Tools

Medical Marijuana: Legislature Takes its First Hit

By Kacey Drescher

Story Created: Jan 22, 2011 at 1:38 AM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 22, 2011 at 1:46 AM MDT

The medical marijuana community takes over the Capitol as the first two major cannabis-related bills are heard this afternoon. That hearing at capacity; with parents, law enforcement officials, providers and patients themselves wanting to make sure their voices were heard.

“No one envisioned that we would have the explosion in the medical marijuana industry that we now have with approximately 29,000 people who have cards,” says Representative Sands, House District 95.

To get a better grasp on that explosion, Democrat Representative Diane Sands' House Bill 68 attempts to revise medical marijuana statute and regulate the industry - with the public testifying at the House Human Services Committee Hearing.

“Y’all don’t have a right to regulate who gets medical care and who doesn’t! That’s ridiculous,” vocalized one opponent.

And while both sides agree the bill has its flaws, “We realize that House Bill 68 is not a perfect bill by any means but it goes a long ways towards helping take care of the mess that we’re currently in in Montana,” says Mark Long, Montana Narcotics Bureau Chief.

Many medical cannabis users and law enforcement say action is needed. “Something had to be done, it did, it does we simply cannot go on this way," says one proponent.

While many support the bills purpose, restrictions and requirements within the measure raise concerns.

“Please consider that when trying to fix the grey areas in law, cause I realize there are some, but I also realize that many medical marijuana patients such as myself would be cut off from the program,” says opposing medical marijuana patient Ky Weber.

House Bill 68 proposes to medical marijuana users that recommendations from two physicians are required. “The two doctor deal has to be thrown out because so many of these people are on Medicaid, Medicare, like I am and there ain’t no way we can afford $300 dollars to go see a doctor,” says Ken Lindeman, patient and caregiver.

The bill also imposes a set limit on possession amounts and implements background checks. “Medical necessity should not be related to ones criminal transgressions nor should safe health care be a last resort,” says Sarah Baugh, another patient opposing the bill based upon the various restrictions imposed.

The bill is the result of six months of work and research from an interim committee aimed to find a middle ground. “We viewed it as our responsibility therefore to try and make it work for the people of Montana, that’s what we do as Legislators," adds Sands.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

common sense woman said on Sunday, Jan 23 at 1:55 PM

conservative woman, that guy that shot gifford drank milk too I hear, so, do we need to ban milk too? You do know that 'reefer madness' is a LIE don't you?

Mitch Ronshaugen said on Sunday, Jan 23 at 2:28 AM

We DO know what cannabis does...the medical evidence is ovrwhelming see Sunil Agarrwal for more on medical research. The problem is "conservative" making false claims without any proof to substantiate. Cannabis is good for people. The young man who shot the Senator is the direct result of opression.

Anonymous said on Saturday, Jan 22 at 9:35 PM

What if we spent the same amount of money fighting something bad, ... like Knapweed? Come on,... prohibition has not, does not, and will not work.

Conservative Woman said on Saturday, Jan 22 at 2:26 PM

Marijuana is not harmless. The boy who shot Rep. Gifford was smoking marijuana on the day he shot her. You don't know WHAT harm it does to your brain. Also, assisted suicide is being glorified as needed because of pain of terminal illnesses. Isn't that what MM was passed to alleviate? So does it work or not?

Absurd said on Saturday, Jan 22 at 1:21 PM

It is not appropriate for these law makers to discuss the peoples' right to medicinal and recreational cannabis. Alcohol and tobacco are bigger problems. Cannabis should be sold at the gas stations and grocery stores. Medicine should be PRESCRIBED by a doctor and purchased at a PHARMACY.

White intolerance in action said on Saturday, Jan 22 at 12:13 PM

They thought it was right to have a law that forced black people to give up their bus seat to a white person. What else do you expect from the intolerant christian reich? They don't want to tolerate something that is absolutely harmless.

wake up ... said on Saturday, Jan 22 at 2:28 AM

Remedy: totally decriminalize. Your problems come by making it illegal and inaccessible. Wake up!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

News, Sports, Weather for Great Falls, Helena, and all of Montana and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Great Falls & Helena Weather

Icon
Great Falls Great Falls Intl Airport, MT
Current Temp 57.0 °F
Fair
Wind : Southwest at 8.1 MPH (7 KT)
Pressure : 1013.5 mb
Humidity : 53 %
Icon
Helena Helena Regional, MT
Current Temp 54.0 °F
Fair
Wind : Calm
Pressure : 1016.9 mb
Humidity : 55 %
Click here for our video forecast
More Weather
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

AP Video