Imagine trying to run a grocery store, auto shop or dentist office where legislation limited you to serving THREE customers. That is what the legislature and governor did to medical cannabis in Montana. Mind you, this is a substance used by humans for over a thousand years with zero deaths, quite unlike legal pharmaceuticals with very short histories and thousands of deaths every year.
In Montana, possession of even a single joint for non-medical purposes can land a person in jail for six months, while possession of 60 grams or more (a little over two ounces) can result in a sentence of up to five years. These stiff marijuana penalties cause related negative consequences.
In 2012, there were 1,502 arrests or citations for marijuana-related offenses, 95% of which were for possession. The number of marijuana arrests more than tripled since 2003. At the same time, law enforcement was unable to solve 91% of all burglaries, including home invasions, and over 85% of all motor vehicle thefts. Instead of arresting adults for possession of a product that is safer than alcohol, law enforcement should focus its limited resources on going after real criminals.
Every Ted Dunlap for Governor vote is a vote to correct Montana’s legislative approach to cannabis.