It seems there was some confusion about last week’s newsletter headline about $88 ounces. That price was projected by the venerable RAND corporation in their report analyzing likely effects of marijuana legalization in California.
Does that mean tobacco-company weed harvested and ground up by the acre by giant robots? Maybe. Don’t worry, there will always be room for high-end marijuana, just like we have plenty of options in the high-end beer and wine categories. But there’s no getting away from the fact that with full legalization comes a potentially dramatic price reduction.
Legalization might cut into growers’ profits, yes. I’m sorry about that, but reduced profits are no reason to keep arresting people for something that should not be a crime. And, you’ll have lots more legal customers! For more on this phenomenon in California, check out this NORML blog post.
Moving on — most of you already know that a committee of legislators is meeting throughout the summer to discuss changes to Montana’s medical marijuana law. The idea is that bringing interested parties (law enforcement, schools, growers, patient advocates) together in the same room enough times will identify areas of concern and generate thoughtful discussion, and eventually a proposal that is tolerable to all sides will result. And, the thinking goes, this proposal will therefore sail through the legislature and be implemented in the spring.
We should expect significant changes to the law next year. If you’re a patient or caregiver, pay close attention, because, who knows, your legal status may flip to criminal with the stroke of a pen. If you want to know more, don’t forget these meetings are public. Anyone can attend, or watch over the internet. Check the committee website for details.
If you show up, you’ll optionally have 30 seconds to state your case to the committee. Of course we recommend you tell them politely to have the courage to get past medical.
Speaking of getting involved, our friends at Montanans for Responsible Legislation (the group suing the city of Great Falls over their marijuana business ban) are throwing a huge fundraiser at the Rock Creek Lodge this weekend. Three days of music, food, and camping, with drum circles, fire dancers, vendors, caregivers and general fun to be sure. Check their website for details.
RUMOR ALERT: We’ve heard some fascinating rumors and conspiracy theories about Montana NORML in the last few weeks. I’d like to respond to all of them at once, so please, if you have heard anything, let me know.
Finally, here’s the news of the week:
Montana Marijuana News:
- Montana nursing board sidesteps medical marijuana issue
- MCN founder arrested for disorderly conduct
- Missoula: 1000′ school zones must be pot free
- Missoula: Nevermind about the 1000′ school zone (but staying out anyway is probably a good idea).
- Bozeman caps marijuana providers at a max of 32
- Bozeman immediately hits marijuana grower cap in one day
- Committee considering banning people with criminal records from becoming marijuana growers, registering garden locations
- Montana lawmakers focus on ‘gray areas’ in medical marijuana law
- Montana Caregivers Network shuts down cannabis caravans
Thanks all, and remember: we have Truth, Justice, and Liberty on our side.
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This was my first year at the Missoula Hempfest, and it was really fun! I was surprised how many people there were. It was especially nice to see a strong emphasis on recycling.
