Pubdate: Thu, 08 Jul 2010
Source: Ravalli Republic (MT)
Copyright: 2010 Ravalli Republic
Contact:  http://www.ravallirepublic.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3254
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

TIME FOR LEGISLATURE TO ADDRESS MEDICAL MARIJUANA

The upcoming Montana Legislature has a lot on its plate. The budget 
will undoubtedly be the focus for many legislators as falling tax 
revenue in a difficult economy means every belt needs tightening. One 
area they should not overlook however is the increasingly problematic 
issue of medical marijuana.

The medical marijuana act was passed back in 2004 by a voter 
initiative with 62 percent of voters supporting it. Since that time, 
the medical marijuana industry has grown substantially in Montana. 
Caregivers grow marijuana for multiple patients and there are 
travelling doctors to assist patients in acquiring their medical 
marijuana card.

The law is simply too open to misuse. Nearly anyone can get a card 
allowing them to purchase and consume marijuana. All one needs to do 
is claim to be in constant pain and find a doctor willing to sign 
their form. From there they pay a minimal fee of $25 and wait for the 
state to process their application.

The law doesn't even provide age restrictions. A minor can obtain a 
medical marijuana card with their parent's permission and a doctor's 
recommendation.

Tighter regulation and a better definition of chronic pain could help 
alleviate the gray areas in the law. This could cut down on the 
number of people attaining cards that don't truly need medical marijuana.

There should also be tighter regulation on caregivers. The caregiver 
industry is responsible for providing a quality product to their 
patients. Unfortunately, current laws don't ensure the quality or 
safety of medical marijuana products. Many dispensaries offer 
marijuana in baked goods but those establishments are not subject to 
inspection like other food production facilities.

At the very least, the Legislature should increase fees associated 
with medical marijuana, either through increasing application fees or 
imposing a sales tax on the product. A small sales tax would likely 
have minimal impact on an industry bringing in cash hand over fist, 
but it could increase state coffers substantially - something to 
consider with the current budget shortfalls.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom