This bill amends the Public Health Code of Michigan, specifically section 7401, to update the penalties associated with the manufacture, delivery, or possession of controlled substances. It clarifies that practitioners licensed under this article must only dispense, prescribe, or administer controlled substances for legitimate therapeutic or scientific purposes. The bill introduces new language regarding the penalties for violations, particularly for substances classified in schedules 1 through 5, and specifies the consequences based on the amount and type of substance involved.

Significant changes include the removal of certain maximum imprisonment terms and fines, replacing them with more specific penalties based on the type of substance, particularly for heroin, fentanyl, and their derivatives. For example, the penalties for possessing 1,000 grams or more of a narcotic drug now include a potential life sentence or a fine of up to $1,000,000, while lesser amounts carry reduced penalties. The bill also allows individuals previously sentenced to lifetime probation under older laws to petition for discharge after serving a minimum probation period. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the legal framework surrounding controlled substances and their penalties in Michigan.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 333.7401