Jacob Bell
New Member
HELENA – As legislators discuss repealing or amending the state's medical marijuana law, a Kalispell lawmaker wants to give Montanans another chance to vote on the issue.
"Even good golfers use a mulligan now and again," said Rep. Keith Regier of Kalispell, referring to a golfer's do-over of a drive.
The House Human Services Committee had a short hearing Monday on his House Bill 175, which would ask voters in November 2012 whether they are for or against repealing the Montana Medical Marijuana Act.
In 2004, Montana voters approved, by 62 percent to 38 percent, an initiative to allow marijuana to be used for medical purposes.
Since the fall of 2009, the number of medical marijuana cardholders has skyrocketed in Montana and now tops 28,300.
Under HB175, the version of the law that contains any modifications made by the 2011 Legislature would be presented to voters to decide whether to repeal or keep the law.
Jim Smith, representing sheriffs, supported the bill, saying the group is "very comfortable" putting the issue before voters again.
But Tom Daubert, an author of the 2004 ballot issue, opposed the bill.
"I think the law needs a lot fixing," he said. "I don't think it's that hard to do."
Bruce Scharf, one of the state's first 300 cardholders, said medical marijuana has helped him function better.
"If the repeal was to take place, it would hurt so many patients and the quality of their lives," Scharf said. "We just need to tweak the regulations and get it back under control."
The committee took no immediate action on the bill.
News Hawk- Jacob Husky 420 MAGAZINE
Source: billingsgazette.com
Author: Charles S. Johnson
Contact: Contact Us
Copyright: The Billings Gazette
Website: House bill would let voters repeal or keep medical pot law
"Even good golfers use a mulligan now and again," said Rep. Keith Regier of Kalispell, referring to a golfer's do-over of a drive.
The House Human Services Committee had a short hearing Monday on his House Bill 175, which would ask voters in November 2012 whether they are for or against repealing the Montana Medical Marijuana Act.
In 2004, Montana voters approved, by 62 percent to 38 percent, an initiative to allow marijuana to be used for medical purposes.
Since the fall of 2009, the number of medical marijuana cardholders has skyrocketed in Montana and now tops 28,300.
Under HB175, the version of the law that contains any modifications made by the 2011 Legislature would be presented to voters to decide whether to repeal or keep the law.
Jim Smith, representing sheriffs, supported the bill, saying the group is "very comfortable" putting the issue before voters again.
But Tom Daubert, an author of the 2004 ballot issue, opposed the bill.
"I think the law needs a lot fixing," he said. "I don't think it's that hard to do."
Bruce Scharf, one of the state's first 300 cardholders, said medical marijuana has helped him function better.
"If the repeal was to take place, it would hurt so many patients and the quality of their lives," Scharf said. "We just need to tweak the regulations and get it back under control."
The committee took no immediate action on the bill.
News Hawk- Jacob Husky 420 MAGAZINE
Source: billingsgazette.com
Author: Charles S. Johnson
Contact: Contact Us
Copyright: The Billings Gazette
Website: House bill would let voters repeal or keep medical pot law
