Robert Celt
New Member
In 2004, Montanans voted to legalize medical marijuana. After that, things careened out of control. A cottage industry sprang up that provided marijuana prescriptions pretty much for the asking. And marijuana providers were more than happy to meet the demand. Soon there were literally tens of thousands of Montanans – a measurable percentage of the state's population – that were using the drug legally.
That was a bit much.
Legislators rebelled with a 2011 law that restricted marijuana providers to three clients. That, too, was a bit much. It would essentially drive the providers out of business leaving those in legitimate need of the drug with nowhere to turn.
The law has been in a limbo of legal challenges since it was passed, but the state Supreme Court recently upheld the law, and patients – many who use marijuana to cope with the effects of cancer treatment – are desperately seeking an avenue for obtaining marijuana.
Let's be clear: The people voted to legalize medical marijuana. The law that restricted providers to three clients essentially nullifies that law. It doesn't have to be one or the other. There is a middle ground that will meet the needs of those who really need access to marijuana and gives providers a stable market that will keep them in business.
The Supreme Court has been asked to rehear the case of the 2011 law, and the justices should grant that. The court should suspend the law or impose a transition plan that does not so severely limit providers that they are driven out of business and yet prevents the sale and use of marijuana from becoming too widespread again. That will give lawmakers a chance to amend the law when they meet next January.
This doesn't have to be rocket science. Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana. A review of the laws in those states should quickly reveal what works and what doesn't.
By crafting a law that allows for a manageable medical marijuana industry, lawmakers will be following the will of voters and giving those who legitimately need the drug some peace of mind.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Montana Lawmakers Must Find Middle Ground On Medical Marijuana
Author: Staff
Photo Credit: None found
Website: Bozeman Daily Chronicle
That was a bit much.
Legislators rebelled with a 2011 law that restricted marijuana providers to three clients. That, too, was a bit much. It would essentially drive the providers out of business leaving those in legitimate need of the drug with nowhere to turn.
The law has been in a limbo of legal challenges since it was passed, but the state Supreme Court recently upheld the law, and patients – many who use marijuana to cope with the effects of cancer treatment – are desperately seeking an avenue for obtaining marijuana.
Let's be clear: The people voted to legalize medical marijuana. The law that restricted providers to three clients essentially nullifies that law. It doesn't have to be one or the other. There is a middle ground that will meet the needs of those who really need access to marijuana and gives providers a stable market that will keep them in business.
The Supreme Court has been asked to rehear the case of the 2011 law, and the justices should grant that. The court should suspend the law or impose a transition plan that does not so severely limit providers that they are driven out of business and yet prevents the sale and use of marijuana from becoming too widespread again. That will give lawmakers a chance to amend the law when they meet next January.
This doesn't have to be rocket science. Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana. A review of the laws in those states should quickly reveal what works and what doesn't.
By crafting a law that allows for a manageable medical marijuana industry, lawmakers will be following the will of voters and giving those who legitimately need the drug some peace of mind.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Montana Lawmakers Must Find Middle Ground On Medical Marijuana
Author: Staff
Photo Credit: None found
Website: Bozeman Daily Chronicle