The Pending Collapse of Medical Marijuana in Montana

It probably won’t be long. Soon, the letters will come from DPHHS telling providers to start scaling down, to choose their two or three patients (depending on whether the provider also provides for him/herself), and get ready for the statute (SB 423) to go into effect August 31.  This is what the Montana Supreme Court has ruled must happen.

Our understanding is that a follow-up letter will be sent later to those who do not respond. Patients without providers will not lose their cards immediately and may have another 30 days following the Aug. 31 deadline. However, watch the mail. Plans do change.

So, here we are again at the verge of collapse of medical marijuana access in Montana. We’ve had so many close calls. We’ve fought back so many attacks. Can we do it again?

We don’t know.

Fortunately, we are working to get I-182 on the November ballot. If it passes (and it will!), it will re-establish medical marijuana access in Montana under an accountable and responsible system.

But even if we are successful in getting our initiative on the ballot and succeed in November, we’re still looking at a gap in access.

However, the MTCIA has filed a brief with the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) to appeal the Montana Supreme Court decision. SCOTUS recesses at the end of June. If the case is not dismissed, if it is accepted or not acted upon, the MTCIA will immediately file for a stay on the Montana Supreme Court’s decision pending SCOTUS review. Maybe – maybe – we can protect the continuum of access one more time on our way to a new law.

You can help.

WE NEED HELP.

None of this happens for free and cannot happen without support. Ongoing work is not guaranteed.  It depends on you.

Please donate today.

Contributions can be sent to : MTCIA, PO Box 50074, Billings, MT 59105, or contact us to arrange for a donation.

To help with our effort to pass a new, accountable and responsible medical marijuana law in November you can donate directly to the Yes on I-182 campaign here.