecting cannabis consumers, patients, independent businesses, and the voters who established Michigan's legal cannabis system.

 

Cannabis policy should not become a convenient bargaining chip during negotiations over unrelated priorities. Nor should either political party shift responsibility to the other when the legislative record demonstrates shared responsibility.

 

Accordingly, Michigan NORML will not recommend candidates who voted for the 24% wholesale cannabis tax, regardless of party affiliation or previous support for cannabis reform. We appreciate the contributions of lawmakers who have supported our efforts, but meaningful accountability requires consistent standards.

 

Michigan NORML remains nonpartisan and will recommend only candidates who have demonstrated meaningful, reliable support for sensible cannabis policy, individual rights, and the principles of MRTMA. Party affiliation, political relationships, past goodwill, and campaign promises of future support cannot substitute for demonstrated commitment and accountability.

 

Michigan voters approved legalization to move beyond prohibition and establish a rational, regulated system. Our responsibility is to protect that progress and encourage lawmakers from both parties to respect and build upon what voters approved.

Michigan NORML is taking a different approach to candidate recommendations in the 2026 elections, reflecting growing concerns about the bipartisan willingness to compromise sensible cannabis policy, individual rights, and the framework Michigan voters approved in 2018.

 

The passage of Michigan's new 24% wholesale cannabis tax is a particularly troubling example. The tax originated with Governor Whitmer's road funding proposal and ultimately became part of a bipartisan budget agreement. Despite significant opposition and warnings about its economic and constitutional implications, lawmakers from both parties approved a substantial new tax on an already struggling regulated market.

 

The tax was enacted through a separate statute rather than an amendment to the voter approved Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA). Whether this approach unlawfully undermines the initiative's purposes has been challenged in court. Regardless of the outcome, we believe it represents a serious departure from the framework voters approved.

 

Our concerns extend beyond taxation. Additional proposals would restrict cannabis business licenses, impose new financial requirements, and increase exposure to criminal penalties. Notably, the nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency warned that a proposed retailer license cap could create regional monopolies or oligopolies, restrict new businesses, and reduce local government revenue.

 

These developments raise broader concerns about respecting cannabis consumers, patients, independent businesses, and the voters who established Michigan's legal cannabis system.

 

Cannabis policy should not become a convenient bargaining chip during negotiations over unrelated priorities. Nor should either political party shift responsibility to the other when the legislative record demonstrates shared responsibility.

 

Accordingly, Michigan NORML will not recommend candidates who voted for the 24% wholesale cannabis tax, regardless of party affiliation or previous support for cannabis reform. We appreciate the contributions of lawmakers who have supported our efforts, but meaningful accountability requires consistent standards.

 

Michigan NORML remains nonpartisan and will recommend only candidates who have demonstrated meaningful, reliable support for sensible cannabis policy, individual rights, and the principles of MRTMA. Party affiliation, political relationships, past goodwill, and campaign promises of future support cannot substitute for demonstrated commitment and accountability.

 

Michigan voters approved legalization to move beyond prohibition and establish a rational, regulated system. Our responsibility is to protect that progress and encourage lawmakers from both parties to respect and build upon what voters approved.