Monthly Archives: August 2016

Thousands of patients are about to lose access to a plant-based medicine that eases their pain enough to function; stops their seizures; allows them to sleep; allows them to eat; and more. This is the result of the 2011 legislation, SB 423, a five year old reactionary, punitive, back door repeal of access to medical marijuana. Right now, there are peripheral issues that need to be resolved around the initiative, and they will be. But right now, don’t let questions about [...]

We realize that many people are frustrated and confused by the stories in the press and rumors online. We understand completely, and we certainly share your frustration. However, we also want to make it very clear that removing the section dealing with the 3 patient limit will not have to wait until the legislative session, and certainly not until June of 2017. Worst case scenario, the day after the election, the MTCIA will seek immediate relief from the courts and ask [...]

There is a clerical error in the initiative. A 9 should be a 7 in effective date section. We have documentation that demonstrates our intent in regards to which provisions were to go into effect immediately. We have the draft with section 7 effective immediately. At the last minute, before the draft was moved out of legislative services, we were told two sections needed to be added at the front of the bill. These added sections represented other places in the [...]

With Aug 31 date just days away, we know many patients are beyond concerned. We know many are flat out frightened. We recognize, too, that there are providers who feel committed to these patients. The idea of choosing one person’s pain over another or having to rank suffering and choose only two or three patients for no good reason other than five year old political gamesmanship seems wrong, unfair, foolish, and unnecessarily cruel. We couldn’t agree more. We believe the people [...]

We are sad to report an unfavorable ruling from Judge Reynold’s court. Our stay on the August 31 implementation date has been denied. In Reynold’s letter, he states that the Court granting the stay would interfere with the Montana Supreme Court’s ruling, which already included a delay in recognition of the hardship it could cause patients. The Court further concluded, it was without authority to override this decision of the state Supreme Court and that delaying until the election improperly inserts [...]

Wondering what to do in these uncertain times for medical marijuana in Montana? The MTCIA is committed to continuing the work. Aug. 31 is looming, but with your support and your vote we will pass I-182 come November. The MTCIA is also developing its legislative agenda for the 2017 Legislative Session. Become a member now and become part of the discussion.   http://www.mtcia.org/memberships/