This just in: Missoula County officials are distributing a letter to caregivers advising them that caregiver-to-caregiver transfers of marijuana are not legal, and will be prosecuted as violations of the law. Presumably, this would be a felony punishable by years in prison.
Here’s a copy of the letter:
Dear Everyone,
A few things on my mind tonight. First and foremost are two wacky letters to the editor that appeared in Montana papers today.
The first is from an out-of-state lifelong prohibitionist who believes that anyone who smokes a joint is supporting the “Afghanistani” terrorists who caused 9/11. (Yes, I know most of that sentence is absurd).
The second is from a surgeon in Lewistown who believes our medical marijuana law is a “threat to civil society” and needs to be updated in various ways, such as 5-doctor panels, $1000 6-month re-certification fees, 30-year age requirements on caregivers, and malpractice insurance requirements.
You can read both and weep, or laugh, or scream, or post outraged comments on the newspaper website or Facebook. But you will not be helping.
The way to respond to ludicrous letters in the paper is to respond with a letter of your own. It needs to be well reasoned and brief. It should be sent in the next few days, and reference the original.
And obviously, we think it should propose taxing and regulating cannabis for all adults, as the solution to the medical marijuana conundrum.
Here’s a reason to write the letter: politicians (known for listening carefully to which way the wind is blowing) pay “clipping services” to gauge the opinion of society, and what appears in the opinion section of the paper is a major part of that. They figure that for everyone who writes a letter, there are at least a hundred people who didn’t bother. Which will you be?
If you need help, let me know.
Next, I had the opportunity to speak with an employee of the Missoula Police Department today. We talked about the craziness of the medical marijuana scene, and he told stories about 23-yr-old dudes walking in grinning, cards in hand, asking for their “weed” back. He went on to talk about how the medical marijuana law needs to be severely restricted to people on the verge of death for whom nothing else works, etc etc.
I said, “Or, we could treat it more like beer.”
He immediately nodded and said, “Sure, but for now it’s medical and….”
That was enlightening to me. He agreed that the beer model works for cannabis. I think most people do. If we could just get past medical.
You should know by now that the legislative committee working on medical marijuana for the state of Montana has been hard at work this summer.
If you are closely following the progress of the revisions to Montana’s medical marijuana bill, these reports will be of interest. Included on the list are law enforcement recommendations, a review of Colorado’s recent medical marijuana changes, ambiguities in the definition of a “patient”, etc. Click here and spend an hour reviewing what the state’s been discussing.
Then, email them your polite thoughts on the matter.
Finally, I’ve come to understand that the organizers of the Bozeman Hempfest are not happy with NORML, and in fact intend to pass out fliers at the event urging visitors to “boycott” Montana NORML. If you decide to pay the entry fee and attend the event, I encourage you to request a conversation with the event organizers to hear their argument. I’ve tried, but don’t understand it.
Enough. Here’s the latest news:
If you find these updates useful, please consider becoming a supporting member of Montana NORML.
Keep on keepin’ on.
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:
Thanks all, and remember: we have Truth, Justice, and Liberty on our side.
You can get the free weekly NORML newsletter delivered to your inbox by signing up here.
After work today, I was a guest speaker at one of the local Rotary Clubs in Missoula. The members were gracious and generally agreed with my statements that the best way forward with cannabis policy is a regulated market for adults. I was prepared for a vigorous debate but didn’t get it. Everyone was nodding. The more people I talk to, my belief in public support for regulated marijuana gets stronger and stronger.
Afterwards, I headed to the Badlander for a candidate forum put on by Forward Montana. It was called “candidating“, and was modelled on speed dating, in which you just have a few minutes with your partner, and then everyone switches. Cool idea, and a great way to meet a bunch of candidates and ask the questions you need answered. What follows is my brief recollections of those conversations.
Tyler Gernant, candidate for the U.S. House: He agreed that marijuana has no business being a schedule I drug federally, and that a system of responsible regulation is the wisest policy. Results: Thumbs Up.
Tom Facey, candidate for Senate District 48: I never really got out of him his position on the prospect of tax & regulate, as he kept coming back to medical marijuana. Results: Inconclusive.
Ellie Hill, candidate for House District 94: She supports our efforts. Results: Thumbs Up.
Bryce Bennet, candidate for House District 92: He supports our efforts. Results: Thumbs Up.
Brad Giffin, candidate for Missoula County Sheriff: Right out of the gate, he said he thought it was inevitable that marijuana would become legal in the not-too-distant future, and he was fine with that. He reminded me of William Macy. Regarding Initiative #2, he would not change policy; i.e., his deputies would continue citing people for marijuana when it was encountered. He was concerned about the lack of an empirical test for impaired driving. Results: Inconclusive.
Bob Parcell, candidate for Missoula County Sheriff. Now this guy seems like a SHERIFF. A smokejumper and 30-year Marine reservist with experience in the battle of Fallujah, he’s a no-nonsense military tough guy. I sat with him for 10 minutes or so, and he’s thoughtful and reasonable and willing to hear facts that counter his preconceived notions, such as marijuana causing cancer (which it does not). I talked to him about LEAP, and he was nodding in understanding that veteran narcotics cops may well end up believing that the Drug War was a tremendous waste of time and money and lives. He said repeatedly that alcohol is about the worst thing out there. (UPDATE: When I replied that well, maybe we should prohibit alcohol?” he said “no way, we know how that turned out”. ) He also said that no new policy would be issued by him related to Initiative #2, but pointed out that a guy smoking cannabis in his house is already the lowest possible priority. When I asked him how he would vote if an initiative that provided for responsible regulation of marijuana for adults was on the ballot, he paused, and said he’d abstain from voting, because he has to answer the question from “the other side” too. (I read that as cautiously supportive.) He also was concerned about the lack of an empirical test for impaired driving. He said repeatedly that as a “lawman”, he’d enforce the law, as long as he didn’t believe it was unconstitutional or immoral. Results: Inconclusive.
On balance, because I chair the Initiative #2 committee, I think Brad Giffin might be easier to work with, but I didn’t spend too much time with him.
In a few weeks, we’ll have a chance to vote on the folks who might be headed to Helena to create the law of the land. The above is a subset of what you’ll find in our upcoming voters guide.
Not sure whether you’re registered to vote, or need to figure out who you’ll be voting for? The state provides the tool you need here.
If you can get to candidate forums and ask questions about where the hopefuls stand on regulating marijuana, please contact us with your findings!
-JM
A quick run-down of NORML & marijuana events in Missoula on 4/20/2010. Click though for details.
Missoula: Green Prom, Top Hat, 134 W Front in Missoula. 6-9PM
Missoula: FREE Local Music at the Badlander & Palace 208 Ryman in Missoula. Free, 21+. Montana NORML volunteers will be tabling, drop by and say howdy.
Missoula: How Weed Won the West, at the Wilma, 8PM
Missoula: Missoula Ethical Caregivers Association fundraiser, at the Top Hat, 9PM. $4.20 door, 21+. Costume contest.
Feel free to comment below with any additional 4/20 Montana cannabis events!
Schedule (subject to change pending public officials’ participation availability):
In Honor of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day
(UC Ballroom, Missoula, MT. Monday, April 19th) – The University of Montana’s student chapter of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) is excited to host Marijuana Education Day (MED) Faire on April 19th, 2010 in the University Center Ballroom on the University of Montana campus. MED Faire will run from 10 am to 10 pm. Students, activists, caregivers, parents, police authorities, and the community at large will gather together to discuss Cannabis policy in Montana. Marijuana Education Day promises to explore medical marijuana including science, “green business”, zoning, ethical caregiver practices, and the future of Cannabis regulation. The event will feature informational displays, panel discussions, and community experts in the fields of marijuana science, law, and policy. All interested citizens with marijuana questions, concerns, and suggestions are welcome to attend.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS, FEATURED SPEAKERS
~ 10 am – ALL DAY – Informational Exhibits by various Care-Givers in the Business of providing Medical Marijuana, PLUS, other tables of information sharing.
~ 10 am: Welcoming by UM Student chapter of NORML –
President Majessa Kerner, and Vice-President Kelsey Lee
~ 10:15 -11:30 am: Discussion of medical marijuana and its economic effects. “Green Business” – facilitated by Tayln Lang, of Zoo Mountain Natural Care (Care-providers).
~ 12 – 1 pm: Among the Speakers will be Missoula City Council members Roy Houseman, Bob Jaffe, and Jason Wiener, Tom Daubert – Patients and Family United, Caregiver Shaneca Adams – Grizzly Green, Attorney Neil Leitch, Other community members are invited to voice concerns/suggestions via open microphone.
~ 1-3 pm: “Law enforcement Issues” – panel discussion featuring Patients, County Attorney Fred Van Valkenburg; candidates for sheriff: Bob Purcell, Brad Giffin; Care-givers, Growers; Attorneys Neil Leitch, Craig Shannon, questions from community? facilitator, Barry Adams
~ 3-4 pm: Legalization – Discussion with John Masterson of MT NORML, also, Barry Adams – Cannabis Awareness Network (CAN), many others.
~ 4 20 ~ Honoring of Jack Herer: Pioneer of Hemp, Legalization, Truth
wrote “Emperor Wears No Clothes” – Hemp, Hemp, TODAY…
~ 4:30-5:30 pm: Legislative discussion, readying testimony, organizing the Montana Cannabis Community, with Tom Daubert – Patients and Families United, Jim Gingery, also, Missoula Ethical Caregivers Association (M.E.C.A.), Jim Gingery (MMGA), Chris Lindsay (MMGA), others…
[ Note: April 27th, Representative Diane Sands will be holding hearings on these issues, in Helena]
~ 6:00-8 pm: Medical Personnel Speak/discuss Medical Marijuana, on hand: Dr. Chris Christensen, Victor, Mt., ND Ian Nesbit, Naturopathic Clinic, Missoula, C.P.M. Clinical Herbalist Darla Torrez, Missoula, on “Integrated Cannabis Therapeutics”, and, FNP, Deni Llovet, River City Family Health, Missoula.
~ 8-9 pm: Closing statements by people such as Deni Llovet, FNP – River City Family Health, Jim Gingery – Executive Director of Montana Marijuana Growers Association (MMGA), Robert Carpenter of – A Kinder Caregiver – (care-provider), Attorney Craig Shannon, John Masterson – MT NORML, Attorney Chris Lindsay – MMGA – Patients and Families United.
~ 9-10 pm: Live music by Andrea Harsell.
Sponsors: Green Bean Coffee Shop, Zoo Mountain, Grizzly Green, MECA, MT NORML, and, Axis Mundi Productions & SweetWater, plus, Students for NORML & Peace and Justice, Cannabis Awareness Network (CAN), others…
Sound by Audio Montana, Gabe
Poster Art by (student): C. Murphy
Thanks to all who have helped put on this Event, and, to those who attend.
We’ve recently heard from a caregiver who was purchasing their business license in Missoula that during the administrative process, they were informed that they’d be getting a call from the police to arrange an inspection of the garden.
I called the city business licensing department to inquire whether this was true, and if so, what ordinance or statute authorized such inspections.
The young woman with whom I spoke partially confirmed the story, saying that the police department “would like to have that information” (garden locations), for “safety reasons.” I paused, daring her to elaborate.
“Like, in case of theft, and to make sure there’s nobody hanging around who shouldn’t be,” she said.
She then referred me to the Missoula Police Department. She explained that all caregiver business licenses are run past the police department so that they can check with DPHHS and make sure the applicant is actually a registered caregiver.
A couple of days ago, I called and left a message for Lt. Steve Brester, who handles the background checks. In the message, I asked whether the police were requesting or requiring garden locations. He has not returned my call so far.
I’m of two minds on this topic. On the one hand, there’s no statute I’m aware of that singles out medical marijuana garden businesses for additional inspection, and so the police really have no legal right to inspect without a search warrant.
On the other hand, the medical marijuana community should be trying to stay on as friendly terms as possible with law enforcement, as a good faith, good neighbor, good community member measure.
The 2011 legislature will almost surely see attempts to expand and restrict (or worse, repeal) Montana’s medical marijuana law. Ideally, 2010 will be spent building bridges, not stockpiling ammo (metaphorically speaking).
Legal marijuana gardeners, what do you think? Cooperate, or demand a search warrant?
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.
Each recycling station was decorated with big hand-painted signs. Volunteers sat next to each recycling/garbage station and would point to the right bin with their swords. Usually when I put something in a recycling bin I have all these lingering doubts– “Maybe they don’t take type 42 plastics?” Not at the Hempfest! Recycling here was, well, fun and easy. Thanks, guys!
At the Missoula Hempfest 
For more than a decade, Missoula Hempfest has been the biggest regional event in celebration of the remarkable cannabis plant.
It’s tomorrow, from noon til 10PM. Live music, hemp beer, all manner of hemp crafts and fashions, and several important speakers talking about the legal, medical, social, and industrial aspects of one of the earth’s most useful crops.
We’ll be there with our busted stories and various other items of interest. Hope to see you there.
© 2010 Montana NORML Blog · Proudly powered by WordPress & Green Park 2 by Cordobo.
Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional | Valid CSS 3
