Montana

 

Updated June 2010
 
Could Montana Be the First State to Repeal Medi-pot?
 
Growing concerns over Montana’s widely-abused “medical” marijuana program has led to a call for action from both elected officials and organized community members.  
 
Governor Schweitzer does not think the state’s current medi-pot program is what voters intended and agrees it needs a legislative fix. Several ideas are expected to be proposed in January when the legislature convenes.
 
In anticipation of one possible proposal, marijuana dispensed through pharmacies, the Montana Pharmacy Association adopted a resolution opposing the idea. The resolution states that “pharmacists will not support dispensing cannabis until medical research proves the drug is effective and adequate dosing guidelines are established.”
 
Concerned community members are not waiting until January. A new coalition, Safe Community Safe Kids has formed, and they are actively working to place a measure on November’s ballot that would repeal the state’s “medical” marijuana program. For more information visit the coalition’s website at http://www.safecommt.org.
 
“This is what happens when people see through the smokescreen of medi-pot” says Calvina Fay, executive director of Save Our Society From Drugs. “A well-financed pro-legalization group sold Montana voters the idea that only chronically or terminal patients would be using marijuana as a so-called medicine. The reality is that anyone can get a recommendation, and people looking to profit from the program’s popularity are setting up pot shops faster than local governments can regulate them.”
 
Voters in Montana approved a “medical” marijuana initiative in 2004. According to the Department of Public Health and Human Services, as of March 2009 there were 1,989 participants in the registry program. Of the 1,989 registered users, 72.6% are treating chronic pain (an indefinable term that is being used to cover medical conditions such as menstrual cramps, headaches, and minor arthritis) or chronic pain with muscle spasms. Combined, the more serious conditions such as cancer, glaucoma and HIV, represent 3.6% of the program’s participants. As of March 31, 2010, there were 12,081 registered users.
 
Steps you can take to promote sound drug policies include:
  • Visiting your Representative at either their state or local office
  • Phoning your legislator
  • Speaking to organizations in your community about this legislation
  • Submitting a Letter to the Editor or an Opinion Editorial to your local media outlet
  • Becoming a member of S.O.S.
 

Take Action

Choose Another State