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Marijuana Possession

Our Ann Arbor Attorneys for Defense of Marijuana Possession Charges

25+ Years of Michigan Criminal Defense: To Us, It's Personal

Have you been arrested for running a grow operation in southeast Michigan?

Have you been charged with OWPD — operating a motor vehicle with the presence of drugs in your system?

Are you a college student who has been accused of smoking marijuana at a party?

Have you been charged with a drug crime even though you validly possess a Medical Marijuana card?

Have you been charged with obtaining a controlled substance by invalid or forged prescription?

When facing criminal charges of narcotic possession, OWPD, marijuana cultivation, possession or distribution, criminal defense attorneys in Ann Arbor at Geherin Law Group are your best defense. We have helped thousands of clients, in thousands of cases, during our decades of criminal trial experience in Washtenaw County and throughout Southeast Michigan.

GLG is dedicated to excellence in criminal defense — not just in concept, but in practice. Our high-quality, high-tech investigative resources get to the heart of the charges our clients face. We thoroughly scrutinize our clients' arrests for any sign of questionable police procedures that may have violated their rights. These could include: illegal search and seizure, a coerced confession, or entrapment or asset forfeiture, just to name just a few.

The Complex Landscape of Marijuana Laws in Michigan

Although Michigan has legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 and over, that doesn’t mean marijuana-related charges are a thing of the past. In fact, many people are still charged with possession, distribution, or operating while impaired by marijuana. There are also strict regulations for medical marijuana users, caregivers, and those involved in cultivation or transportation. Violations—even accidental ones—can still result in criminal charges.

Possessing marijuana in excess of legal limits, selling or distributing without a license, driving under the influence of THC, or improperly storing cannabis can still carry serious consequences. Federal law continues to classify marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance, which means federal charges are still possible in certain cases, specifically when activities involve crossing state lines or large quantities of product.

What a Marijuana Charge Can Mean for You

Even in the post-legalization era, marijuana offenses can have lasting impacts on your life. A criminal conviction may lead to:

  • Jail or prison time
  • Expensive fines and court costs
  • Probation with regular drug testing
  • A permanent criminal record
  • Loss of your driver’s license
  • Ineligibility for federal student loans or housing
  • Damaged employment or academic opportunities

That’s why having an experienced marijuana criminal defense attorney by your side from the beginning is essential. We know how to challenge unlawful searches, investigate medical marijuana defenses, and explore every legal option for reducing or dismissing charges.

Contact GLG for aggressive protection of your rights against any narcotics offense charge or marijuana-related crime, call or e-mail 24 hours. Our 24-hour answering service allows us to respond to you promptly and when you need us most.

Our Criminal Defense Team: Experienced, Accomplished, Committed to You

Speak with GLG's criminal defense team for arrests or charges dealing with:

  • Marijuana possession or sale
  • Delivery
  • Intent to deliver
  • Running a grow operation for medical marijuana purposes
  • Cultivation
  • Manufacture and distribution
  • Medical marijuana defenses
  • OWPD
  • Prescription fraud cases

Our attorneys routinely defend clients in both misdemeanor and felony marijuana cases. We also help clients facing federal investigations or charges related to large-scale cultivation, financial transactions connected to marijuana operations, or multi-state distribution. Whether your case involves a small personal-use amount or a large-scale grow facility, we’re prepared to fight for your rights and your future.

If you’re facing a felony or misdemeanor in Michigan, we aggressively fight to protect our clients' freedoms, reputation and liberty. Our verifiable track record of success uniquely qualifies us to represent first-time and repeat offenders alike, all at reasonable rates.

Here’s What Our Clients Are Saying

“The Best Possible Outcome - Great Lawyer

As recent clients of Dans, he took us through an arduous process in the courts that was stressful for our entire family, maintained his focus and his demeanor throughout and kept us on track while under the most difficult circumstances. His knowledge of the courts and his unwavering support were invaluable. We ended with a dismissal which was the absolute best possible result! We could not be happier.”

Lisa, Avvo Review 

“Very pleased 

It was a great pleasure having Mr Geherin as my hired attorney. He was very knowledgeable in all inquiries I had and helped me out every step of the way. I felt comfortable and confident in Dans work and that paid off for me in the end.”

Matthew, Avvo Review

“Exceptional Communication and Directive

Dan is an amazing attorney who is very clear in communication presenting possible avenues and outcomes from day 1. Facing a criminal misdemeanor and tarnishing a spotless record, Dan was able to get charges dropped to a civil infraction. Dan and Stephanie return calls and e-mails in a prompt manner addressing any and all concerns. Amazing attorney with an amazing support structure. Highly recommended and will utilize if representation is needed again in the future.”

Corey, Avvo Review

Medical Marijuana and Legal Gray Areas

One of the most common sources of confusion in marijuana-related charges involves Michigan’s medical marijuana laws. Patients and caregivers may still face arrest or prosecution despite having cards issued under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (MMMA). Overstepping possession limits, transporting improperly, or cultivating outside of guidelines can result in criminal charges.

We understand how to mount an effective medical marijuana defense. We’ve defended licensed patients and caregivers from prosecution by challenging unlawful police conduct, clarifying patient rights under state law, and pushing for dismissal where protections under the MMMA apply.

OWPD: Operating with the Presence of Drugs

OWPD charges are distinct from OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) because they focus on the presence of any amount of a controlled substance in your system—even without proof of actual impairment. Michigan law used to impose a “zero tolerance” rule for marijuana, but with legalization, the courts must now prove active THC impaired your ability to operate a vehicle safely.

We employ toxicology experts and evidentiary challenges to question lab results, test accuracy, and officer observations. An OWPD conviction can result in harsh penalties, including license suspension, jail time, and steep fines. Our team fights aggressively to reduce or eliminate these charges altogether.

Compassionate Representation for Every Client

Whether you're a first-time offender or facing multiple charges, our team approaches each case with the same unwavering commitment to justice. We don’t judge—we fight, and we do so with the experience, resources, and dedication that have earned us the trust of clients across Michigan.

Our clients come to us scared, confused, and often in disbelief that they are facing criminal prosecution. We treat every client with compassion, respect, and absolute confidentiality. We work to understand your goals, whether that means clearing your name, keeping your license, avoiding jail, or simply resolving the case with as little impact on your life as possible.

We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect—regardless of the allegations against them. Our mission is not only to defend your legal rights but to help you rebuild and move forward. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Marijuana Possession Charges 

Can I still be charged for marijuana possession even if it’s legal in Michigan?
Yes. Legalization allows possession of limited quantities by adults 21+, but possessing too much, using it while driving, or distributing without a license can still lead to criminal charges. 

Does a marijuana possession conviction stay on my record permanently?
It can—unless you qualify for expungement under Michigan’s Clean Slate laws. We help many clients pursue record sealing after charges are resolved.

Is medical marijuana a defense to drug charges?
It can be, but it depends on whether your actions were within the protections of the MMMA. Having a valid card doesn’t make all marijuana-related activities legal.

Will I lose my driver’s license if I’m convicted?
In many cases, yes—especially for OWPD. Early intervention from a defense attorney may help avoid these consequences.

Contact our Ann Arbor criminal defense attorneys 24/7.

Act now to try to avoid harsh penalties such as jail, fines, a criminal record and sanctions against your driving privileges. Contact GLG immediately following your arrest, so we can begin aggressively protecting your rights. Your initial consultation is free of charge.