I have grown outside in a fenced in 50' x 50' garden for two years now. Helicopter landed in my field last year but this year I had no visit. The cops were very nice, said I had the nicest garden they had ever seen, and left. Trimming 72 plants takes a very long time ;-P
Michigan growing depends on which county you live in and how your local elected officials treat it, I am very lucky to live in one of the most liberal counties. I love growing outside in real sunlight, all organic, it doesn't get any better than this! My biggest problem is getting rid of "overages" since the dispensaries wont buy outdoor grown, and my network of friends grow too lol.