Montana Candidate Marijuana Position Statements
151 total responses:
2009 SB-326 vote: N
2009 HB-541 vote: N
The Western News, Oct 12, 2010: "The medical marijuana issue has sparked
serious debate in cities and towns across Montana, as well as caused
difficulty for our peace officers and legitimate card holders. I believe
the legislature must act, along with the regulatory agencies, to manage the
program based on the intent of the initiative. If we fail the people of
Montana, then their right to repeal the initiative they passed must be
exercised. The Montana Department of Health and Human Services estimated an
increase of 300 new cardholders per year since 2005, yet as of June 2010 we
have over 12,000 card holders. I believe the intent has been lost!"
Tax & Regulate: "Yes. We spend too much money trying to make people not do
what they want to do. It would be better to allow them to use marijuana
responsibly, tax them like alcohol, and only put in jail the ones who are
not able to control their habit -- just like alcohol."
MT NORML Survey, Sep 3, 2010: "Yes, I think [tax & regulate like alcohol]
would be the most intelligent way to go."
Western News, Oct 12, 2010: "Rather than having the government dictate
which pain relievers they could use, 62 percent of Montanans voted to allow
patients to choose a natural, proven, effective cure with medical
marijuana. About a quarter of the population experiences chronic pain and
for many of them, pharmaceuticals are too risky, too expensive and have too
many side effects.
Laws regulating usage need to be tightened and marijuana should only be
dispensed in commercially-zoned establishments. It must be safe and
dispensers must be tested on their knowledge of the drug. A bill under
consideration in the 2009 session might have solved some of these problems
but it was killed."
Missoulian, Sep 13, 2010:
An interim legislative committee is writing proposed revisions to Montana's
2004 citizen-passed medical marijuana law. Do you think changes need to be
made? If not, why not? And if so, what specific changes would you
advocate?
Cuffe: Yes, if we are prescribing it as a medicine we need to control it
like medicine.
Missoulian, Sep 13, 2010: "I'm certainly no expert on this issue but it
seems that immediately the medical marijuana situation was taken advantage
of by many interests, no pun intended. Changes to the 2004 law? I'm
honestly not up to speed enough on this issue to make a comment one way or
the other. Stay tuned."
Daily Interlake, Oct 4, 2010:
"Democrat Zac Perry, Republican Jerry O'Neil and independent candidate
Shawn Guymon all say that since Montana voters approved a plan to allow
medical marijuana to be used in the state, it should remain legal....
Guymon says he thinks the Legislature should rewrite the medical marijuana
law to clean it up. He supports the vote of citizens that allowed medical
marijuana in Montana, but thinks the way the bill was written has resulted
in problems. Any changes made by the Legislature should again be presented
to the public for approval, he said.
Guymon speculates that the federal health bill contains a provision to
allow for medical marijuana use throughout the United States. In that case,
he wonders, "Why are we getting all up in arms? It's probably in there."
Sep 29, 2010, Hungry Horse News:
On the subject of medical marijuana, all three candidates agreed that the
current system is a mess.
"Certain people wanted to make it a mess," Guymon said. "Every bill that
goes forward gets fine-tooth combed by the legal beagles in Helena. We need
to do a better job of putting this together this time around."
2010 Solutions for Montana Survey Response (PDF)
Daily Interlake, Oct 4, 2010:
"O'Neil "appreciates that Montana" thumbed its nose at the federal
government regarding medical marijuana laws. He says federal officials
don't want medical marijuana to be allowed in the country.
The doctors to whom O'Neil has talked about medical marijuana prescribed
for their patients "say they are seeing good results."
O'Neil wants more public input on a bill he would introduce if elected.
It would restrict the use of medical marijuana to a person's own dwelling,
providing the person owned the property. In the case of a renter who had
been prescribed medical marijuana, O'Neil wants the landlord to be able to
veto the use of the drug in the rental unit.
He doesn't want it to be legal to take medical marijuana to someone else's
house because he worries that could lead to people smoking it
recreationally with their friends.
He also wants the law to prohibit adults from consuming medical marijuana
with children present in the dwelling.
"I don't want to stop the people from using it instead of using other
painkillers, if it works for them," O'Neil said, "if it keeps harsh
prescription drugs out of society.
"I have no desire to protect a monopoly for big pharmaceutical companies."
Flathead Beacon, May 25, 2010: "I hear some wonderful reports of medical
marijuana relieving pain, restoring function and getting people off hard
drugs. To cut down on the social consumption of marijuana, the consumption
of marijuana in public and driving under the influence of marijuana, I am
seeking public input into a law that would limit consumption of marijuana
to one's own residence when no children are present." Hemp:"...the federal
government can order Montana to do whatever they want us to do. In order to
protect any semblance of federalism, we need to nullify federal laws that
impinge on our state sovereignty. Hemp and marijuana production and use are
issues that promote such nullification. Along with the Montana Firearms
Freedom Act we all must join together, help nullify improper federal laws
and protect our freedoms."
MT NORML Survey, Sep 3, 2010: "As long as the consumption of marijuana is
limited to medical purposes I believe it should be taxed, or not taxed, as
all other pharmaceuticals. In the future, if the public chooses to make
marijuana legal to consume for social or recreational uses, then we might
regulate and tax it in a manner similar to alcohol."
Sep 29, 2010, Hungry Horse News:
O'Neil said he'd like to sponsor a bill restricting consumption to one's
personal residence. In a convoluted explanation, he also said the state
should require that no children be present during consumption of medical
marijuana.
Daily Interlake, Oct 4, 2010:
Some reform of the state's medical marijuana laws is needed, Perry said,
but lawmakers need to remember that voters approved the initiative.
"We need to tighten the regulations. We need to know who the growers are,
who the dispensers are and who has the user cards," Perry said.
Perry shares the concerns of some people that medical marijuana is being
abused. He said procedures for getting a user card need to be reviewed and
the overall system needs to be better regulated.
The people of Montana "already said they think it's OK," Perry said. "Now
the Legislature should define the parameters of the system."
http://www.flatheadnewsgroup.com/articles/2010/09/30/hungryhorsenews/news/news_8714221634_01.txt
"The people of Montana voted for medical marijuana," Perry said. "We need
to regulate the heck out it, know who's growing it, keep it out of schools
and reform the legislation as its written to make is so not everyone who's
coughing can get a card."
Flathead Beacon, May 25, 2010: "Marijuana is a subject that will need a lot
of work. The voters in Montana voted 64 percent for it. I don’t think the
Legislature should try to overturn the voters. But where it can be sold and
how it can be distributed should be clarified."
Flathead Beacon, May 25, 2010: "We must ensure that we keep our kids safe
and provide a framework for where growing, distribution, and consumption
can take place. Medical marijuana cards should have expirations and ongoing
medical supervision for the underlying condition in order to renew them."
Flathead Beacon, May 25, 2010: "The medical marijuana law, as implemented,
is not what the voters envisioned when they voted for its passage, and
needs to be revisited. Issues regarding public safety and vendor safety
must be addressed through the legislative process. There needs to be more
oversight of the businesses, more stringent zoning control for location,
and a limit on the number of grow operations. "
Flathead Beacon, Oct 6, 2010:
"The law must be changed to ensure that patient quality-of-care and safety
comes first. It is vital for patients to have a solid, meaningful
relationship with their doctor. Traveling clinics and over-the-phone
prescriptions should not be allowed. A state certification and audit
program should also be established to ensure that illegal imports are being
sold under the program. Implementing changes that place patients' medical
needs and safety first and foremost is necessary to honor the intent of
Montana voters when they passed this law."
Daily Interlake, Sep 30, 2010: "The medical marijuana issue needs to be
dealt with in the coming legislative session and Hammerquist is intrigued
by Maine’s program to split the state into regions and then assign one
licensed nonprofit provider for each region."
Flathead Beacon, May 25, 2010: "Medical marijuana should be administered by
medical professionals out of a proper medical facility, not out of
someone's home or a downtown smoke shop. The details and execution of this
law need to identify clearly what can and cannot be done so our communities
are able to manage the impact of the law safely and respectfully."
Flathead Beacon, May 25, 2010: "We change the statute to allow for
over-the-counter-capsule form marijuana/THC delivery. By requiring a
prescription, we control the quality and delivery of the substance. We can
then more easily comply with federal law that states that public smoking of
it is still illegal. It is a hot issue for those few involved, but not
nearly as hot as tax reform, spending cuts and job growth."
Daily Interlake, Sep 30, 2010: Skees doesn’t favor legislative intervention
in the medical marijuana ballot initiative that Montana voters approved in
2004.
“We should do it as a referendum and put it back to the people,” he said.
“I’m not trying to pass a hot potato, but the Legislature doesn’t have the
right to step on the sovereignty of the people of Montana.”
Flathead Beacon, Oct 6, 2010:
"I believe in the sovereign power of the citizen in this state. They voted
for the Citizens Initiative and wanted this [medical marijuana] law, so we
should not act like the state Supreme Court and change or modify it. That
assumes we are superior to their power. I think the law is not like the
voters wanted, so I would suggest a referendum on how they want us to act:
Throw it out, or fix it?"
Daily Interlake, Sep 29, 1010:
The candidates also agreed that the medical marijuana law voters approved
in 2004 has left much to be desired. Regier said he would like to bring a
more clearly articulated version back to the public for another vote, and
both he and Mahnke suggested tighter regulations for the drug.
Mahnke, a retired neurosurgeon, suggested marijuana be prescribed by
doctors and doled out in pharmacies like other drugs.
He acknowledged that abuses happen with prescription drugs, but with
doctors and pharmacists under close government scrutiny, it’s easier to
catch would-be thieves and abusers.
“Why not make [marijuana] part of a system that is already established?” he
asked.
2009 SB-326 vote: N
2009 HB-541 vote: N
Daily Interlake, Sep 29, 2010:
The candidates also agreed that the medical marijuana law voters approved
in 2004 has left much to be desired. Regier said he would like to bring a
more clearly articulated version back to the public for another vote, and
both he and Mahnke suggested tighter regulations for the drug.
“We have tight controls on prescription drugs. There ought to be the same
types of controls on the dispensing of marijuana as well,” Regier said.
Daily Interlake, Saturday, October 2, 2010:
When it comes to medical marijuana, Wheeler said he is in favor of going
back to voters to find out if they want to continue to allow it. He also
wants better controls for the drug.
“The last Legislature failed to enact the appropriate regulations to ensure
that medical marijuana facilities did not become a danger to safety and to
the appeal of our cities. The rules around the medical use of marijuana
must be tightened to equal those for any other addictive medical drug,” he
said.
Flathead Beacon, May 25, 2010: "While this was passed by the voters, the
cost of enforcement by local jurisdictions was not part of the equation and
did not include a funding mechanism for enforcement. Many of the local
jurisdictions have postponed or denied allowing the sale of medical
marijuana in their community while they try to figure out how to enforce
the laws regarding sale and use. The Legislature should do what it can to
strengthen local jurisdictions’ abilities to deny or manage medical
marijuana use."
Flathead Beacon, May 25, 2010: "If it is truly for medical purposes, I
think it should be treated like other prescription drugs, given under the
care of a doctor, dispensed by a pharmacy and regulated by the FDA. The
current law is much too vague and makes it very difficult for law
enforcement to deal with drug problems."
Tax & Regulate:"No. We do not have to bribe the legislative body with
potential money for them to do what is right. Typical maneuver from
politicians who legislate under the influence and who are drunk with power.
These intoxicated spenders are totally out of control, being out of control
they have to seek ways to tax/regulate everything to cover their habit of
spending beyond their means. Marijuana just seems to be their tunnel
visioned target now. I support the full decriminalization of Marijuana. I
also support leaving adults alone with what they put into their bodies. Let
them be good parents and they can control what their children do when it
comes to underage drinking and smoking. The people of Montana should be
able to grow whatever green herb they want and use it for their benefit in
any way shape or form as long as it does not encroach on another or their
property. I would like to see the all proposed legislation that NORML is
working on." Hemp: "I support the full legalization of industrial/ag hemp.
This crop is a bumper crop. The lobby that will putting up the most stink
is the chemical industry and cotton industry. Let the true free market
decide and from my research hemp will bring back prosperity to Montana. If
elected I would wear a hemp suit and shoes during the session just to
further the point." Comments: "I was fully opposed to the new zoning rule
that Kalispell City Council passed outlawing further Medical Marijuana
dispensaries to operate withing the city limits. This ruling was against
business owners, property rights and states rights. There may be big news
coming out on this and I can say no more at this time." From the Daily
Interlake, May 11, 2010: Clark said the government should "leave it up to
the free market and get their hands out of it." But he doesn’t expect
that to happen because of the potential for taxing medical marijuana. We
don’t have a free market right now. It’s all about the money," Clark
said. He took issue with the Kalispell City Council’s decision to ban new
commercial medical marijuana land uses on the basis that not doing so could
jeopardize federal grant money for the city. They were concerned that if
they didn’t do something they would not get federal funding," he said,
"and that twists everybody’s arms." Flathead Beacon, May 25, 2010:
"Government intervention in the marketplace needs to end. The failed "War
on Drugs" needs to end. Nonviolent drug offenders need to be released from
the privatized prison system. The militarization of the police needs to
end. The state is not the warden or God of the people. Husbands and wives
need to start parenting again, and leaders need to lead."
Daily Interlake, May 11, 2010: “The solution to the medical marijuana
issue is in the argument that was used to pass the citizen initiative,”
Glimm said. “If it’s a drug to treat a medical problem, it should be
treated like a drug to treat a medical problem … It’s pretty easy to
get a [patient] card. I don’t think that was the intent of the people who
fought so hard for this with chronic pain, and I don’t think that was the
intent of the voters.” Flathead Beacon, May 25 2010: "The citizens’
initiative was very vague and needs to be revised. Proponents of the
initiative argued that it is a drug to treat a medical condition. If
marijuana is truly a medicine, it should be obtained in the same manner as
any other prescription drug. You should go to a regular doctor, get a
regular prescription and go to a regular pharmacy to get it filled."
Flathead Beacon, Oct 13, 2010: "Medical marijuana should be prescribed by
physicians, filled by pharmacists and provided by drug companies, just like
our other prescriptions. My constituents created this issue through the
initiative process. If my constituents want to end the prohibition and
associated organized crime activities, they have the option by initiative
to legalize, regulate and tax – the same as tobacco and alcohol – and
devote the revenue to the associated problems they create."
Flathead Beacon, Oct 13, 2010: " Immediate repeal to stop the current
abuses. Once that’s done, the rational medical marijuana proponents can
come back to the table with a proposal that will meet the needs of those
who the initiative originally intended to help – hundreds, not thousands.
If it is permitted to go forward, strict sideboards need to be placed on
growers and users to protect against public safety threats and address
interests of employers, hospitals and other health care facilities. "
Daily Interlake, May 11, 2010: In his law enforcement work, Lavin said he
has seen an uptick in crime related to marijuana and would rather see some
research into repealing the law. I haven’t seen anywhere, read or been
shown any proof that it serves medicinal purposes,” Lavin said. “I just
am against legalizing any illicit drugs … I think it’s something we
need to investigate a little bit." Flathead Beacon, May 25, 2010: "The
state should ensure that the medical marijuana laws are used for what they
are intended. People with drug sales convictions shouldn’t be able to
utilize this law to legitimize their drug sales and habits, which is
currently occurring. The state needs to be sure to protect the citizens
from the increase in violent crime and dangerous drugged driving resulting
from this poorly written law."
Flathead Beacon, Oct 13, 2010: "The 2009 legislation was half-finished in
many aspects. I support the work of an interim committee that is
recommending sound remedies to flesh out that bill. Ideas such as breaking
the financial relationship between doctors who recommend and the caregivers
who provide medical marijuana; ensuring a reasonable minimum standard of
care; and controls on quantities are common-sense responses."
Daily Interlake, May 11, 2010: "It was thinly written legislation," Schutt
said. "We need to fill in the holes. There is potential harm in this - How
do we address this with legislation? Signage, hours, locations, no minors
on site, no consumption on site - those are legitimate local regulations of
that activity. To just do a blanket ban on it doesn't give us that
regulatory leverage. Just as fire and health inspections cover construction
and restaurants, he said, “the same type of inspections should be put in
place for medical marijuana.
Flathead Beacon, May 25, 2010: "The 2009 legislation needs many upgrades.
There is no systematic monitoring of caregivers and there is no monitoring
of patients’ usage. There is not even a requirement to list the address
of growing operations. Mega-clinics must be curbed and bona-fide
doctor-patient relationships must be established. Basic controls like any
other legally recognized medicine could help make this experiment
successful."
Flathead Beacon, Oct 26, 2010:
"The Legislature will most likely approach the issue of medical marijuana
in the upcoming session, and Brown said though he thinks marijuana can be a
legitimate treatment for some people, there is not a lot of oversight as
the law is currently written. "
Daily Interlake, Oct 5, 2010:
On the hot topic of medical marijuana, Brown said he believes that state
voters passed the initiative so patients in excruciating pain from serious
diseases — not those with aches and pains — would have access to
marijuana.
“Everyone has a bad back,” he said. “What we have now is not in the spirit
of the initiative. It needs to be tightened up.”
2009 SB-326 vote: N
Daily Interlake, Oct 5, 2010:
The Republican candidate has a different take on medical marijuana from his
opponent. Reichner would like to repeal medical marijuana legalization,
saying proponents misled compassionate Montanans to pass an ill-advised
initiative.
“I think it’s bad for society,” he said
Paraphrased from a phone conversation with MT NORML Staff on May 7, 2010 :
legalization sends wrong message to kids
Flathead Beacon, Sep 22, 2010:
As for the ongoing controversy over medical marijuana in Montana, Augustad
sees it as one more component of the wasteful, “War on Drugs.”
“It is a permanent quagmire that should just be regulated like tobacco and
alcohol,” she said. ...
"I think that marijuana should be taxed and regulated the same way that
tobacco and alcohol are because we need rules and structure for safety and
stability. But I firmly believe that the last 70-plus years of the drug war
have been a tragic and expensive disaster. I believe this whole issue takes
too much time, money and energy that we could better invest in the things
we want and need."
2009 SB-326 vote: N
Fladhead Beacon, Sep 22, 2010:
Unfortunately, a proposal passed by the voters has become abused by greed
and mismanaged to the point that local governments and citizens are being
forced to reexamine whether it is viable and what restrictions are
necessary. I believe tougher restrictions must be placed on where users can
have the product, where dispensaries can be located, and to eliminate of
roaming clinics that grant cards with little medical oversight. It may also
be time to let the voters revisit the idea.
Missoulian, Sep 14, 2010:
An interim legislative committee is writing proposed revisions to Montana's
2004 citizen-passed medical marijuana law. Do you think changes need to be
made? If not, why not? And if so, what specific changes would you
advocate?
Curdy: Changes do need to be made to the medical marijuana law. The interim
legislative committee's proposals are a good start. Specifically, medical
marijuana businesses and grow operations should not be located near
established day care facilities, in residential neighborhoods, or in
proximity of schools. The procedure to obtain a medical card must be
tightened and more oversight concerning where patients can use their
medicine must be established. Due to citizen complaints, some restrictions
on the hours of operation should be established.
Missoulian, Sep 14, 2010:
Edmunds: The medical marijuana laws need to be adjusted so that those with
a medical need can still get their pain addressed while not promoting a
growth in drug use by people who are not truly sick, particularly youth. I
have two kids in high school, one at Sentinel and one at Big Sky. Both tell
me that drug use among teens has greatly increased since last October. The
cool thing for kids now is not having an iPod; but a green card. That is a
problem.
J. Garth Cox (R / HD 11)
Flathead Beacon, May 25, 2010: "I believe there should be strict
regulations on who can prescribe medical marijuana. I did not support its
legalization. More scientific research and better-written regulations
should have been a priority. A pill form has been available for many years
before marijuana was legalized and no studies have been able prove the
therapeutic efficiency of marijuana when smoked."
Flathead Beacon, May 25, 2010: "With the original intent for MEDICAL
reasons, we have let this balloon out of control; we need to have a single
source for the supplying of marijuana, controlled by private company or
state government, regulated and taxed, and have a process to determine what
qualifies as medical reasons for medical marijuana. Sorry to say, I’m the
first to speak out at adding more government to our lives, but we have lost
control of this as a people."
2009 SB-326 vote: N
Daily Interlake, Oct 31, 2010:
"The two candidates disagree about the state’s medical marijuana laws.
Taylor doesn’t think the use of medical marijuana should be allowed while
Wolfe says since voters approved the plan, it’s now an issue between
doctors and patients, not legislators."
Daily Interlake, Oct 7, 2010:
Taylor voted against legalizing medical marijuana in Montana.
She says in December 2009 there were 500 people with medical marijuana
cards in Montana, but now there are 25,000.
“The people of Montana had no idea when they approved this initiative what
would happen,” she said. “The law says people are supposed to be under the
supervision of a doctor, but you can get a card online.”
Members of an interim legislative committee have prepared draft bills about
medical marijuana for the Legislature to review in January, Taylor said.
“There will be serious tweaking for it,” she predicts. “We had no idea this
would happen.”
Flathead Beacon, May 25, 2010: "The initiative stated the patient must be
under a doctor's supervision. That means on a regular schedule, not a
prescription over the internet. No caregiver should have more than a few
patients. Maybe it's time to have growers for the state, tax them, and
pharmacies dispense. And marijuana is still illegal federally.
Compassionate Montanans passed the initiative, but it doesn't work."
2010 Solutions for Montana Survey Response (PDF)
Daily Interlake, Oct 31, 2010:
"The two candidates disagree about the state’s medical marijuana laws.
Taylor doesn’t think the use of medical marijuana should be allowed while
Wolfe says since voters approved the plan, it’s now an issue between
doctors and patients, not legislators."
Tax & Regulate: "Yes. My goal is ultimately not the taxation of marijuana,
but to stop the waste of our resources enforcing destructive and
discriminatory criminal prosecution of marijuana use."
Hemp: "Yes. My understanding is the prohibition on hemp-growing is
nonsense. Decisions on which crops to grow should be made by the local
farmers themselves."
Comments: "I am opposed to the criminal status of marijuana use."
Survey, Sep 2010:
Tax & Regulate:
"Perhaps. Growing or using marijuana should not be a criminal offense. I am
passionately *against* increased corporate or state control over Montanans
personal freedoms, so whether I would support a new tax and regulatory bill
would depend on the details proposed. By simply decriminalizing marijuana
we could save millions of dollars which are desperately needed elsewhere.
Our police could spend more time preventing violence and real harm, and it
would cost us less to keep our jails and prisons for real criminals. In the
upcoming days our legislature will be asked to decide which services will
be reduced or eliminated due to the recession and revenue crisis. Who will
pay? Poor children? Elderly? Veterans? Disabled? We should not spend one
dime arresting people for pot when we don't have enough money to maintain
our public structures and programs that educate our children, keep our
families and communities healthy and safe, for autistic kids, cancer
research or veterans and our responsibility to help them transition. My
opponent would rather ratchet up the laws controlling what citizens are
allowed to do in their own homes, and work out the budget problems by
reducing health insurance for poor kids. The prohibition on marijuana has
always been about political purposes, it's time to get smart about how we
use our public resources. "
Daily Interlake, Oct 7, 2010:
Wolfe doesn’t support criminal penalties for people who grow or use
marijuana, and her position on the state’s decision to allow the use of
medical marijuana is clear.
“If a doctor thinks it will help their patient, the government should stay
out of it,” Wolfe said.
“I know there are some problems with unclear definitions with the law —
it’s sort of a sloppy law — and we need to address those. But this is
between a doctor and a patient, not the government.”
As the Legislature looks at the medical marijuana laws, Wolfe says it must
look closely at scientific evidence and personal freedom.
2009 SB-326 vote: Y
Missoulian, Sep 7, 2010:
Recent developments clearly tell us the medical marijuana law in Montana
requires change. The people of Montana have little confidence that the only
use of marijuana is for legitimate medical conditions under this law. The
interim committee seeking remedies seems to be learning toward a
"dispensary system." People with "cards" could buy marijuana at stores that
are designated as caregivers. These stores would be regulated much as
liquor stores are now. Another change would prevent physicians from being
financially involved with caregivers or dispensaries. Both ideas can
improve our control of beneficial use of marijuana for legitimate medical
conditions.
Missoulian, Sep 7, 2010:
We need to clearly define what physicians must do when prescribing medical
marijuana. There needs to be sanctions or severe penalties for doctors
abusing the laws. Debilitating pain is significantly different than chronic
pain. When this initiative was first passed, it was represented as an act
that would affect several hundred Montana patients, not over 20,000. We
need to get back to the original intent of this legislation. While helping
some, it currently appears to be legalizing consumption by habitual users.
Missoulian, Sep 16, 2010:
Burgess: While I agree with the need to tighten aspects of the existing law
(like residency requirements, DUI considerations, and rules about public
use), I don't support efforts to require multiple doctor certifications for
patients, nor do I agree with limiting the number of patients that a grower
can have. The first idea puts an undue burden on the patient (second
opinions aren't required for other pain meds), and the second idea
interferes with the basic concept of free enterprise (do we tell big drug
companies how many customers they can have?).
MT NORML Survey, Sep 2, 2010:
Tax & Regulate:
"yes, I would support a bill that taxes and regulates marijuana like
alcohol. However, I'm not convinced that the Montana legislature could
figure out how to do it--or that Montana voters are anywhere near ready to
take that step. With the unfortunate misteps made in the legalization of
medical marijuana, we have a long path ahead to achieve this goal. "
2009 SB-326 vote: N
Missoulian, Sep 16, 2010:
Ingraham: Until such time there are clinical sciences available that will
place prescriptions for marijuana in the hands of licensed
pharmacists/pharmacies that handle other analgesics, such as morphine and
codeine, regulatory proposals should be considered. The Legislature should
look at establishing regulatory systems to license and inspect individuals
and business that grow and provide marijuana to patients. In addition, we
should be setting a standard of care physicians are expected to meet in
certifying that a patient qualifies for medical marijuana use. These
approaches could be considered as interim steps towards managing an
emerging problem.
2009 SB-326 vote: N
Missoulian, Sep 9, 2010:
Hendrick: There are too many loopholes and pitfalls in the 2004 law, from
prescription to distribution. I'm not convinced that any of this is in the
best interest of Montanans but, at the very least, this law should be
rewritten to limit the potential for abuse."
2010 Solutions for Montana Survey Response (PDF)
Missoulian, Sep 9th, 2010:
Stang: Yes I believe stricter regulation and oversight of marijuana
production or growing, and distribution is necessary. I don't think we need
to over-regulate it, but we need to monitor a patient's symptoms and the
effects the marijuana is having on them. This may better tract any
fraudulent representation of medical use. I don't agree with the
legislative committees recommendation of needing two physicians. We don't
require it for other prescriptions. I think we should monitor the growers
better. They should be able to provide reports on numbers of customers and
distribution amounts.
2009 SB-326 vote: Y
Great Falls Tribune, May 21, 2010:
The Medical Marijuana Act was passed by the voters through a ballot
initiative. There have been some unintended consequences, and there will be
legislation to address problems like locating marijuana facilities too
close to schools. I support changing the laws to make our communities
safer.
Great Falls Tribune, May 21, 2010: “As with all of the citizens of
Montana who supported this act, I think a need exists for medical
marijuana. I think that whenever a new program is implemented there will be
problems with policies and procedures. We need to get back to the intent of
the law, that being to help those that have a medical need for
marijuana.”
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 12, 2010:
How would you change the Montana Medical Marijuana Act?
The Medical Marijuana law needs to be overhauled if it is to be salvaged.
Since it is an initiative passed by the people, I think the Legislature is
obligated to try to make it work.I would encourage stricter regulations to
qualify for a medical marijuana card, stricter limits upon who can grow and
distribute it, and cracking down on doctors who have taken advantage of the
law and basically handed out cards for a small fee.We need to protect the
population and children as well as support those folks who have a
legitimate medical need.
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 12, 2010:
"The way the current system is setup isn't how most people thought this was
going to work when the act was passed.
We need stricter guidelines that regulate the distribution of cards as well
as the growing of marijuana. It may be worthwhile to look into taxing this
emerging industry just as we tax cigarettes."
Jack Allen (R / HD 20)
Great Falls Tribune, May 18, 2010: “The current hodge-podge of largely
unregulated growing and dealing of a controlled substance out of
neighborhood homes, hotels and cars is probably not what voters had in mind
when they passed this initiative. Ideally, this drug would be prescribed
and distributed through normal channels (local doctors and pharmacists),
and its use wouldn't subject others to second-hand marijuana smoke.
However, since the federal government still deems this an illegal
substance, those in the medical field are limited. Legislatively, we need
to build a structure that models the mainstream pharmaceutical distribution
system, including licensing and inspection of manufacturing and
distribution centers. The initiative made it legal, but there's much to be
done to make it sensible.”
Great Falls Tribune, May 18, 2010: “When voters approved the act, it was
with the understanding medical marijuana would only be used on a limited
basis and for debilitating medical conditions. That intent is not being
followed. The law should be amended to: 1. Prevent cards from being issued
to felons and convicted drug offenders. 2. Protect employers from the use
of marijuana on the job. 3. More clearly define the types of illnesses
eligible for medical marijuana. 4. Penalize physicians for abusing the
statute. 5. Develop dosage regulations so medical marijuana does not become
habit forming. 6. Make it a criminal offense to misrepresent a medical
condition to obtain medical marijuana.”
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 13, 2010: "This medical marijuana industry was
approved by the people of Montana and we should respect their wishes. The
only type of legislation I would vote for would be requiring the cards be
issued in person by a local physician rather then through a teleconference
discussion.
I feel that prohibition against using substances is what drives criminal
activity and that substance abuse is a medical problem, not a criminal
problem.
We saw the effects of prohibition in the 1920s when banning alcohol created
a vastly profitable yet criminal industry. The prohibition of hemp was
pushed by William Randolph Hearst in the 1930s. He stood to profit from a
monopoly on wood pulp paper if cheap renewable hemp were banned."
Dale Crosby (D / HD 21)
Tax & Regulate: "My question is; How is a licence going to stop the
indidual grower much less the one who set up their own distribution
avoiding regulation and tax. I do not support the legalising at this time
untill I see a bill that will truly regulate with no loop holes. What about
driving under the influence?" Hemp: "Yes as long as tough regulations
measurs are set and it is is not avaliabe to the public espesaly youth."
Comments: " Doesn't THC remain in the body longer longer than alcohol? How
do we measure imparment when driving? There seem to be alot of question
that need to be answer before a bill is drafted. " And from Great Falls
Tribune May 11, 2010: “I voted for the Medical Marijuana Act not
foreseeing all the problems that have arisen. It seems anyone can get a
permit. We need to tighten the criteria to make sure it doesn't become a
recreational permit. Maybe it should only be distributed through
pharmacies. Growers need a permit which is limited like an alcohol license.
In the upcoming session this law needs to be revisited and reworked.”
From Great Falls Tribune, May 11, 2010: The Montana Medical Marijuana Act
was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2004 and I support it. There are
currently problems with the lack of ordinances governing cultivation,
dispensaries and use, and with law enforcement's role in watchdogging its
production, use and distribution. I am sure that local government and
interim legislative committee discussion of these issues will result in
recommended amendments to the law that I will study thoughtfully as a
legislator.
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 13, 2010: "I know the Children, Families, Health
and Human Services Interim Committee has worked hard on three bills to
overhaul the Medical Marijuana Act, and agree changes are needed."
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 18, 2010: "How would you change the Montana
Medical Marijuana Act?
This issue is almost impossible to resolve, humanly speaking, because it
goes beyond simply a medical question.
First we remove God's word from its place of importance in our schools,
institutions, homes and hearts. Then when resulting problems arise, such as
drug abuse, violence and immorality, we try to solve the problem with human
laws.
There is no government or human law that can change the heart. It can only
use force to punish disobedience to the law.
As early U.S. House Speaker John Winthrop said, "Men, in a word, must
necessarily be controlled either by a power within them or a power without
them. Either by the word of God or the strong arm of man, either by the
Bible or the bayonet."
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 18, 2010: "Montanans passed the initiative because
they believed it would make limited amounts of medical marijuana available
to individuals with a terminal illness or specific debilitating medical
condition.
But now this right has been abused, and we as legislators need to step in.
I was on the interim committee that crafted three bills to control its
misuse. We heard from school districts, local governments, citizens, law
enforcement and users. I believe these three bills will address concerns we
heard. All 14 states who approved similar initiatives now are trying to
deal with the misuse."
2009 SB-326 vote: Y
2010 Solutions for Montana Survey Response (PDF)
Tax & Regulate: "Undecided. Questions I have are: 1. Is it addictive? 2.
Does it lead to stronger drugs? 3.How does it compare to alcohol in
impairing the cognitive and motor activities of the user? 4. Alcohol is
pretty esay to control because it requires a large capital insvestment to
produce while marijuana can be produced by anyone anywhere. How ar you
going to prevent bootleg marijuana? 5. Is there a breathalyser test for
marijuana? Issue needs lots of discussion"
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 17, 2010: "I would prefer for the Legislature to
repeal the law. (And I voted for the initiative.) The intent was for older
folks with constant pain to have access to marijuana. What we ended up with
is young adults with sore shoulders, knees and elbows smoking on the way to
work and school. Law enforcement, schools and employers don't know what to
do.
My concern with the interim committee's proposals is they will add to
government without reducing marijuana accessibility to young people. As
long as marijuana is deemed illegal by federal government, any attempt at
partial legalization by states will cause law enforcement problems."
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 17, 2010: "Obviously, there has been abuse, and
it's caused problems in our communities. Medical marijuana should be
prescribed only by responsible physicians for chronic, debilitating illness
or extreme pain. This, I believe, was the intent of voters who approved the
initiative.
As a teacher, I'm concerned about the message abuse of medical marijuana
sends our young people."
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 10, 2010:
How would you change the Montana Medical Marijuana Act?
I would support any bill that regulates it. Law enforcement needs to be
notified of all participants in their jurisdiction. If there are any
violations, other then specific ailments detected by a qualified doctor,
the user card should be revoked.
City and county governments should have a voice as to the location of
providers, if they want marijuana available in their communities. Marijuana
needs to be treated like any controlled substance, with growers strictly
monitored on the numbers of plants, with records kept. It should be
distributed by prescription only and doctors need to review treatment after
90 days to evaluate its effectiveness.
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 10, 2010:
We need to make sure our medical marijuana system is not abused. It is
critical that the Legislature assess the on-the-ground impacts of the act.
I support developing a comprehensive management system that addresses needs
of legitimate medical marijuana patients and caregivers and the health and
safety of all Montanans.
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 10, 2010:
How would you change the Montana Medical Marijuana Act?
The Montana Medical Marijuana Act approved by voters in 2004 needs to be
revisited and overhauled.
Medical marijuana should be required to be regulated. It is too easy to get
a card because needed guidelines are not in the law. Marijuana should be
tested like other medications are before they are admitted into the market,
for safety of the consumer. Many of us question if marijuana truly can be
identified as a medicinal drug.
This act is being interpreted in ways that voters and legislators did not
anticipate.
2009 SB-326 vote: N
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 10, 2010:
How would you change the Montana Medical Marijuana Act?
We need to make laws to put the use of medical marijuana in line with what
the people thought they were voting for: an initiative to allow people with
terminal illnesses and severe chronic pain another option for treatment.
This concept has been badly abused under the present law. I agree with the
committee findings and recommendations. Its threefold approach is what we
need to bring the law closer to what people intended. Those recommendations
will be a good starting point.
Great Falls Tribune, May 24, 2010: “The current incarnation of the
Montana Medical Marijuana Act is unsustainable without additional
regulatory controls. Law enforcement, city attorneys, city commissioners,
physicians and care givers have all weighed in on the side of further
regulating this industry. Most telling is the testimony of Tom Daubert of
Patients and Families United, a chief author of the original ballot
initiative, when he stated that more regulation and oversight is needed. I
believe that the legislative interim committee of Children, Families,
Health and Human Services is on the proper path as they seek varied
testimony to further refine the Medical Marijuana Act. I also believe that
Montana does not need mass traveling clinics or commercial growing
operations in residential neighborhoods.”
Keith Thomas Melhus (R / HD 27)
Great Falls Tribune, May 24, 2010: “Some level of reasonable compromise
needs to being reached at the state level to supersede the machination and
variations produced at the local levels. I don't see, specifically, why
production, and even sales, in an industrial zone would interfere with
anyone's expectations to any reasonable "...quite and peaceful
enjoyment..." (real property law) of their own homes. Since we don't
necessarily want youth to be exposed there should be a qualification as to
zoning within school and residential districts. With regard to commercial
sales I support, minimally, a 100 percent tax since when you take the
criminal element out it isn't all that expensive to produce.”
2009 SB-326 vote: E
Great Falls Tribune, May 20, 2010: “I support the medical marijuana act,
but there are some problems that we need to fix. There needs to be some
consistency to the way it is dispensed and how the cards are received.”
David B Lindseth (D / HD 32)
Great Falls Tribune, May 20, 2010: “What if one of these "potheads" is
driving and has a wreck, who are you going to blame? If they need it that
bad, have them register at an extended care some place and have them hang
out there — some place where they can be supervised.”
Phillip DeFelice (D / HD 33)
Great Falls Tribune, May 27, 2010: "Having watched my aunt die an agonizing
death from cancer in bed for nearly a year, almost constantly under
morphine sedation, I would not deny anyone who truly needs medical
marijuana access to it.I do have concerns that some people are abusing this
and that some "doctors" write prescriptions for hundreds of pot cards every
weekend.I think efforts to zone or tax medical marijuana out of existence
are somewhat misguided. I don't see how localities can pass laws to
pre-empt state law.I would propose that we amend the criminal statutes to
enhance penalties for the illegal possession or distribution of medical
marijuana to persons not entitled to possess it.I would like to see a
regulation that would require that all sales be recorded to include the
date, amount and purchaser."
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 21, 2010:
How would you change the Montana Medical Marijuana Act?
In the past eight months I have heard several ideas proposed by Hill County
residents, all of which could be legitimate options for the 2011
legislature. Those ideas include limiting the number of patients one
caregiver can have; limiting the number of growers the state can license so
that the sources of marijuana used throughout the state are known;
repealing the whole thing; setting up a regulatory licensure system much
like the pharmacy licensure system. The only idea I absolutely would not
consider is to leave the current act alone. The three bills the interim
committee proposed all make drastic strides toward a more rational system.
I believe there is more work to be done before I would vote on any of them.
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 21, 2010:
How would you change the Montana Medical Marijuana Act?
I support changes to the Medical Marijuana Act that would return the use
and access of medical marijuana to the original intent of the initiative
that was overwhelmingly passed by Montana citizens in 2004. Additional
screening of individuals seeking to use medical marijuana will help prevent
misuse and abuse and ensure access to those who genuinely need it.
Regulation of the industry is important to ensure patients are getting
medical marijuana that is not contaminated; growers are operating safe
facilities for themselves, their customers and their neighbors; and growers
are held accountable for their actions and are paying their share of
taxes.
Great Falls Tribune, May 27, 2010: "The Legislature should never consider
rescinding the measure as it was enacted by the people. However, the law
needs to be reined in to return it to something closer to the original
intent by limiting the conditions for which it can be used. The
registration fee for a caregiver probably needs to be increased
significantly in order to cover the costs incurred by the state and local
governments for monitoring these operations. The number of patients a
caregiver can provide for should be limited and the loophole allowing a
patient to have multiple caregivers needs to be closed. Also, physicians
who issue the largest number of recommendations for marijuana need to be
reviewed by the state medical board to ensure that a proper doctor-patient
relationship exists, just as in cases of narcotic prescriptions."
David H Brewer (D / HD 34)
Great Falls Tribune, May 26, 2010: “I didn't vote for it before, and I
won't support it the way it stands right now. I believe the way to get
around this issue is for the Legislature to make a law stating that only
already registered pharmacists legally be able to transfer the script to a
patient with a legal physician's prescription. I also feel that the drug be
grown by legally certified farmers who have the credentials to reflect
their knowledge in farming of crops. I also feel that the diagnosis be more
precise and only (be accepted) after a second opinion is rendered by
another physician who also is considered an expert in the field of the
illness of the patient requesting the drug.”
Great Falls Tribune, May 26, 2010: “The Montana Medical Marijuana Act was
a provision passed by the voter-initiative process. Although I have seen
the benefits of its use in certain situations as a hospice nurse, I do not
believe it was intended as a conduit for the illegal drug trade. I would
support amendments that would prevent such abuse of the law.”
2009 SB-326 vote: Y
Tax & Regulate: "Having worked in health care for 25 yrs., I know that
medical marijuana has a medical benefit. I feel marijuana should be treated
like any other dangerous prescribed drug. I believe MT needs to look at
improving our regulations governing the growing and use of medical
marijuana. " Hemp: "As vice-chair of the Agriculture committee that heard
the initial discussion on ind./ag hemp and having voted yes for the
resolution, I would support further discussion on the growing of this in
MT. I found the discussion in committee extremely interesting. I also know
that there is a lot of incorrect information out there about ind./ag hemp.
I feel that a very good education campaign needs to be a big part of the
advocacy. I also know it could be a very good business venture for ag
producers - double crop from one stand!"
NORML Survey, Sep 2010:
Tax & Regulate:
"I would be interested in hearing an OPEN HONEST debate on the subject.
This would include members of the law enforcement community, rehab
counselors, members of the scientific community so that the hard facts
could be analyzed and the myths eliminated."
Tax & Regulate: "Yes marijana is a drug that should be taxed like alcohol,
tabbacco or gambling also this would save state and local governments money
on law enforcement and incarceration costs. Plus generate tax revenue"
Hemp: "Yes hemp is a natural product that has many uses and could also help
us wean our dependace on forign oil and generate revenue for our farmers
and ranchers in Eastern Montana"
May 2010, Tax & Regulate: "No. Alcohol is suppose to be just for
responsible adults buy it ends up in the possesion of far to many young
people. Its just another diversion to take the lifes of unresponsible and
unfortunately innocent people."
Sep 2010, Tax & Regulate:
"Yes I would it seems there wasn't much consideration on this subject when
it was put on the ballot. Then when it passed legislation has been trying
to catch up to the run away usage. "
Tax & Regulate: "The current policy, of prohibition, is a complete and
utter failure.." Hemp: "hemp, wouldn't advocate for it, i'm not a farmer,
but i wouldn't oppose it either. Hemp production should be regulated by the
market not by the government."
2009 SB-326 vote: N
Tax & Regulate: "Absolutely not, I'm totally against this type of
Legislation" Hemp: "I would have to investigate the pros and cons on this
subject before I would make a decision on this." Comments: " I believe
Medical Marijuana is totally out of control and will be supporting
legistation to put restrictions on this law. "
2009 SB-326 vote: N
2009 HB-541 vote: N
Tax & Regulate: "I do not believe that recreational marijuana should be
available." Hemp: "I think production of Hemp is o.k." Comments: " Our
medical marijuana law is out of control. Any loosinging of it would make it
more out of control. "
Sep 2010 Survey:
Tax & Regulate:
"No. I beleive that Marijuana is illegal and any Montana law dealing with
it should be repealed. If it cannot be repealed then I would look at some
sort of control and tax."
Constituent email, Oct 29, 2010: "As for Pam Ellis, I’ve had the pleasure
of speaking with her numerous times. She supports medical marijuana, and,
as far as I can tell, isn’t opposed to new revenue and job creating
alternatives to prohibition."
Knox was actively involved in promoting the "Safe Communities Safe Kids"
medical marijuana repeal effort.
On his campaign Facebook Page, on June 13, 2010 he stated:
"REPEAL MARIJUANA IN MONTNANA!!! We need signatures to repeal Marijuana
laws in Montana. Download the petition @ www.safecommt.org. Take it to
church today, carry it with you everywhere. These have to be turned into
the county elections office by Friday afternoon. If we get this done I
guarantee Montana will be watched by the nation as the first “common sense”
state that said no more!"
An April 13, 2010 status update on his Facebook page stated, interestingly,
"Tired of having your freedoms compromised? Join me for a cigar and let’s
discuss our rights. Minimum suggested donation $25 for Level 1 Cigar tray,
$50 for Level 2 Cigar tray and $100 for Level 3 Cigar tray! Refreshments
and snacks provided. Bring a friend, bring your lighter and lets be truly
Politically Correct! Let’s fight for our FREEDOMS!"
According to a constituent's email:
I personally called him before the election and spoke with him about his
position on Medical Marijuana. He told me he felt the law " was a travesty"
and believed it needed to be completely repealed and he would work to do
that.
2009 SB-326 vote: Y
2009 HB-541 vote: Y
Billings Gazette, Nov 1, 2010:
“I certainly felt that our medical marijuana laws were very much in need of
reform and serious rewrite,” said Rep. Margie MacDonald, a Democrat
campaigning in House District 54.
Tax & Regulate: "Yes. Just like tobacco." Hemp: "Yes. It is a no brainer!
Why pay other countries that we can raise here." Comments: " In Biilings we
have seen that there needs to be some regulations in place, perhaps
licensing as with liquor."
"We have adequate regulations and laws in place to monitor and regulate
prescription medications through the DEA, FDA and licensing of physicians
and pharmacies. Marijuana should be treated and monitored like any other
prescription medication. No more or less"
2009 SB-326 vote: N
Rep. Howard has repeatedly referred to marijuana as a "scourge" and
"poison".
2009 SB-326 vote: Y
2009 HB-541 vote: Y
2010 Solutions for Montana Survey Response (PDF)
Tax & Regulate: "At present I am only interested in the medical marijuana
issue. Diane Sands' Children, Families, Health, and Human Services
Committee is taking testimony and plans to come up with legislation to
refine the law so that only reputable growers/providers and true needy
users are part of the Medical Marijuana solution to chronic pain and near
death relief." Hemp:
http://danskattum.com/issues Oct 23, 2010:
"The Montana medical marijuana referendum of 2004 has had unintended
consequences. The abuses under this law have been a big problem for many
communities. The trouble is, the law has vague language that creates some
pretty big loopholes. I would support legislation setting clear limits. "
Medical
marijuana campaign material from Tom Burnett's Campaign
Tax & Regulate: "I think the current approach to home growing facilities
and distribution are ill-conceived. Marijuana grows easily and is cheap to
produce. Due to legality, it is expensive but with the current medical
marijuana laws "pot" is easier for kids to get than alcohol. I would like
to see tighter control over who grows it, who inspects it, and it should
only be sold legally by pharmacies by prescription of actual licensed
doctors to patients directly using it. It should not be smoked or ingested
in public, on work brakes, or anywhere that it may come in contact with the
general public. Innoscent breathers could then test positive for a drug
they did not take, and lose their job or face prosecution. While I am aware
of several patients that receive a benefit from medical marijuana, the mass
majority of people that I have seen using the product, do so illegally and
for its recreational properties. I am not inclined to support the
legalization of marijuana for recreational use. As a mild euphoric and
halucinogen, pot allows you to escape reality. It is far better for people
to "change" their reality, rather than develope a habit of escaping it."
Hemp:
http://www.kathleenhd65.com/issues Oct 23, 2010:
One such topic is medical marijuana, an industry that many assert is going
way beyond the truly “medical” use of the drug. I commit to supporting
legislation that further defines “caregivers” and ensures our policies meet
the intent of the voters in legalizing “medical” marijuana.
Tax & Regulate: "Qualified yes,if the legislation could decriminalize
modest use and possession, take the profit and crime out of marijuana, and
also end the present misuse of medical marijuana sales and permits. We have
laws that work to some extent on the sales and use of alcohol --
age,driving, impaired driving, etc.and these could be a model for marijuana
laws. Decriminalizing MJ, with the aforementioned safeguards, would save
millions in apprehension, prosecution, and confinement costs. Our court
systems and jails are overflowing with these cases, resulting in the
suspended sentences and/or early release of more serious offenders."
Bozeman Chronicle, Oct 5, 2010:
Asked about the medical marijuana law, Brastrup questioned whether the
state can legalize something that's still illegal under federal law,
doubted it has medical value and said he would like to "totally do away
with it."
According to constituent email, Oct 2010: "Doesn't like the current law.
Currently supports a single grow owned and run by the state. Is very open
to sitting down w/ industry members and working this out."
Bozeman Chronicle, Oct 5, 2010:
On medical marijuana, he would support tightening who can get the medical
marijuana cards and make sure it can't be smoked in public, but thinks it
can benefit some patients.
Montana NORML Survey, Sep 2 2010:
Tax & Regulate:
"Alchohol is not medicinal. I support a bill that regulates the
professionalism and cleanliness of the growers and suppliers and protects
the quality of marijuana and the rights of the client. I do not support
taxing a medication. Taxes are already collected in the form of income tax
from both the growers and suppliers."
Comments:
"Yes, I will be happy to initiate a bill which sets the standards I have
listed above and also restricts those under 18 from using and purchasing
marijuana without the consent of both their doctor and their parents. "
Les Gilman (R / HD 71)
Tax & Regulate: "Yeah, I would support a tax on medical marijuana. We
already use taxes from alcohol and tabacco products. We need some soure of
revene to help regulate it." Hemp:
Tax & Regulate: "No, Here in montana we are already seeing massive abuses
in the so called medical use. I see no reason to think that marijuana is
any more affective for pain relief than other pain medications. If pcp is
that good then place it in capsuls and distribute it out of the pharmacies.
" Hemp: "I will have look into the issue further before making a
decision." Helena Indepent Record, May 20, 2010: “I’m not in favor of
medical marijuana, period. Here we are worrying about DUIs and smoking, but
now they’ve passed a law allowing people to smoke marijuana and get high.
I think the Legislature should repeal that law.”
In an informal conversation with MT NORML Staff on 5/20/2010, Hogan
declined to say whether she would support a tax & regulate bill, explaining
that she would need more information to make a decision.
Kirk B. Wagoner (R / HD 77)
Helena Independent Record, May 20, 2010: “I don’t know a whole lot
about the initiative, but if it’s medical marijuana for medical purposes,
I believe when the doctor gives a prescription for it, it should be picked
up at a pharmacy, just like other prescriptions. Then they have better
control over the abuse.”
Helena Independent Record, May 16, 2010, regarding medical marijuana: "I
support the law because I do believe there is a medical factor of the
marijuana, but there are problems with the law. There is a misconception
about providers, which are the farmers who grow it, but right now the
providers are the middle man. These guys are going down and buying what
they believe to be medicinal marijuana from a grower and selling it to
those who have cards, and it's illegal. The intent of the law is that there
is no middle man. In my profession I see a lot of abuse. The doctor takes
them at face value saying they have chronic pain. What we need to do is get
tighter requirements to qualify for a card. There needs to be tighter
control."
Helena Independent Record, Oct 13th, 2010:
"On the issue of medical marijuana, the candidates agree that the law needs
some significant changes, but neither wants to kill it off
entirely....Cohenour agrees loopholes need to be closed, and notes that
there’s no solid medical study that confirms a real benefit. But he also
wants to avoid harming legitimate users.
“I believe there’s a definite need for that, because the price of
prescription drugs is absolutely asinine,” he said. “Some of those drugs
are four to five thousand dollars a month, and if they can … smoke some
marijuana and get the same effects out of it, then why not?”
He said highway patrolmen encounter chronic users on the road.
“I don’t care what anybody says, they can’t operate the vehicle,” he said.
“And I’ve arrested them, and we go down and we take blood.”
He said Jill Cohenour introduced a bill that would have required
distributors and users to register with county sheriffs — not to keep
closer tabs on them, but to help law officers figure out whether a
marijuana user or grower is legal, thus avoiding unneeded search warrants,
seizures and arrests. “Because there’s so much black market, it’s hard for
us as law enforcement to track what’s legitimate and what’s not,” he said."
Helena Independent Record, Oct 13, 2010: "On the issue of medical
marijuana, the candidates agree that the law needs some significant
changes, but neither wants to kill it off entirely....Gibson said he’s
personally known a chronically ill person who benefitted from the drug, but
that the current industry is out of control and a big money-maker for
marijuana suppliers.
“It sounds maybe kind of bizarre, but I think it would be better if the
government did it, regulated it, taxed it, secured it, kind of like the old
state liquor stores,” he said."
Helena Independent Record, Oct 14, 2010:
When it comes to medical marijuana, both candidates say voters who passed
the 2004 initiative should be respected, but loopholes need to be closed
and reins tightened.
Helena Independent Record, Oct 15, 2010:
When it comes to medical marijuana, both candidates say voters who passed
the 2004 initiative should be respected, but loopholes need to be closed
and reins tightened.
Helena Independent Record, May 24, 2010: I think the greatest loophole is
the ability to obtain cards without even having their medical record
reviewed by a medical examiner. We need to tighten up that side. When
voters passed it, it was for medical marijuana, and we’ve got a
willy-nilly pattern across the state of city’s enacting their own
ordinances. We need to recognize there are medicinal purposes so we don’t
want to make the law so restrictive, but we do need to tighten up the
laws.”
Shawn White Wolf (D / HD 80)
Helena Independent Record, May 24, 2010: “I’m not too familiar, but
there are pills that provide the same relief. If there is medication you
can take in a pill, it would be more appropriate than growing plants. I’m
not in favor of marijuana being legalized. It can’t really be grown
without being abused.”
2010 Solutions for Montana Survey Response (PDF)
A complete position statement is at:
http://www.ronformontana.com/Medical-Marijuana.html
MT NORML Survey, 2010:
Tax & Regulate: "Yes. I believe that legalizing and regulation of
Marijuana has many benefits. ...hemp is used in many products already on
the market. Montana needs a way to diversify and pull in as much of the
different market shares that it can."
Tax & Regulate:
"Yes, I would support and even Sponsor such a bill."
Ravalli Republic, Oct 12, 2010:
An interim legislative committee is writing proposed revisions to Montana's
2004 citizen-passed medical marijuana law. Do you think changes need to be
made? If not, why not? And if so, what specific changes would you
advocate?
Connell: Absolutely, as I believe that the current marijuana law was passed
by Montanans to help and support their own or neighbors' families stricken
with severe illnesses such as cancer. The current situation creates a
disaster waiting to happen in schools and the workplace. Currently, the
"marketplace" for marijuana is supplied with a product that cannot be
adequately assured of efficacy, potency or purity, or handled by an
educated, certified pharmacist.
In Oct 2010, Martin contacted marijuana industry leaders to express his
support.
Ravalli Republic, Oct 12, 2010:
An interim legislative committee is writing proposed revisions to Montana's
2004 citizen-passed medical marijuana law. Do you think changes need to be
made? If not, why not? And if so, what specific changes would you
advocate?
Martin: This was put in place by the citizens and it is not the right of
Helena to write laws on this. It must and will be the citizens who replace
it. I believe that the caregivers and growers could have and should have
done a better job of being professional in their business practices. It
will be their business practices that will force the people to take action
and it may or may not come out the way they want it to. I believe that the
citizens will repeal this law.
101. Ron Ehli (R / HD 88)
Missoulian, Sep 28, 2010:
Sixty-two percent of Montanans voted for the medical marijuana law, out of
compassion for those in need of comfort not able to be afforded by normal
medicinal avenues. The Legislature will deal with the unintended
consequences of I-148. Without losing the intention of the initiative, to
help those in need, the Legislature will regulate abuses by defining
parameters as they apply to growing operations, distribution, and product
use. The law was never intended to legalize the recreational use of
marijuana and it would be up to the Legislature to make sure we get back to
the intended purpose.
Missoulian, Sep 28, 2010:
Changes and clarifications of the law are necessary. I would support the
Board of Medical Examiners proposed standard of care expectations, such
that those prescribing medical marijuana should be held to the same
standards of evaluation and follow-up as any other medical prescription. I
support regulating the location of selling facilities, and prohibit felons,
sexual and violent offenders from selling. I would also support limiting
cards to people over 21. I believe there are potential adverse consequences
of placing young people on this agent which outweigh the professed
benefits, and dealing with medical marijuana usage is problematic for our
schools.
Missoulian, Sep 28, 2010:
Marijuana is money - the real question is how will those who can profit, do
so. Citizens voted for it, right? Who wants to ignore that? From the age of
15, I supported myself as a musician. I can tell you that you're a fool to
play with any of it - including the legalized psych stuff. None of it will
make you "better." The bigger picture - we fight a drug war, we loose when
we send kids to a pharmacy (prison). I care not if you are foolish enough
to want to harm yourself. Let's make room for predators in prisons.
2009 SB-326 vote: N
Ravalli Republic, Oct 12, 2010:
An interim legislative committee is writing proposed revisions to
Montana's 2004 citizen-passed medical marijuana law. Do you think changes
need to be made? If not, why not? And if so, what specific changes would
you advocate?
MacLaren: I serve on the subcommittee drafting the legislation. Two small
bills clarify that the Clean Indoor Air Act applies to medical marijuana,
another clarifies workplace use. The third bill establishes a tiered system
of licensure for growers, dispensaries who sell MM, manufacturers of
products containing MM, and caregivers, who obtain it for cardholders. It
also contains new physician requirements as developed by the Board of
Medical Examiners. The licensing and fees will be enforced by the Dept of
Revenue. All data will be available to law enforcement. The purpose is to
provide voter approved MM, and eliminate rampant abuse.
Missoulian, May 21, 2010: In 2004, the voters of Montana approved
Initiative 148 by 62 percent. The problem is that the language of the
initiative was so loosely written that much recreational use is now
occurring. Doctors conduct traveling clinics and teleconferences to certify
patients as needing medical marijuana. The state Board of Medical Examiners
is formulating a position paper to deal with this. Students with medical
marijuana cards can legally possess at school and participate in athletics,
even though school policy prohibits it. There is no record of where a
caregiver grows his marijuana. All of these areas need to be tightened up.
Probably the easiest area to address is registration of grow sites, and
recordkeeping of each patient, each transaction and where the product
goes.”
Richard Stamey (R / HD 89)
Missoulian, May 21, 2010: “Clarify the laws concerning growing and using
medical marijuana and develop a standard for which law enforcement can use
to easily distinguish between illegal and legal users. This way we can move
on to more important issues such as jobs, the economy and property
rights.”
Missoulian, Oct 12, 2010:
An interim legislative committee is writing proposed revisions to Montana's
2004 citizen-passed medical marijuana law. Do you think changes need to be
made? If not, why not? And if so, what specific changes would you
advocate?
Bird: Although the current law needs change, I do not agree with all the
proposed revisions. These revisions need to go back to the table. Not only
to ensure the safety of our children and our neighborhoods, but to ensure
the privacy of the patient and the prosperity of the hundreds of small
businesses it is sure to effect as well.
Ravalli Republic, Oct 12, 2010:
An interim legislative committee is writing proposed revisions to Montana's
2004 citizen-passed medical marijuana law. Do you think changes need to be
made? If not, why not? And if so, what specific changes would you
advocate?
Greef: The intent was good, the unintended consequences are horrible and
must be changed quickly. The laws need to remove the "self-directed" and
replace with very specific and defined laws. We must focus on the few that
honestly benefit from this treatment and eliminate the uncontrolled
distribution of pot brought in from out of state and sold here on a very
open style of black market - grown by a few, distributed by
state-controlled agencies and taxed similarly to liquor and cigarettes.
Ravalli Republic, Oct 12, 2010:
An interim legislative committee is writing proposed revisions to Montana's
2004 citizen-passed medical marijuana law. Do you think changes need to be
made? If not, why not? And if so, what specific changes would you
advocate?
Stanford: Montana's 2004 citizen-passed medical marijuana law has created
as many problems as solutions to problems it was intended to address. I
believe we need to have a system in place which will allow us to control
the substance, much like we control legal medications handled by
pharmacies.
2009 SB-326 vote: Y
In an informal conversation with a Montana NORML volunteer on Oct 18, 2010,
Mr. Furey stated that he generally agrees with our goals.
Missoulian, Sep 8, 2010: "I do feel changes need to be made [to the medical
marijuana law]. I served on the 2009 Health and Human Services Committee
that listened to testimony related to the need for medical marijuana and
the potential for abuse under current laws. I am looking forward to
reviewing the subcommittee's recommendations and feel confident that
changes will be made in 2011 providing a safe and secure qualification and
distribution system."
Missoulian, Sep 8, 2010: "I lost my wife Christine to cancer eight years
ago, so I am acutely aware of cancer patients' pain. Unfortunately, what
was meant as an act of compassion by the loving, caring people of Montana
toward the seriously ill has become a legal means for scores of
recreational users to obtain marijuana. We should require a background
check on providers, limit the number of providers statewide, limit the
numbers of applications for cards per physician per day and require that
cards be processed by local physicians. I want people to have pain relief,
but I don't endorse the drug trade."
In an in-person interview with Montana NORML, Bryce Bennett says he
supports our goals.
Missoulian, Sep 21, 2010: "In 2004 Montanans passed an initiative that
allowed for the use of medical marijuana. I supported this initiative, but
see the need for important revisions that will improve and strengthen the
law. The initiative provided for few regulations of the industry and now we
see a couple of bad apples spoiling the bunch. Medical marijuana can be an
effective tool in battling debilitating diseases, but we need to ensure the
law is not being abused. I support requiring distributors to acquire a
state license, and I will work to enact a law to make the industry entirely
transparent."
Missoulian, Sep 21, 2010: "I would try to expand the medical marijuana act
to include recreational use. With a 30 percent tax on recreational
marijuana use, we could activate a large new revenue stream that should far
exceed any that could be generated by medical use. Medical use tax has been
calculated at around $25 million a year. I would not recommend taxing
medical users. The simple reason being that as a caregiver I do not charge
most of my patients for my services so it is hard to imagine having to pay
a tax on a service I provide free.... As a caregiver, I have seen the
system abused by a few people who would lose interest with a few changes.
Limit the number of patients to 15 per caregiver, and random drug testing
for caregivers. Keeping people under 90 plants would eliminate the greed
factor. Most of the desperate ex-bankers, and goofy-ass mobsters would lose
interest. It would also keep honest caregivers from running afoul of the
five-year mandatory federal sentence still on the books, though not
currently enforced. We know things can change. As for drug testing, anyone
using other drugs illegally has no place making medicine.... The
Legislature needs to be very careful so as to avoid trampling on the people
they represent. The medical marijuana act was passed by the voters of
Montana so that people could take care of their close friends and family.
If the Legislature takes this citizen-passed initiative and turns it into a
big business break for the people currently ruining it, this will be a
travesty. Drug testing and 90 plants per caregiver. Expand to include
recreational use. Instead of our resources spent enforcing prohibition, we
can add a large new revenue stream."
Missoulian, Sep 21, 2010: Changes need to be made that go to the original
intent of medical use and eliminate casual and recreational users.
"Caregivers" need to be strictly defined.
2009 SB-326 vote: Y
MT NORML Survey, 2010:
Tax & Regulate: "I think that any decision we make to decriminalize and tax
marijuana (and I am certainly open to that idea) should be based on the
merits of the issue, and not on the revenue potential involved. By way of
an analogy, I think it might reasonably be argued that taxes on tobacco
should be set high enough to discourage use, even though that might mean
that revenue would go down." Hemp: "I support hemp production and voted for
the resolution, but I am not sure what advocacy is required at this point
and so find it difficult to say that yes, I will advocate for production. I
do not plan to make this issue a priority in my own legislative agenda, but
I would anticipate voting for legislation promoting production."
Would you support a bill that taxed and regulated marijuana similar to
alcohol?
"Yes"
Lou Ann Crowley (D / HD 94)
Missoula Independent, Jun 3 2010: (In response to the question; One of the
most contentious issues heading into the 2011 legislative session is
medical marijuana. Do you believe the law should be amended? How?) "The
explosive growth of the medical marijuana industry has raised a host of
questions not answered by the existing law. These need to be addressed and
the law amended to make the system work better for everyone. There are no
easy solutions."
Tax & Regulate: "Yes. According to Montana NORML, the State of Montana
could benefit from $24,000,000 in direct tax revenues related to licensing
fees for producers and retailers, payroll taxes, and the additional jobs
created by regulating the use and sales on marijuana. " Hemp: "Yes.
Indistrial/agricultural hemp production will benefit rural Montanans by
creating new markets for farmers as well as sustainable processing and
manufacturing jobs. Let's do it." Comments: "Thanks for advocating on
behalf of the individual liberties of all Montanans. Coming from a position
of advocacy, at the Poverello Center, representing a population of people
that is sometimes viewed as "undesirable", I understand firsthand that it
is not always easy. You should be applauded for the courage of your
convictions. See you in Helena this spring!" Missoula Independent, Jun 3
2010: (In response to the question; One of the most contentious issues
heading into the 2011 legislative session is medical marijuana. Do you
believe the law should be amended? How?) "Exploitation of the law's
physician recommendation requirement at circus-like "clinics" that process
hundreds of people in a single day must come to an end. Financial
relationships between caregivers and physicians should be outlawed, plain
and simple. So should public use of cannabis, by anyone. The law is
intended to honor the central Montana values of freedom and self-reliance,
to grant worthy patients the liberty to use an ancient, proven natural
plant for healing purposes. With consensus amendments at the 2011
Legislature, we can fulfill that goal and end the craziness. My campaign
has been endorsed by John Masterson, the director of Montana NORML."
Missoulian, Sep 29, 2010: Squires: I support the initiative that the people
of Montana passed concerning medical marijuana. No one should suffer the
ravages of pain if a medication like this can help. The state should ban
"drive-by clinics." The state must require more thorough medical exams of
patients. If a card is to be issued by the state, the patient must be a
resident of the state of Montana. I support background checks and a
licensing board for caregivers growers and providers.
2010 Solutions for Montana Survey Response (PDF)
Missoulian, Sep 29, 2010: Stevenson: Montana's medical marijuana laws have
not manifested a crime wave. Nevertheless, I support completely rewriting
the laws. No one seems 100 percent clear regarding what's legal. Example:
Helena seems to have intended that caregivers may legally acquire product
from one another - for their patients - but our laws are written so badly
that law enforcement don't know whether to permit this or not. Proposed
(interim) revisions seem to turn back the clock - not clarify existing law.
Liberty interests, alternative medicines and economic prosperity shouldn't
fall victim to knee-jerk hysteria. Montanans simply need crystal-clear
rules - encouraging personal responsibility and economic activity.
2009 SB-326 vote: Y
In an informal conversation with MT NORML Staff on 5/20/2010, Rep. Reinhart
indicated she would support a bill that proposed responsible regulation of
marijuana for adults.
Missoulian Sep 19, 2010: "I interview voters as I go door to door about
their thoughts about medical marijuana. My voters want medical marijuana to
exist, but they want it to be regulated, taxed and predictable for everyone
involved. They're OK with sick people using it. I appreciate the work the
Legislative Children and Families Interim Committee has done to bring
stakeholders to the table and "hash" out compromises. I will seriously
consider their legislative proposals. I will likely support a regulatory
structure, addressing medical marijuana by employees, clarifying that the
Clean Indoor Air Act applies to marijuana and taxing medical marijuana."
In an informal conversation with Montana NORML staff on Sep 15, 2010,
Thompson said he generally supports Montana NORML's goals.
Missoulian, Sep 10, 2010: "In 2004, 62 percent of Montanans voted to
legalize medical marijuana but most were probably unaware how easily it
would be to obtain cards. Substantially changing the process will likely be
difficult. However, the state could monitor medical marijuana by attaching
several safeguards: 1) requiring vendors to obtain medical marijuana
licenses in a manner similar to obtaining liquor licenses; 2) require all
transactions to be via check, debit or credit cards; 3) impose taxes at
levels similar to alcohol/tobacco; 4) ban public smoking; 5) have DUI laws
apply to marijuana; 6) empower counties to prohibit medical marijuana."
NORML Survey Sep 2010:
Tax & Regulate:
"Yes, and I would like to co-author the bill. If passed, my concern is that
the tax money will go to inappropriate programs like law-enforcement. I
believe the taxes should fund social programs and the advancement of the
arts."
2009 SB-326 vote: Y
MT NORML Survey, Sep 2010:
Tax & Regulate:
"I would support a bill that taxes and regulates. My biggest concern is how
much more potent marijuana has become and would like to understand how we
can make the levels predictable and stable. I also would like to know how
we deal with smoking and driving since they would probably need a blood
test."
MT NORML Survey, Sep 2, 2010:
Tax & Regulate:
"Article III Section 4. Initiative. Subsection (3) of the Montana
Constitution concludes with "The sufficiency of the initiative petiton
shall not be questioned after the election." I do not believe that taxing
marijuana like alcohol would not be what the voters were looking at when
they approved this initiative in 2004. I believe they wanted marijuana to
be allowed for its' intended purpose...medically. I don't know of any
pharmaceuticals that are taxed and would oppose any taxation on medical
marijuana. Regulation is a different issue. The specific request was
medical and should be regulated like any other drug used on the
reccomendation of a physican. Good business practices should be applied as
to the the growth and distribution of medical marijuana as any other
business and license requirements should stay in line with any other
business. I contend that marijuana is an agricultural product and many
objectionable situations would be solved if it were allowed to be grown as
any other crop. Montana already has laws governing abuses of alcohol, drugs
and marijuana and those laws should be applied as written. Personally I
believe the "war on drugs" has proven that no law can change a person's
behavior. Some laws actually make criminals. I hold a fairly libertarian
position on marijuana and personally believe it should be decriminalized
and that government doesn't belong in the choice of what an adult person
puts in their own body. I do believe there needs to major concern to
protect minor children from the adverse use of any altering substance
unless reccomended by a physican and montiored by a parent or adult
caregiver. I am a huge believer that children should not be given any
psychotropic drugs. PERIOD."
Dan Pickar (R / SD 04)
Flathead Beacon, May 25 2010: "The legalization of marijuana for medical
reasons is ridiculous and has too much potential to be abused. The chemical
in marijuana that has medicinal values is THC, which can and should be
available in pill form."
Tax & Regulate: "It would seem that we have a lot of problems from the
recent medical marijuana passage. I would need to hear some additional
information before making any decision. I heartily approve medical
marijuana but not in its present "condition"." Hemp: "Again, there are
problems with things as they stand, so let's get some "rules down" first.
As a first time candidate I need all the information I can get."
Update, Sep 6 2010: "At the present time I would have to say no [to
regulating marijuana for all adults]. We here in Montana are already
regretting the ill-conceived proposition on the use of medical marijuana
passed last year. Until these problems are addressed by the legislature in
2011 I see no reason to add fuel to the fire even for additional tax
revenue. Two wrongs don't make a right.
Missoulian, Sep 15 2010: "Montana lawmakers are presently considering new
marijuana regulations. An interim legislative subcommittee has tentatively
agreed to some proposals to regulate Montana's booming medical marijuana
industry, including requiring proof of Montana residence before getting a
card. One would set a limit to the number of patients a caregiver could
have and create a new dispensary category for larger operations requiring
background checks, licensing and subject to inspection. The other would
prevent physicians from being financially involved with medical marijuana
caregivers or dispensaries. It's a start."
2009 SB-326 vote: N
Flathead Beacon, May 25, 2010: "There definitely needs to have some
licensing standards brought forward. It needs to be reported on how many
licenses are given out and by what medical provider. There needs to be full
transparency and accountability in this process. The Legislature needs to
set policy where there is full involvement with our local governments on
regulating this issue.
2010 Solutions for Montana Survey Response (PDF)
Tax & Regulate (May 2010): "Having worked as a Detention Officer, I have
seen first hand the results of the progression from marijuana to hard
drugs, and I firmly believe that marijuana needs to remain illegal." Hemp:
"The presence of this crop provides temptation to unscrupulous individuals
who may divert it to illegal uses." Comments: " There are plenty of options
for agricultural crops that do not carry with them the potential for
unlawful use. "
Tax & Regulate (Sep 2010):
"As a former detention officer, I have been witness to the results of the
use of marijuana. I do not feel that its use, illegal or legal, contributes
to the well being of anyone. If its use for medical reasons can be
justified scientifically, then it should be made available through existing
pharmacies."
Flathead Beacon, Oct 5, 2010:
"If marijuana is to be used for medical purposes it needs to be prescribed
by medical doctors and dispensed through normal medical channels. The
production of marijuana needs to be carefully monitored and under
controlled conditions."
Daily Interlake, Oct 10, 2010:
Regarding Montana’s problematic medical marijuana law, Jackson said he
favors “repealing the law and starting over. The intent of [voters for the
2004 ballot initiative] did not happen.”
Flathead Beacon, Oct 5, 2010:
Re: I-148:
"Repeal it and start over. The initiative did not accomplish its stated
purpose."
2009 SB-326 vote: Y
Great Falls Tribune, May 13, 2010: “I, like many Montanans, voted for the
Montana Medical Marijuana Act.I support the notion that citizens who are
chronically ill have access to various medical substances, including
medical marijuana. However, since this law has been implemented, Montana
communities are withstanding significant abuse and those who are abusing
this act are ignoring the original intent. I am confident the Montana
Legislature will enhance the approval criteria and process for citizens
looking for this type of medical relief."
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 17, 2010: "I, like many Montanans, voted for the
Montana Medical Marijuana Act. I support the notion that our citizens who
are chronically ill and in need have access to various medical substances,
including medical marijuana. I think; however, since this law has been
implemented, our Montana communities are having to withstand significant
abuse and those who are abusing this act are ignoring the original intent.
I am confident the Montana Legislature will enhance the approval criteria
and process for those Montana citizens looking for this type of medical
relief."
Joey Jayne (D / SD 08)
Great Falls Tribune, May 13, 2010: “In a previous legislative session I
voted to support this act because of the medicinal relief it brought to
people in pain. I believe the well-being of our neighbors is critical to
sustaining our communities. However, there may be individuals who apply for
this card that may be able to obtain pain relieving medicines other than
medical marijuana. Doctors prescribing this must be certain that nothing
else is available to that individual before prescribing medical
marijuana.”
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 17, 2010: "Montana voters approved medical
marijuana. Medical is the key word here. Some have abused this drug for
years, and that hasn't changed. I believe something needs to be done to
limit the abuse, but I'm not sure more government is going to be the best
answer."
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 8, 2010:
How would you change the Montana Medical Marijuana Act?
I support the bills to be introduced by the Children, Families, Health and
Human Services Interim Committee that would make it harder to get a
marijuana card without good reason and easier to regulate the industry.
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.
Tax & Regulate: "This is too broad of a question to answer at this time. I
will support the regulation of medical marijuana like 62% of the voters in
Montana voted for. Yes, the revenue should be taxed similar to alcohol and
should be regulated similar to alcohol, not piece meal like many
communities in Montana are doing today - but this only applied to Medical
marijuana at this time." Hemp: "Yes, industrial hemp is a viable way to
produce a product to use in many products. This will provide jobs and
income for many."
Great Falls Tribune, Oct 8, 2010:
[M]edical marijuana must be regulated and the impacts that this initiative
will have on our society needs to be considered.
Safeguards need to be put in place to protect children and families, as
well as law enforcement. There needs to be a comprehensive management
system while still addressing the needs of folks who legitimately qualify
for medical marijuana use, and of the providers.
But first and foremost, the health and safety of all citizens needs to be
the main focus.
Email to constituent, Sep 21, 2010:
"Medical marijuana was passed by citizen initiative and we must respect
that decision unless the citizens change their mind with another
initiative. We must address the concerns our communities have expressed
with the sudden increase in use of medical marijuana. The legislature will
need to set sideboards on the growing, sale and use of medical marijuana,
so that the drug remains available from caregivers engaged in regulated
businesses."
2010 Solutions for Montana Survey Response (PDF)
From the candidate's blog:
Medical Marijuana a Faux Cause:
http://bozemanmikecomstock.blogspot.com/2010/08/medical-marijuana-faux-cause.html
In response to a constituent letter on Sep 17, 2010:
The initiative stated in broad terms that protections for those with
varying conditions should be created to allow for the medical use of
marijuana. While this initiative is the will of the people, and I agree
with the general underlying principle, I do not agree with the way it was
done. Medical marijuana should be grown, processed, distributed,
prescribed, dispensed, and sold as any prescription medicine is. Having
this one industry and set of rules different from all other drugs seems
very costly, inefficient, and subject to abuse.
I would disagree [that mmj regulations should be developed with the input
of the mmj industry. This is like letting bankers write banking regulation
or tavern owners write alcohol regulation. Growers have little knowledge of
how to administer a controlled substance. I'd look towards the
pharmaceutical industry. While there are those who truly want to work to
forge a workable solution, there are perhaps a greater number that are
using the medical marijuana initiative as a stepping stone to legalizing
marijuana for recreational use.
The latter group does not really care about the ill patients that require
this medicine, but rather they are using them to promote their own agenda
of legalizing marijuana and then growing it to make big profits. Along with
that group are the politicians that wish to legalize marijuana so that they
can heavily tax it's usage and fill state coffers with funds. This was
never the intent of the initiative. Many of the growers that I've met in
the area fall into this category. I have neighbors that moved here from
Chicago just so they could grow weed legally and skirt the law under the
protection of the medical marijuana initiative.
And statistics support this. When over half of convicted felons have
medical marijuana cards, one can either conclude that going to prison
causes terminal cancer and glaucoma, or that the cards are far too easy to
obtain. The number of growers is expanding greatly, and each does have a
half dozen "patients", but one has to wonder if there are really tens of
thousands in Montana dying of terminal cancer. When the growers outnumber
those who truly need MMJ, there's a problem.
We don't allow meth-lab operators to grow opium and then make and
distribute methadone to heroin addicts. We have very strict regulations on
those who make whiskey or vodka. We don't allow garage chemists to create
and sell Vicodin. Why the push for mom & pop home-grow and sell operations
?
I would agree that the program needs to be refined and loopholes closed
while not being too restrictive. The current proposed legislation
(attached) is a good starting point towards fixing the problems while
keeping the programs original intent fully intact. If elected, I'll support
this bill. It seems to address the prolems, but is not overly restrictive.
I agree that providing the best care and easy access for those suffering
should continue to be the primary, if not sole goal of the initiative.
I would disagree that "allowing for healthy economic growth fo the people
of Montana" should be part of this program. Nowhere in the original
initiative (or in the proposed changes) did it specify that the goal was to
help terminally ill patients AND promote economic growth for Montanans.
When I see such statements inserted into proposed legislation, I take
caution. Those who are truly altruistic in the goal of helping the sick and
needy do not need healthy economic incentives to do so. Those who grow
should not be doing it for profit. And government should not look upon the
MMJ program as a way to stimulate the economy and promote economic growth.
If one wants to legalize marijuana, one should introduce an initiative
clearly stating legalizing growing, selling, and using of marijuana.
Constituent email, Oct 2010: "Spoke w/ me on the phone. Voted against
original Initiative 148. Is against entire medical cannabis program. Said
he wouldn't sit at a table w/ industry members to create commonsense
legislation. Definitely not a supporter."
Dave Ponte (R / SD 35)
Tax & Regulate: "I will not support any such legislation. That concept
makes as much sense as legalized gambling supporting schools! …The
referendum process shows the weakness of this particular method of making
law. If more citizens were aware of the true consequences of the passage of
this piece of law, I pray that it would have not passed without further
scrutiny. " Hemp:
2009 SB-326 vote: Y
Helena Independent Record, Oct 22, 2010:
Murphy and Cohenour support the use of medical marijuana.
“I think the rules need to be in place and were not put in place in a
timely manner, so now we are fixing it,” Cohenour said. ....
She said doctors should have the patient’s complete medical history and
spend more than 15 minutes with them. She says medical marijuana should be
removed from the Schedule I listing and be placed on the list with other
drugs that are prescribed and then run through the medical infrastructure
already in place.
Helena Independent Record, Oct 22, 2010:
Murphy and Cohenour support the use of medical marijuana.
Murphy said since the summer of 2009 the industry has gotten out of hand,
and as it stands today isn’t the intent of the voters. He estimates that
200 to 300 people in this state actually need it, and it will be important
to work during the next session to get the recreational users out of the
system.
“I do believe those who need it get relief from pain and nausea, and we
should allow them to continue to do that,” Murphy said. “I’ll be paying
close attention to this.”
Helena Independent Record, Oct 21, 2010:
Caferro said she voted against the interim committee’s recommendations
because “it had too many inequities built into it.”
“I’m happy we’ll have an opportunity to work on it in the session,” she
said. “We are building a system from the ground up — what a great
opportunity, and I hope we do a good job of it. I want to make sure
patients are able to access the medicine they need.”
Helena Independent Record, May 16, 2010: We just met about [medical
marijuana] in (Children and Families Interim Committee). In general my
takeaway was regulation, inspection, accountability, and that goes from the
beginning to the end. If doctors are prescribing medical marijuana in an
unethical way, that needs to be looked at. All the way up to the people who
are growing the marijuana, they should be having health inspections. The
tighter we make this law, the legitimate growers are going to thrive and it
will drive away the bad actors. There are a lot of things that need to be
looked at.
Helena Independent Record, Oct 21, 2010:
On the issue of medical marijuana, both candidates see the need for
reforming the current system. Faber pointed out that when an interim
legislative committee voted to accept several recommended changes that will
be presented to the upcoming session, the only “no” vote on the 7-1 panel
was cast by Caferro.
“I think there’s a need for (medical marijuana), but definitely a need to
close the loopholes, and I would go along with the interim committee on
that,” he said. “The vote was 7-1 and the only ‘no’ vote was my opponent,
and that’s a strong indication that that’s what the people of Montana
want.”
Dave Gallik (D / SD 40)
Missoulian, May 10, 2010: "The idea is that people who need it for medical
reasons would get a prescription and could get it from a pharmacist," he
said Monday. "We'd tax the heck out of it, but still make it reasonable for
people to use for medical purposes. You wouldn't have 12,000 people allowed
to possess it based on a prescription from a doctor from Ohio who came out
for a weekend." "I think originally people used it for medical purposes
and there was a lot of support for it," Lewis said. "I think now we've lost
control of it. We've got 12,000 people with cards. I know from talking to
teenagers it's suddenly available everywhere. People are sharing it or
selling it."
Email from Senator Lewis Oct 14, 2010: "I am having a bill drafted that
will have three differences from the committee bill. Only one Doctor
opinion but language concerning standards of care to make the examination
more rigorous, licenses for growers and all people involved in medical
marijuana industry, a 10% tax levied at the grower level to be used to
reimburse local and state government for costs of regulation. I recognize
that some people can benefit from the use of this as a medicine and and
want to assure their continued access. I want to know who is growing and
how much and where it goes."
Montana NORML Survey, Sep 3, 2010: "Yes [legalize], but not yet. Marijuana
should be regulated taxed and sold just like alcohol but not until we are
ready. In order for me to support such a bill we need to have the
technology available in order to test whether or not someone is under the
influence of THC. Not if they have it in their system, as it remains after
the original effects have worn off. We must be able to test drivers in
order to know if they are "high" just as we can test drivers and know if
they are drunk. We also need the technology for those involved in
industrial accidents, etc. Once we have this capability, I will
whole-heartedly support the regulation of marijuana just as we do alcohol."
Art Baker (R / SD 44)
Missoulian, May 18, 2010: “This law was enacted through a citizen
initiative not legislation. We should tread lightly anytime the citizens of
this state use their constitutional right of initiative to enact law. We
should not suppose that legislators or law enforcement officers are smarter
than their bosses, the Montana citizen. The fact is, it is not the use of
alcohol or marijuana that is the problem or should it be the crime.
Government must punish nothing except the intentional violation of
duties.”
147. Bob Lake (R / SD 44)
2009 SB-326 vote: N
Missoulian, May 18, 2010: “Since it was intended to be used as a
prescribed pain relief drug, then it should be treated the same as our
other medications. We need a registry, records on providers and patients.
They should be required to have licenses and provide similar information as
required of other medical dispensaries. Locations within a county or city
should be determined by the local governing body.”
Missoula Independent, Jun 3 2010: (In response to the question; One of the
most contentious issues heading into the 2011 legislative session is
medical marijuana. Do you believe the law should be amended? How?) "I do
believe the law should be amended. I don't want to take a politician's view
on this, but I know Rep. Diane Sands, D-Missoula, has been heading up a
committee that's been looking at this. I trust that committee will come out
with some great ideas. I hope those ideas include allowing cities and
counties to zone where those businesses go. As a high school teacher, I'm
just not going to move forward with any legalization...I also don't think
you should smoke marijuana in public. Let me add that, I'm fairly sure that
no matter what we do, some constituents will not be happy. As I've knocked
on doors, opinions on this issue have covered the whole spectrum."
Teresa K. Henry (D / SD 48)
2009 SB-326 vote: Y
In an informal conversation with MT NORML Staff on 5/20/2010, Henry
indicated she would support a bill that proposed responsible regulation of
marijuana for adults. Missoula Independent, Jun 3 2010: (In response to the
question; One of the most contentious issues heading into the 2011
legislative session is medical marijuana. Do you believe the law should be
amended? How?) I think we need to look at some of the administrative rules
about how it's implemented. But I don't know that the law needs to be
amended. It's a people's initiative, and I think we've gotten a really
strong message that access to medical marijuana for symptom management is
important to the people of Montana."
Tax & Regulate: "It needs to be controlled like drugs, through
prescriptions from qualified medical personnel and controlled and taxed
from the qualified source. Needs to be limited." Hemp: "Must have some
controls!" Comments: " This act lacks few controls and as a result, the
crimes associated with this uncontrolled legalized drug distribution is
growing. "
Missoula Independent, Sep 23 2010:
"Beyond LGBT issues, Kerr calls for less involvement and more fiscal
responsibility from state leaders. As for medical marijuana, he thinks the
state law should remain unchanged, but be better managed by the Department
of Public Health and Human Services. He says growing the economy requires
cutting taxes so small businesses—like his caregiver operation—have room to
expand and innovate. "
http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/missoula/party-of-one/Content?oid=1304941
