Safe Community Safe Kids was formed by a group of parents out of concern for the unbridled spread of medical marijuana in Montana and its effect on our children, families and community. With the help from parents and others across the state, we were instrumental in passing legislation on this issue. In 2011, the Montana Legislature passed a bill to repeal the 2004 voters' initiative on medical marijuana. When Gov. Brian Schweitzer vetoed this repeal bill, the Legislature unanimously passed another bill, Senate Bill 423. The governor refused to sign or veto this bill and because of his inaction the bill automatically became law. [continues 371 words]
In response to public outcry over the unregulated, out-of-control medical marijuana industry, the Montana Legislature passed Senate Bill 423. After months of deliberation and thousands of testimonies from each side, this bill passed with the support of both Republicans and Democrats. Even though the bill is not in full effect yet, it has put some very needed and welcomed sideboards on this rapidly growing industry. Since its passing, the number of registered medical marijuana users has dropped from 30,000 to 8,849, the number of providers has dropped from 4,800 to 395, and many of the storefronts are disappearing. With the law imposing additional requirements for minors to obtain cards, Montana now has only two cards holders under the age of 18. [continues 361 words]
The lawsuit against SB 423 is an insult to the intelligence of thousands of Montanans! This lawsuit goes against the separation of powers as stated in the Montana Constitution, our Montana legislators, Supreme Court, the FDA, federal law and the U.S. Congress. A supermajority of the legislators voted for SB 423. In 2001, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled against the legality of medical marijuana. Federal law prohibits the possession, manufacture and distribution of marijuana. The FDA hasn't approved smoked marijuana for any condition or disease. On June 15, the chairmen of two congressional committees sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, stating that Congress placed marijuana in Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substance Act and, as such, growing, distributing and possessing marijuana in any capacity, other than as part of a federally authorized research program, is a violation of federal law regardless of state laws permitting such activities. [continues 108 words]
Editor: The lawsuit against Senate Bill 423 is an insult to the intelligence of thousands of Montanans. This lawsuit goes against the separation of powers as stated in and by the Montana Constitution, our Montana legislators, the Supreme Court, the Food and Drug Administration, federal law and the U.S. Congress. A supermajority of the legislators voted for SB423. In 2001, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled against the legality of medical marijuana. Federal law prohibits the possession, manufacture and distribution of marijuana. [continues 198 words]
The lawsuit against SB423 is an insult to the intelligence of thousands of Montanans. This lawsuit goes against the separation of powers as stated in the Montana Constitution, our Montana Legislators, the Supreme Court, the FDA, the Federal Law and the Congress. A supermajority of the Legislators voted for SB423. In 2001, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled against the legality of medical marijuana. Federal law prohibits the possession, manufacture, and distribution of marijuana. The FDA hasn't approved smoked marijuana for any condition or disease. [continues 180 words]
Montana kids are in trouble! After speaking with principals, educators, parents and kids across the state, it's clear our schools are suffering the devastating consequences of passing the medical marijuana law. Montana is now No. 2 in the nation for teen marijuana use. Our situation is serious. One principal described it as a "nightmare." Another said "It has crossed all boundaries, even star athletes are using it." They are finding it impossible to tell kids it's harmful. Many kids don't even believe it is still illegal, citing storefronts and signs all over town as evidence. [continues 518 words]