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Outcome of the Public Comment Session on the Medical Marijuana Act
Author: Ardyce 2010-06-29 11:52:54
Monday’s public comment session at the Children, Families, Health and Human Services Interim Committee finally provided illuminating information regarding the positions of parties interested in the Medical Marijuana Act. The dominant perception of non-patients and legislators is that the law had been disrespected and the privilege abused, so it is now time to step in. Several spoke to the fact that the situation was not what the voters had envisioned in 2004 and it is time to take the necessary steps to ensure that only people who really need this medicine have access to it. This may be an oversimplification of a complicated issue. Though not all of the legislators see repeal as the answer, they can agree that it is the easiest course of action. Repeal would mean that 21,000 patients and 3,500 caregivers all of a sudden become illegal. That is a large enough portion of Montana’s meager population to grossly affect the state in both the compassionate and financial realms. One hopes that their lawmakers are not so cold.
The recommendations put forth by law enforcement representatives can be outlined in three simple points: there should be no caregiver-to-caregiver transactions, they need access to caregiver operations and special attention must be paid to the allowable number of plants a caregiver has.
Most of the industry participants (caregivers, patients etc) are on board with the idea of regulation as they desire legality and protection from persecution so that they may continue doing a job they love that incidentally happens to tremendously help people in pain. Many caregivers hopped on board the regulatory bandwagon and attested to the steps they have taken to start developing certification and training programs for caregivers. These kinds of programs need to, in all practicality, come from within the industry rather than from non-patient legislators.
The remainder of the session was devoted to public comment. Pam Birschard, one of the patients and caregivers being put to the test in Great Falls, poignantly pleaded with the legislators to resist the tendencies towards outright bans as they only limit the legality of the industry and have no effect on black-market suppliers. Several self-described housewives were also present to make their cases for the safety of their children. Other members of the public are worried about impaired driving and the affirmative defense clause.
A drafting subcommittee was formed of Representatives Diane Sands, Penny Morgan, Gary MacLaren and Senator Trudi A. Schmidt. They expect to finish drafting bills by August. Thus, a month remains to contact and educate your legislators. Go to www.votesmart.org to find out who represents you. Do your homework. Submit your comments. And expect your legislators to work for YOU.
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