The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that the smell of marijuana alone is no longer enough for police to search a vehicle without a warrant.

In a 5-to-2 decision, the court said the odor of cannabis, by itself, does not establish probable cause that a crime has been committed.

Since recreational marijuana was legalized in Michigan in 2018, possessing small amounts is generally a civil infraction rather than a criminal offense.

Police must now have additional evidence before conducting a vehicle search based on marijuana.