Can I Get a Michigan Medical Marijuana Card for Epilepsy?
Recurrent seizure disorders including treatment-resistant epilepsy.
Yes — epilepsy qualifies under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program
Epilepsy is a qualifying condition under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program. Patients with recurrent seizures — particularly those that are not fully controlled by standard antiepileptic medications — may benefit from cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids.
Common symptoms
- Recurrent seizures
- Loss of awareness
- Convulsions
- Treatment-resistant seizure activity
How medical cannabis may help
CBD has the strongest evidence base in epilepsy. The FDA approved Epidiolex (purified plant-derived cannabidiol) on June 25, 2018, for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare seizure disorders — Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome — in patients 2 years of age and older (the indication has since been expanded to include tuberous sclerosis complex and lowered to age 1+). Beyond these specific FDA approvals, CBD-rich cannabis may reduce seizure frequency in some patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy.
Evidence base
Three randomized controlled trials supporting Epidiolex demonstrated significant reductions in drop seizures — for example, a 41.9% reduction with 20 mg/kg/day cannabidiol vs. 17.2% with placebo. Observational studies in broader epilepsy populations show variable but often meaningful benefit.
Michigan certification requirements
Documentation of your epilepsy diagnosis and treatment history is helpful. Coordination with your neurologist is strongly encouraged.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is CBD legal in Michigan without a medical card?
- Hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. A medical card is required for THC-containing products.
- My child has epilepsy — how does the Michigan medical marijuana process work for a minor?
- Patients under 18 can qualify but need a designated caregiver, typically a parent. The parent/caregiver goes through their own registration process alongside the patient. Michigan Category A conditions include seizures, and the MMMP recognizes pediatric access for qualifying conditions.
- Will the medical marijuana card affect my child's school records?
- Michigan MMMP data is confidential under MCL 333.26426(h) and is not reported to schools. However, if medical cannabis products need to be administered during the school day, that must be coordinated separately with school administration — usually with district-level approval and a documented plan.
- How does the phone consultation work for an epilepsy patient or caregiver?
- The visit is 10–15 minutes. Dr. Vance discusses the diagnosis, current anti-seizure medication regimen, seizure frequency, and how medical cannabis might complement existing epilepsy care. For minors, the parent/caregiver joins the call. Recent records from your neurologist speed the evaluation.