Medical marijuana patients of Montana have experienced a rocky path toward cannabis legalization. Between unsatisfactory medical laws and relentless raids by the federal government, discouraged Montana MMJ patients have had their resilience tested.
On Tuesday, November 8th, Montana voters are hoping to change their daunted marijuana past with judicious amendments to their current medical marijuana laws via Initiative 182.
In 2004, 64% of Montana voters passed Initiative 148 — the state’s current medical marijuana program. However, in 2011, Montana Legislature replaced the original initiative with new laws that left patients high and dry. This new amendment, I-182, aims to fix the principal issues in the current medical marijuana laws.
What Does Montana Medical Marijuana Look Like Under I-182?
- The current MMJ laws only allow growers to provide cannabis for three patients, I-182 would remove this limitation to distribute quality medicine to patients statewide more evenly.
- I-182 would require product testing in certified labs to ensure clean medicine and accurate doses.
- Under I-182, Montana would license and inspect the facilities of cannabis cultivators and processors.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) would be added to the list of qualifying conditions, allowing easier access for veterans seeking relief.
- Finally, I-182 would administer licensing fees to producers, processors, and retailers to generate revenue for the program.
Currently, the possession penalties in Montana for small amounts of cannabis are extravagantly harsh. Getting caught with even one joint without a medical card can land you a six-month sentence in jail; conviction for 60 grams or more can result in a 5-year sentence.
Jeff Krauss, commissioner and former mayor of Bozeman, argued:
“Someday you or someone you love may need safe, legal access to medical marijuana. You, or they, may have cancer, epilepsy, IBS, colitis, or Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s, breast cancer, a recent heart attack, or may be a veteran or emergency worker with PTSD. … In 2004, 64 percent of Montana voters passed a law creating a medical marijuana program. But access for patients seeking relief will soon disappear because of political nonsense in the 2011 Legislature. With these draconian, nonsensical laws, you and your loved ones aren’t going to get what you need for pain, symptom relief, or a cure.”[6]
Unfortunately, Lee Newspapers conducted a poll from Oct. 10 through 12 showing that 51 percent of respondents did not plan to vote for the ballot initiative.
The number of marijuana-related arrests has tripled since 2003 — in 2012, there were 1,502 arrests or citations linked to cannabis possession. Research from The Marijuana Policy Project shows that during this time, Montana law enforcement was unable to solve 91% of statewide burglaries, including home invasions — highlighting a severe misuse of Montana’s limited resources.
Montana had several initiatives aiming to legalize the adult use of marijuana that did not make it to the ballot. All “adult-use” initiative organizers failed to gather the signatures needed by a significant amount. The amendment to Article II, Section 14 of the Montana Constitution to establish adults the right to purchase, consume, and possess marijuana received 7,215 of the required 48,249 signatures.
As you’ve learned, this current medical marijuana law does not provide adequate access to Montana patients. If Montana voters decide to pass I-182 this Tuesday, medical patients’ right to safe access will be restored, and those seeking natural relief will not face federal prosecution.
Organizations Supporting I-182
Montana Citizens for I-182, Montana Cannabis Industry Association, Drug Policy Action, Lionheart International LLC, Bernie Sander’s Our Revolution, Billings Gazette, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, The Missoulian, Valley Journal, Great Falls Tribune, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, Marijuana Policy Project, Montana NORML.
Individual Endorsements of Initiative 182
Kim Abbott, Helena, State Legislative Candidate
Dick Barrett, Missoula, State Legislator
Bryce Bennett, Missoula, State Legislator
Emily Bentley, Missoula, City Council Missoula
Lynda Bourque Moss, Billings, Former State Legislator
Zach Brown, Bozeman, State Legislator
Michelle Cares, Missoula, City Council
Douglas Coffin, Missoula, Ph.D. Missoula Professor of Molecular Genetics
Ken Crouch, Billings, Former City Council Member and Retired Pastor
Amanda Curtis, Butte, State Legislator
Nick Davis, Missoula, State Legislative Candidate
Frances Deforrest, Hot Springs, BSN RN and Cannabis Health Education
Mary Ann Dunwell, Helena, State Legislator
Boone Goddard, Polson, Owner of and writer for the Valley Journal
Ellie Hill, Missoula, State Legislator
Sondra Hines, Helena, Curator of Education
Jessica Karjala, Billings, State Legislator
Marilyn Marler, Missoula, Missoula City Councilwoman and Council President
Carolyn Pease-Lopez, Billings, State Legislator
Jean Price, Great Falls, Former State Legislator
Nels Swandal, Wilsall, State Legislator
Pat Williams, Missoula, Former Congressman
Franke Wilmer, Bozeman, Former State Legislator
Nancy Wilson, Missoula, Former State Legislator
Tom Woods, Bozeman, Former State Legislator
Cynthia Wolken, Missoula, State Legislator
