Big Story Follow UP

Billings medical marijuana community in shock over statewide raids

Posted: Mar 14, 2011 11:20 PM by Amanda Venegas
Updated: Mar 14, 2011 11:53 PM

National medical marijuana advocate says raids a reality check

BILLINGS - The founder of a national advocate group for medical marijuana believes the raids across Montana were timed in connection with the legislature's decision on the repeal bill. Americans for Safe Access Founder and Executive Director Steph Sherer was in Billings Monday night as a part of a forum meeting. She says caregivers are being hit with the harsh realities of state law versus federal law.

A.S.A. says a total of 12 businesses were raided across the state including a few in the Magic City. They say one of those businesses was Yellowstone Patient Care on Billings West End. When Q2 arrived on the scene Monday afternoon, the shop was noticeably closed up and had a sign saying they were gone for the day, which left many patients confused as to the owners whereabouts. Sources say that raid took place earlier in the afternoon. The business was at one time affiliated with Big Sky Patient Care, which was searched in Monday's raid in Bozeman. Yellowstone Patient Care has dispensary locations in Billings, Lockwood, Red Lodge and Miles City.

Another Billings business said to be raided was Kinder Caregiver on Billings southside. Also on the list was Montana Cannabis, which has a massive warehouse near Helena and locations across the state. It also has one storefront on the northside of Billings.

Monday evening, the statewide raids hit home for many medical marijuana growers, who came together for a forum on the state of cannabis in the Treasure State. The national group A.S.A. led discussions on the realities of the law and where state law falls in federal court. Many caregivers expressed concern for their patients and for those who are without a provider.

This Wednesday evening across the state patients and caregivers will gather at dusk at local city halls to show their support for medical marijuana and safe access. More information about the raids is expected to be released from the U.S. Attorneys office Tuesday morning.