The Michigan House of Representatives Judiciary Committee approved on Tuesday an amendment to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act that will protect landlords on prohibiting the use of marijuana on their property, including medicinal marijuana.

The amendment, introduced as Senate Bill 72 by state Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, states that a landlord is not required to lease residential property to any person who smokes or cultivates marijuana on the premises if the lease stipulated a prohibition on the drug.

Attorney and Michigan Cannabis Development Association spokeswoman Denise Pollicella testified in favor of the amendment, and said it will prevent “unnecessary litigations.”

“This bill codifies what is already existing property laws,” Pollicella said. “We support efforts to clarify any person’s right or responsibilities under the Medical Marihuana Act of 2008 and under Michigan property laws, and this legislation will allow parties to a real estate contract to know in advance what their contractual duties...