An unfolding drug case in Ravalli County looks to stretch and define the Medical Marijuana Act, testing the boundaries of the law and setting precedence. "I think we are treading on new ground," Defense attorney Julian Morales said. In court Thursday, Robert L. Meharg entered innocent pleas to criminal production or manufacturing of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of dangerous drugs, for growing pot for his various medical conditions. Morales asked District Court Judge James Haynes for some direction and guidance about certain provisions in the Medical Marijuana Act. [continues 681 words]
A pinch of pot proved problematic for a Stevensville man, landing him in court for distributing the drug although no money changed hands. Eugene Rishel changed his plea Wednesday to no contest of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs for "returning a favor." Montana statute defines distribution as selling, bartering, exchanging, or giving away the drug specified. Rishel, while attending the Stevensville Creamery Picnic last August, was sitting in his wheelchair watching the festivities. A friend approached him looking to purchase some marijuana, according to Rishel. [continues 252 words]
The Bitterroot Valley has been chosen to participate as a pilot community to implement a new drug awareness program. Montana Meth Watch will hold a free workshop for businesses and merchants to increase local awareness of the hazards of methamphetamine in the valley. The program is the first statewide prevention effort aimed at curbing the spread of methamphetamine, and is a critical step in reducing the availability of meth in communities statewide, according to its Web site. The state-run program will provide a free workshop on the use and production process of methamphetamine and what businesses can do to confront and stop drug use on a local level. It will help merchants recognize what common products are necessary for meth manufacture, and teach them what they can do to control these purchases. [continues 160 words]
