Montana voters made their compassionate intentions clear when they created the state's medical marijuana program in 2004. People with cancer, HIV/AIDs, chronic pain and other conditions should have the legal right to use cannabis safely as part of their medical treatment. The measure received 62 percent of the vote, a national record for this type of program. It was democracy in action. The 2011 Legislature's repeal of that policy is a blatant attempt to revoke patients' rights and overturn the will of the voters. The repeal is both cruel and undemocratic. And, for me it is very personal. [continues 579 words]
I am a 26-year-old epileptic medical cannabis patient. I've been seizure-free following a decade of failed modern treatments for the past 1 1/3 years. I grew my own medication, obtaining my edibles via caregiver. I am careful to abide by state law, and thought myself protected from harassment after President Obama promised to protect cannabis patients abiding by state law. I lived peacefully and thanked God daily for giving me my life back with this non-lethal, non-addictive herb. [continues 265 words]
I am a 26-year-old cannabis patient. I eat and smoke cannabis daily to treat my epilepsy. After a decade of failed treatments, I'm seizure-free for the past 1 1/3 years. SB 423 is more than just a politician's ploy, circumventing the will of the people with repeal in disguise. SB 423 is a death sentence for the most critically ill cannabis patients in the state. Buying seeds is illegal. How will I start my first crop legally? [continues 189 words]
