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Barack Obama  |
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Rob Kailey is a working schmuck with no ties or affiliations to any governmental or political organizations, save those of sympathy.
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Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 07:32:46 AM MST
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The feds' recent promise to leave states alone that have medicinal marijuana laws has thrown Montana into confusion. Communities considering a ban of marijuana dispensaries include Whitefish, Billings, and Kalispell. (And I'm sure I've missed a few others.) Medicinal marijuana was banned on the University of Montana's campuses. Meanwhile, the marijuana business in Missoula is booming. And state law enforcement appears to be completely befuddled about pot, as they're plagued by issues of zoning and existing drug laws:
Tom Daubert, founder and director of Patients and Families United who was involved in the final phase of drafting the 2004 Medical Marijuana Act, said he expects the 2011 Legislature to consider changing the law.
"There is no question there are a number of vague, complicating things in the law," he said, which has made it difficult not only for law enforcement but for patients and caregivers. "My goal is to come up with a consensus proposal."
Missoula's Diane Sands plans to lead the effort in the 2011 legislative session to address the myriad issues surrounding medicinal marijuana.
Have to say, the Indy's editors make an interesting argument against local municipal hostility towards medicinal marijuana dispensaries. Essentially, they contrast the addiction and accompanying recent violence surrounding prescription medication with medicinal marijuana:
These spates bookend a year that saw Montana's medical marijuana industry grow exponentially. Last March the state recorded about 1,400 registered medical marijuana patients. This March, there are more than 10,000. Despite the rise, we haven't seen strung-out, desperate patients heist any medical marijuana clinics. On the contrary, we suspect that the trend has gotten quite a few people off of the prescription painkillers that have proven so addictive and turned fresh-faced college kids into felons. It all makes us wonder why so many Montana communities are considering limiting or outright banning medical marijuana shops.
John Adams:
Can somebody explain the argument against medical marijuana? It seems illogical to condone the use of prescription pharmaceuticals--many of which are psychoactive and can cause serious and often life-threatening side effects--and at the same time be opposed to medical marijuana.
It's reefer madness, folks. A paternalistic, patronizing tone from the state's authorities who are nervously eying their drug-busting budgets and who can't believe Montanans are heartily sick of the fear-mongering around pot they're dishing out.
Still, state regulatory guidelines are desperately needed. Let's hope that Sands get 'er done. |
| Jay Stevens :: Dazed and confused: Montana wrestles pot |
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