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Marijuana

Marijuana

Cannabis cultivation and processing are expanding, as hemp and both recreational and medical marijuana products are being legalized across the country. As part of this expansion, it is important to determine what environmental regulations may apply.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has put together answers to frequently asked questions to aid in the understanding of the environmental regulations that apply to marijuana operations in Michigan.



Contact

Aaron Hiday
HidayA@Michigan.gov
517-282-7546

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, but only if the following apply:
    1. There are no residual chemicals present in the marijuana waste.
    2. The marijuana waste is completely contained within a composting container, within a building, or under a roof on top of a cement pad.
    3. If composting outside without cover, approval through Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) and EGLE is required before composting begins. Depending on the scale and type of materials being composted, EGLE may require the facility to obtain a Compost Facility Registration through EGLE's Composting Program.
    4. All the finished compost product is utilized in the growing operation or is properly disposed of in accordance with MRA rules and regulations.
    5. Michigan's MRA has approved the use of the finished material in the growing operation.

  • Yes, but you must obtain a Compost Facility Registration and be approved to compost marijuana waste through EGLE's Composting Program. The marijuana waste will still be required to be mixed with 50% inert organic materials to make it "unusable and unrecognizable."

     

  • Yes. You can mix any solid waste that is not a hazardous waste with marijuana plant waste to make it "unusable and unrecognizable."

  • Yes, but only if the following apply:

    1. The compost facility is registered with EGLE.
    2. The compost facility has obtained approval from EGLE's Composting Program to take marijuana waste.
    3. The marijuana waste has been made "unusable and unrecognizable" with 50% inert organic materials that can be easily composted by the composting facility.
    4. There are no residual chemicals from the processing of the marijuana left on or in the marijuana waste (i.e., liquid butane, liquid carbon dioxide, etc.).

    Note: If off-gassing residual chemicals from the marijuana plant waste before any disposal option, permits through EGLE's Air Quality Division may be required.

  • Any Registered Composting Facility may seek approval to accept this waste by providing detailed answers to the questions in Compost Plan for Marijuana Waste (Attachment 2) and submitting them to Aaron Hiday, Compost Program Coordinator, at HidayA@Michigan.gov.

  • The Solid Waste and Hazardous Waste Regulations for Growing and Processing Marijuana has information about many waste-related issues, including definitions for particular wastes and what can be done with those wastes.

Additional Resources