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Francis E. Buttrey, Republican, State Senate District 13

Hometown:	Great Falls (Map)
Religion:
Education:	BS, Electrical Engineering, Montana State University, 1989
Political:	Senator, Montana State Senate, 2010-present Fire District Trustee, Bigfork Fire District, 2002-2005
Professional:	Emergency Medical Technician, Bigfork Ambulance, 2002-2005 Rescue Diver, Lake/Flathead County Sheriff's Department, 2002-2005 Captain, Bigfork Fire Department, 1990-2005 Western Manager, Connector Technology, 1997-1999 Weapons System IPT PMPT Engineer, The Boeing Company, 1989-1997 Operator, Buttrey Realty President, Cable Technology Operator, JoBEL Inc.
Organizations:	Member, Big Brother Volunteer Defensive Coordinator, Bigfork High School Varisty Football Team Board of Directors, Chamber of Commerce Volunteer Radio Announcer, Charles M Russell High School Varsity Football Board of Directors, Great Falls International Airport Authority Ice Rescue Instructor, Swan Mission Search and Rescue Former Coach, Seattle Pacific University

Vote on SB423 (2011): Yea

Vote on HB161 (2011): Yea

Position on Marijuana

Media Statements

Public Statements:

When asked by a MT NORML Supporter "What is your stance on medical
marijuana?" June 7th, 2010 Thank you for the note. While I am still
learning about the issues and positions concerning medical marijuana, my
position is firm in that smoking marijuana in our cities and counties is
unacceptable. Marijuana is a drug and if has to be used medically, needs at
the least to be prescribed by a medical doctor in dosages (synthetic?) and
issued by a licensed pharmacist. I am being told by medical professionals
that there are synthetic alternatives that have been tested, will work, and
have proven dosages and long term effect data. Smoking marijuana has no
data concerning dosages and effects and will certainly have long term
negative effects on society. As the son of a man that died a painful death
due to cancer, I am no stranger to the issue of the pain suffered by these
unfortunate souls. I do not, however, support any form of smoking the drug
and am confident that the legislature will address this early in the 2011
session. I am asking people in the medical sector, and in District 13 to
help me learn the issues, facts and concerns. I would enjoy hearing your
stance and feelings on the issues as well. If you are willing, please reply
with your thoughts, concerns and any other questions. Thank you again for
your time in sending your note.

Great Falls Tribune, Oct 8, 2010:

I support legislation to repeal the Montana Medical Marijuana Act. I cannot
support dispensing medicine of any type that can't be controlled by dosage,
has inadequate laboratory testing and can cause social issues.

The answer is not making it harder to get the card or making it harder to
grow and sell the medicine. The answer is to gather clinical data and use
factual (information) to identify medicine (that) can, in a controlled
dosage, remedy patient pain and suffering.

That could lead to medicine prescribed by a medical doctor and dispensed by
a licensed pharmacist that doesn't cause social issues in homes, schools,
businesses and communities.