Home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is the perfect place for outdoorsy folks and adventure lovers. With pristine shorelines along Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, wild forests, and hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area of the country.
Whether you’re plowing through fresh powder on snowshoes or kayaking at the height of summer, there are endless options to love in the U.P.. While Michigan’s consumption laws are strict on where you can and cannot use cannabis, the Great Lake State is a growing destination for cannabis travel.
With several convenient locations throughout the U.P., RiZE is your trusted resource for understanding the law and enjoying the best of Michigan’s cannabis market.
Why the Upper Peninsula Is Perfect for Day Trips
The U.P. is pure magic, an ideal destination for day trips. You can grab breakfast and cruise a scenic drive along Lake Superior for hours. Or, get out of the car and stretch your legs at one of the dozens of incredible hikes, like the upper and lower sections of Tahquamenon Falls or the peaceful shores of Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains.
Life moves a little slower in the many small towns that make up this region, and you never know what stunning view, hidden gem, or delicious meal awaits you just around the corner.
Planning Your Cannabis-Friendly U.P. Day Trip
Buying and consuming cannabis is legal for adults 21 and over in Michigan, but there are strict limits on where you can consume.
In Michigan, you can:
- Purchase up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis per transaction
- With a valid state or federal ID
Cannabis products must be kept in their sealed containers, stored in the trunk of a car
Where can you enjoy your products? This is where it gets a little tricky.
Where You Can & Cannot Consume Cannabis in the U.P.
Public consumption is not allowed in Michigan. However, there’s some grey area in the law about where it is allowed.
You cannot smoke “where anyone can see you” or while on a State Park beach or trail. So, if you’re not on a trail or beach owned by the state and no one can see you, technically, you can smoke there. Smoking or consuming while around a campfire, on a trail, or on a beach in a state park is expressly prohibited – but smoking in your camper or tent is not prohibited.
You are also not allowed to smoke or consume “while driving or sitting on a roadway.” Being parked in a parking lot is not on a roadway, but use caution and your best judgment here – don’t consume while driving or put yourself in a situation where cannabis can be considered an “open container.”
Always double-check the local ordinances of the small towns you visit in the U.P., and respect their consumption laws to stay safe.
How to Pack Cannabis Responsibly for a Day Trip
Keep yourself safe and your trip enjoyable by properly storing your cannabis during a road trip.
- Always keep cannabis products in their original, labeled packaging
- Store them away from the driver – in the glove compartment, middle storage, or in your trunk.
- Travel with only the amount you need.
- Have a plan for where and how you’ll consume when you reach your destination, with appropriate time blocked out before driving again.
- If you’re consuming while hiking or during a beach day, make sure you stay hydrated, bring snacks, and pace yourself
Best Cannabis Product Types for Day Trips
The best cannabis consumption enhances your day outside, helping you find a peaceful, appreciative mindset for the natural beauty around you. To maximize your cannabis enjoyment, start with a low dose and go slow.
Consider packing:
- Low-dose edibles for extended relaxation and discreet consumption
- Pre-rolls for convenient use in private lodgings (such as at an Airbnb, with the permission of the owner)
- Portable vaporizers for quick consumption and smokeless efficacy
- Options with CBD or CBG for those seeking non-intoxicating cannabis experiences
Responsible Outdoor Etiquette in the U.P.
Always leave no trace when enjoying cannabis in the great outdoors.
Pack away preroll tubes, edibles packaging, and any other waste, and never toss disposable vapes or containers along trails or in parking areas. Unfortunately, discarded cannabis packaging is still being found in public spaces and recreation areas across the region. Leaving trash behind not only harms the environment but also reflects poorly on the broader cannabis community. Respectful behavior in public helps support the ongoing effort to de-stigmatize cannabis.
Just as important is respecting the people around you. Avoid lighting up right next to other hiking groups, and never leave loose edibles where pets or children could access them.
By being mindful of both the environment and other visitors, cannabis consumers can help ensure the Upper Peninsula’s natural spaces remain clean, welcoming, and respected by everyone who enjoys them.
Supporting Local: Why Shopping Local Matters
RiZE is rooted in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula because this magical place is like nowhere else on earth. When you shop for cannabis at RiZE, you get more than a fantastic selection at affordable prices – you’re directly supporting local cannabis businesses, which strengthens the small and mighty communities in the U.P.
Our budtenders are always here to help you find the best cannabis products for your adventure.\
Key Takeaways
The best way to incorporate cannabis into your U.P. adventure is to plan ahead.
- Know Michigan’s cannabis laws
- Plan to consume where legally permitted
- Keep products sealed and stored away in the trunk of a vehicle or somewhere safe and secure
- Leave no trace and respect the laws of local communities
FAQ Section
Can I travel with cannabis in the Upper Peninsula?
Yes, you are allowed to travel in the Upper Peninsula, as well as throughout Michigan with cannabis.
Can I consume cannabis in Michigan state parks?
You are not allowed to consume cannabis in public where anyone can see you, or around a campfire, on a beach, or on a trail in a State Park. However, you can consume in a camper or tent, as well as in a vehicle parked in a parking lot.
How much cannabis can I legally possess in Michigan?
You can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis per transaction, which is the same amount you’re allowed to possess in public. At home, you can store up to 10 ounces of cannabis.
Is there a dispensary near me in the Upper Peninsula?
Yes, RiZE has recreational cannabis dispensaries throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, not far from any adventure you want to take here.
Start Your U.P. Adventure at RiZE Cannabis Dispensaries
When used together responsibly, cannabis can enhance outdoor adventures and the natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula – and that sounds like a perfect pairing to us.
Find your nearest RiZE location to stock up on your favorite cannabis products before your next adventure in the U.P.! You can order online and schedule pickup, or visit us in-store to chat with our budtenders.
*The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.*