Pubdate: Wed, 02 Jun 2010 Source: Helena Independent Record (MT) Copyright: 2010 Helena Independent Record Contact: http://helenair.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1187 STATE POT POLICY IN BAD NEED OF FIX There is nothing like spending a long, wet, holiday weekend holed up at home. But look at the bright side, thanks to the Independent Record and other Lee Newspapers across the state, you had plenty of reading available, especially on the topic of medical marijuana. Back in April, the Montana Medical Marijuana Act, which voters approved in 2004, was described in this space as a public-policy debacle. Now, it has been officially upgraded to a Category V Public-Policy Disaster. From a news-reporting standpoint, medical marijuana is a gold mine. At every turn, there is some interesting, incredulous twist. One good example was revealed over the weekend: According to Montana Department of Corrections, more than 9 percent of Montanans on probation or parole carry medical marijuana "green" cards. Apparently, the pain of being forced to comply with the law, any law, can only be relieved by getting high. Another story from the weekend noted the dismay of many Montana doctors over the ease of getting approved for a green card, especially among those who pile into a hotel convention hall for a brief consultation with doctors who sign off with little examination or review of medical records. Many of the physicians taking part in these "clinics" are from out of state and collect a tidy fee for a few minutes of their time. "We have reached the point in Montana where medical-marijuana certification is for sale with a physician's signature," said one doctor in a weekend news story. The physician is indeed an expert on the topic. This doctor, practicing in a small western Montana town, has certified more than 3,000 medical marijuana patients. How's that for a unique blend of the Hippocratic Oath, the doctor's code of ethics, and hypocrisy? The tragedy in this mess is that cancer and glaucoma victims, and others who suffer from chronic pain - the folks the 2004 initiative was aimed at helping - may be at risk of being left out when the dust settles on this debacle-turned-disaster. The good news is that the many news stories related to this nightmarish public policy have drawn the clear attention of Montana's elected officials. The topic is sure to be the subject of vigorous debate when the Montana Legislature meets next year. Already, one legislator, Sen. Jim Shockley, R-Victor, has requested that a bill repealing the marijuana law be drafted for the 2011 session. "It was a good idea, poorly executed," Shockley said in announcing his intent a couple of weeks back. While repeal might put a stop to the present mania, it also could hurt those who most need help. It will be up to the Legislature to find a way to maintain the essence of the initiative and develop sound, enforceable regulations regarding medical marijuana. While there will be plenty of room for debate on what those regulations should be, there should be no debate about the need for significant change. At this point, the spirit of the 2004 initiative is hopelessly mired in a cesspool of misrepresentation, greed and quackery. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D