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• Flathead County man may be first to trial in federal marijuana raids

  March 15, 2012 11:58 PM

  MISSOULA - The case involving the federal raid of a Flathead County medical marijuana dispensary will likely be the first one in the state to go to trial. Some defendants charged in the federal raids already entered guilty pleas, but the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Montana... more »

• Federal authorities target 'marijuana industry' in California

  October 7, 2011 11:18 PM

  SACRAMENTO, CA - Federal prosecutors in California announced a series of actions Friday targeting what they characterized as the "large, for-profit marijuana industry" that has developed since the state legalized medical marijuana for select patients 15 years ago. Four U.S. attorneys -- Benjamin Wanger, Andre Birotte Jr., Laura Duffy... more »

• Stevensville medical marijuana shop raided

  July 21, 2011 12:23 AM

  STEVENSVILLE - Ravalli County sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant at a Stevensville medical marijuana business they had reason to believe operated illegally. Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman said his deputies notified Banana Belt Caregivers of the warrant Wednesday before serving and carrying it out without incident. While... more »

• Council notes fatigue, muddled laws for enacting ban

  July 6, 2011 12:23 AM

  BILLINGS- The Billings City Council noted fatigue and the need for a fresh perspective as their reasoning behind voting to ban medicinal marijuana storefronts in Billings. Councilman Vince Ruegamer noted several times throughout a public comment period which lasted well over an hour, that the council had heard around... more »

• City council to consider emergency ordinance to ban medical marijuana businesses

  July 2, 2011 12:41 AM

  BILLINGS - The Billings City Council has set a special session next week to discuss the new medical marijuana law. The council will consider an emergency ordinance to ban medical marijuana storefronts in Billings. That same ordinance was on the agenda at this week's meeting. but the council decided to... more »

• Medical marijuana storefront closes it's doors Play Video

  July 1, 2011 8:05 PM

  BILLINGS- It was something Mark Higgins thought he might have to do someday, but something he was hoping to avoid. However, on July 1st, a little over a year after opening Montannabis on North 11th Street in Billings, he closed his business. And although June 30th, the last... more »

• Medical marijuana law sponsor admits disappointment over Judge's ruling

  July 1, 2011 1:35 AM

  BILLINGS - Republican state senator Jeff Essmann of Billings admits he's disappointed with a judge's ruling Thursday that stopped key provisions of the new medical marijuana bill from going into effect, but he says many other key parts of the bill were allowed to remain in tact. Essmann was... more »

• Judge throws out parts of new medical marijuana law

  June 30, 2011 8:26 PM

  HELENA - A Helena district judge has issued a partial injunction against Montana's new Medical marijuana law . The decision enjoins key parts of the new law from taking effect, but leaves a a majority of the legislature's new medical marijuana law in tact. Helena District Judge James Reynolds... more »

• Medical marijuana trial enters 3rd day in Helena

  June 23, 2011 1:00 AM

  Testimony continued on Wednesday in Helena over the future of medical marijuana in Montana. The Montana Cannabis Industry Association filed suit in May to stop Senate Bill 423, claiming it violates both constitutional and statutory issues. Medical marijuana advocates believe that the Legislature's new marijuana bill does not... more »

• Medical Marijuana trial continues in Helena

  June 22, 2011 12:55 AM

  In the second day of a medical marijuana lawsuit, witnesses in a Helena courtroom attempted to unravel the ramifications of Montana's recently passed legislation changing the industry. While Senate Bill 423 was an attempt to get a handle on potential abusers of the medication, some doctors say it may... more »

• ACLU asking feds to clarify their stance on medical marijuana

  May 11, 2011 10:27 PM

  MISSOULA - The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is asking the U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to make sure the Department of Justice doesn't prioritize prosecution of people who comply with state medical marijuana laws. In a letter sent earlier this week, the ACLU says it "expressed deep concerns"... more »

• Idaho police see increase in MT residents being charged with marijuana possession

  May 10, 2011 6:18 PM

  ST. ANTHONY, ID - Eastern Idaho police say a growing number of Montana motorists pulled over for speeding are also being charged for having marijuana in their vehicles. Many of the Montana drivers charged in recent weeks have valid Montana permits to possess marijuana for medical reasons. But Idaho authorities... more »

• Montana attorneys discuss lawsuit against Marijuana Act

  May 6, 2011 10:40 PM

  KALISPELL- With Montana's Marijuana Act on the verge of becoming a new law, attorneys are preparing to file a lawsuit saying the law is unconstitutional. Friday night, Flathead residents learned more about the lawsuit, and why it's being filed. Several local attorneys filling a similar lawsuit at the... more »

• Protesters rally in Whitefish, oppose Montana Marijuana Act

  May 5, 2011 9:43 PM

  WHITEFISH- Over 300 protesters opposing the Montana Marijuana Act, took the streets of Governor Brian Schweitzer's hometown to make a statement and in hopes that he will veto the bill. Governor Brian Schweitzer spoke to the Chamber of Commerce about some items in the legislature. But waiting for him... more »

• Medical Marijuana bill may become law, still debated Play Video

  May 1, 2011 8:03 PM

  BILLINGS - Governor Brian Schweitzer has said he will neither sign nor veto the medical marijuana bill. With no action, Senate Bill 423 will become law. The bill puts medical marijuana stores out of business, limits the number of providers per caregiver and puts in more stringent requirements for patients.... more »

• Gov: medical marijuana bill 'the fix we will have for the next 2 years' Play Video

  April 29, 2011 7:44 PM

  BILLINGS - Governor Brian Schweitzer told Q2 the medical marijuana bill which is sitting on his desk in Helena is "the fix we will have for the next 2 years." Then, the governor says he expects Montana's 63rd Legislative Session to take another crack at reforming marijuana use in the... more »

• Montana lawmakers assess 62nd legislative session

  April 29, 2011 6:43 PM

  HELENA - The 62nd Montana Legislature has officially finished its work at the Capitol, and on Friday, leaders from both parties held a press conference to recap their time in Helena, with Democrats and Republicans offering conflicting views of how the session ended. Republicans are proud of the budget,... more »

• Lawmakers pass revised medical marijuana bill

  April 28, 2011 11:04 PM

  HELENA - State Lawmakers have passed a revised version of the medical marijuana overhaul after rejecting Gov. Brian Schweitzer's amendment to allow 25 patients per pot provider and to let those providers make a profit. The Legislature passed Senate Bill 423 Thursday night after agreeing to other governor's recommendations.... more »

• Governor's office, lawmakers negotiate changes in Montana marijuana law

  April 28, 2011 8:57 PM

  HELENA - The governor's office and legislative leaders are negotiating possible changes to a proposed medical marijuana overhaul hours before the Legislature is expected to adjourn. Gov. Brian Schweitzer's chief of staff met Thursday morning with five lawmakers to discuss Schweitzer's recommendations. Senate Bill 423 rewrites the state's... more »

• Governor wants changes to medical marijuana bill

  April 28, 2011 1:51 PM

  HELENA - The governor's office and legislative leaders are negotiating possible changes to a proposed medical marijuana overhaul hours before the Legislature is expected to adjourn. Gov. Brian Schweitzer's chief of staff met Thursday morning with five lawmakers to discuss Schweitzer's recommendations. Senate Bill 423 rewrites the state's medical marijuana... more »

• Surprise, Missoula is not Montana's top 'pot smoking city'

  April 21, 2011 6:09 PM

  MISSOULA - To some Montanans, Missoula may have a reputation as the ""Pot Center of the Treasure State," with its liberal viewpoints and diverse population. But on the annual list of "America's Pot-Smoking Capitols," Missoula is not even mentioned. It is actually Bozeman that gets the dubious distinction this... more »

• Medical marijuana debate returns to Helena

  April 18, 2011 9:51 AM

  HELENA- The 62nd session of the Montana Legislature will reconvene in the state's capitol Monday morning after a four day break and as the end of the session nears, time is ticking for lawmakers to reach a compromise over a bill to overhaul the state's medical marijuana industry. Governor... more »

• Medical Marijuana patients rally outside businness owned by opponent

  April 16, 2011 8:09 PM

  BILLINGS - Medical Marijuana patients demonstrated today...to protest one business owner's view on repealing Montana's medical marijuana law. The protestors lined up outside Mercedes Benz of Billings on King Avenue West., Saturday afternoon. Co-owner Steve Zabawa has been outspoken about his desire to repeal the current law. The protestors included... more »

• Marijuana repeal vetoed; what next for reform?

  April 14, 2011 11:08 AM

  HELENA - Governor Brian Schweitzer vetoed a bill on Wednesday that would have repealed the Medical Marijuana Act, and now the Montana Legislature is left with the option of reforming the industry. The last proposal in play is Senator Jeff Essmann's (R-Billings) bill, which places regulatory authority under the... more »

• House backs medical marijuana overhaul

  April 11, 2011 9:33 PM

  HELENA - The House is backing a Senate proposal to overhaul Montana's medical marijuana law after making major changes to the measure. Senate Bill 423 carried by Senate Majority Leader Jeff Essmann is aimed at significantly reducing the marijuana industry in the state. The measure was supported on a... more »

• House makes major medical marijuana bill changes

  April 6, 2011 11:17 PM

  HELENA, MT - A House committee is making sweeping changes to a Senate proposal to overhaul Montana's medical marijuana law. Senate Bill 423, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jeff Essmann, aims to reduce the number of medical marijuana users and sellers in the booming industry. The House took Essmann's tight... more »

• MT Senate backs medical marijuana overhaul

  March 30, 2011 4:37 PM

  HELENA - The Senate has backed a medical marijuana reform bill in an initial vote. But the proposal still faces hurdles as lawmakers struggle with one of the session's biggest issues. The 38-12 vote Wednesday indicated support for the plan. A final vote scheduled later Wednesday will require the support... more »

• MT Senate committee approves Therapeutic Marijuana Act

  March 25, 2011 9:30 PM

  HELENA - The Montana Therapeutic Marijuana Act is on its way to the Senate. In a 10-2 vote on Friday, the Senate Judiciary committee voted to approve the Act. The bill repeals the current medical marijuana law and starts over with a stricter set of regulations. Law... more »

• Medical marijuana overhaul introduced in Senate

  March 24, 2011 11:15 PM

  HELENA, MT - A last-minute effort to overhaul Montana's medical marijuana law was introduced in the Senate Wednesday - but it appears as if a deal with House leaders intent on repeal is far from imminent. Senate Majority Leader Jeff Essmann, R-Billings, who led the subcommittee in crafting the measure,... more »

• Illegal drug use suspected in Evergreen mobile home explosion

  March 17, 2011 4:48 PM

  EVERGREEN- Two men ended up in the hospital late Wednesday after a mobile home caught fire and exploded in Evergreen. Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry said that deputies were called to the scene by fire officials around 10 p.m., and upon further investigation, "medical marijuana cardholders had allegedly been... more »

• Medical marijuana: by the numbers

  March 16, 2011 12:38 AM

  BILLINGS - Each month, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services updates the numbers on how many people are using medical marijuana in Montana. The latest statistics from Helena show there are currently 28,739 patients using marijuana. In perspective, those numbers means there are more people using... more »

• UPDATE: Feds raid Montana medical marijuana businesses

  March 14, 2011 7:25 PM

  HELENA, MT - Federal agents with guns drawn raided up to a dozen medical marijuana operations across Montana on Monday, the same a day that a bill to repeal the state's medical marijuana law stalled in a Senate committee. Near Helena, agents burst into Montana Cannabis' greenhouse, where the company... more »

• Future of medical marijuana bills uncertain

  March 11, 2011 9:51 PM

  HELENA, MT- As Montanans flooded the Capitol Friday to again testify on a proposed repeal of medical marijuana, lawmakers were as uncertain as ever on the fate of Legislative action on the law. A general sentiment prevails in the Legislature that something must be done to reel in a medical... more »

• People pack hearing on medical marijuana repeal

  March 11, 2011 12:56 PM

  HELENA - The Senate Judiciary committee meeting was packed full as people gathered at the Capitol Friday morning to testify on a bill repealing The Montana Medical Marijuana Act. Speaker of the House Mike Milburn (R-Cascade) is carrying HB161 because he says the rapid increase in the number of... more »

• Survey: Montanans support medical marijuana law repeal

  March 7, 2011 5:30 PM

  BILLINGS - A survey conducted by a group that opposes medical marijuana shows many Montanans support a repeal of the state's medical marijuana law. Safe Community, Safe Kids hired 47 North Communications to conduct a statewide survey to find what Montanans think about the presence of medical marijuana in... more »

• Some synthetic pot illegal, similar product still available

  March 2, 2011 11:42 PM

  MISSOULA - The sale and possession of synthetic marijuana brands called Spice and K-2 were made illegal by the Drug Enforcement Administration, effective this week. The drugs are at least 100 times more powerful than marijuana and could be fatal. "It hits you a lot quicker than most any... more »

• Montana lawmakers: Medical marijuana repeal unlikely

  February 24, 2011 9:41 PM

  MISSOULA - The voter-approved medical marijuana initiative-some want to repeal, while others just want it fixed to address what they thought it was intended to do when they voted for it, which is to help people with pain. "I think that this is the session that we have to... more »

• Toddler, one of 51 kids using medical cannabis in MT Play Video

  February 22, 2011 9:29 AM

  MISSOULA - Montana has over 28,000 medical cannabis card holders with 51 of them are under the age of 18. "When I see the number 51 and we're in a state of a million people that's a fraction of a percentage and even with the 28,000 people that are... more »

• Montana House votes to repeal medical marijuana

  February 22, 2011 9:25 AM

  HELENA - State lawmakers are halfway to repealing Montana's medical marijuana law. By a vote of 62-to-37, legislators voted to advance the bill out of the House to the Senate. House Speaker Mike Milburn says law enforcement can't control the sudden growth of the multi-million dollar industry and its... more »

• Speaker says repealing state's medical marijuana law best solution, opponents say it's fixable

  February 20, 2011 9:05 PM

  HELENA, MT - House Speaker Mike Milburn says repealing Montana's medical marijuana law is the best way to change it. Representatives voted 63-37 to pass HB 161, in the second reading on Saturday. HB 161 would repeal the medical marijuana law. Milburn says the multimillion dollar marijuana industry and rampant... more »

• House keeps advancing medical marijuana repeal

  February 20, 2011 1:58 PM

  HELENA, MT - House Republicans are moving forward in their push for full repeal of Montana's medical marijuana law fist put in place by voters in 2004. House Speaker Mike Milburn is personally making repeal of the law a priority. He argues the multimillion dollar marijuana industry and rampant proliferation... more »

• House keeps advancing medical marijuana repeal

  February 19, 2011 3:23 PM

  HELENA, MT - House Republicans continued their push for full repeal of Montana's medical marijuana law fist put in place by voters in 2004. House Speaker Mike Milburn is personally making repeal of the law a priority. He argues the multimillion dollar marijuana industry and rampant proliferation of the pot... more »

• Wyoming bill wouldn't recognize medical pot cards

  February 17, 2011 9:56 AM

  CHEYENNE - A bill specifying that Wyoming won't recognize medical marijuana prescriptions is advancing at the state Capitol. The Senate gave preliminary approval to House Bill 69 on Wednesday. Last month the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled that people who legally obtain medical marijuana in other states are not exempt from... more »

• Man pleads guilty in medical marijuana patient's killing

  February 15, 2011 12:52 AM

  KALISPELL, MT - A 21-year-old man charged in the beating death and robbery of a medical marijuana patient in Kalispell has pleaded guilty to deliberate homicide and evidence tampering. Robert Lake of Kalispell entered his pleas in District Court on Monday. Prosecutors dropped a robbery charge as part... more »

• Medical marijuana business shut down, owners charged

  February 14, 2011 5:20 PM

  MISSOULA - An illegally-operated medical marijuana business is shut down and its owners are facing felony charges. Andrew Umhey, a convicted felon, is facing 38 felony counts for falsifying documents. Prosecutors say Umhey has a federal drug conviction from 1995 for conspiracy to distribute marijuana. When he... more »

• Medical marijuana repeal on path for House passage

  February 5, 2011 12:22 AM

  HELENA, MT - A plan to repeal Montana's medical marijuana law appears headed for easy approval in the state House after Republicans who run the chamber made their support for undoing the six-year-old law clear on Friday. The plan, from House Speaker Mike Milburn, would repeal the ballot initiative overwhelmingly... more »

• MT Legislature looks at repeal of Medical Marijuana Act

  February 3, 2011 9:59 AM

  HELENA - More than 100 people lined up on Wednesday to testify before the Montana Legislature about a bill which would repeal the state's Medical Marijuana Act. The Speaker of the House, Republican Mike Milburn of Cascade, is proposing a bill which entirely gets rid of the Medical Marijuana... more »

• Medical marijuana regulation hits Legislature

  January 22, 2011 12:50 AM

  HELENA - Some medical marijuana advocates have joined law enforcement and others in supporting a proposed measure to regulate the industry. Both sides agree the measure isn't perfect but it represents a good start. The bill would set up a process of charging cardholders a fee that would... more »

• Citizens ready for medical marijuana debate, Legislature to hear first bill on Friday Play Video

  January 16, 2011 8:03 PM

  BILLINGS - The Montana Legislature will hear the first of several medical marijuana bills, on Friday. House bill 68 would change the current law, passed by voters in 2004. People on both sides of the medical marijuana debate say the current Montana law needs changing. "It's been up to us... more »

• Bill could inadvertently increase marijuana use

  January 16, 2011 10:26 AM

  HELENA, MT - The Montana Board of Medical Examiners says a bill intended to restrict who can get medical marijuana contains wording that will end up having the opposite result and increase eligibility. Board members tell the Independent Record that House Bill 68 as written creates a "laundry list" of... more »

• Bills introduced in state legislature to regulate medical marijuana

  January 14, 2011 12:53 AM

  HELENA - Montana lawmakers consider bills to regulate the growth and sale of medical marijuana. Republican Senator Dave Lewis of Helena introduced a bill to have the Department of Revenue regulate medical marijuana. Lewis' bill would require growers to be licensed, file quarterly reports, submit to inspections and pay... more »

• Bill introduced to regulate medical marijuana

  January 13, 2011 1:07 PM

  HELENA- Montana lawmakers are considering bills to regulate the growth and sale of medical marijuana. Republican Sen. Dave Lewis of Helena has introduced Senate Bill 154, which would have the Department of Revenue regulate medical marijuana. Lee Newspapers of Montana reports Lewis' bill would require growers to be licensed, file... more »

• Medical marijuana group defies ban on video exams

  January 6, 2011 11:29 PM

  MATT VOLZ Associated Press HELENA, MT - An advocacy group is defying the state medical board's ban on using video teleconferences to examine people seeking medical marijuana cards, saying the medium is necessary for people who don't have access to a doctor. The Missoula-based Montana Caregivers Network connects doctors with... more »

• Billings landmark home to new business Play Video

  January 4, 2011 11:38 AM

  BILLINGS - After sitting empty for a few months, The Circle Inn in the Billings Heights is now home to Montana Organic Medical Supply also know as "MOMS." From the signage, it appears Billings has a new medical marijuana business, but that isn't quite the case. Click on... more »

• Medical marijuana advocate faces felony charges

  December 16, 2010 9:09 PM

  MISSOULA - The founder of a medical marijuana advocacy group has been charged with felony intimidation for an alleged bomb threat at cell phone retail store. Employees of the Verizon store in Missoula called police on Aug. 18 to say that Jason Christ threatened to bomb the store if... more »

• Montanans reveal opinions about economy, medical marijuana, more

  December 15, 2010 3:44 PM

  A new poll highlights some voter trends and concerns as the Montana Legislature prepares for the 2011 session. The scientific poll of 600 Montana voters was conducted in mid-November; it was commissioned by the Montana Chamber of Commerce and other business groups to determine what Montanans think about economic... more »

• Montana board bans video exams for medical marijuana

  November 21, 2010 12:11 PM

  HELENA, MT - The Montana Board of Medical Examiners says Internet-based video examinations for people seeking approval to use medical marijuana don't meet the board's standards. The board on Friday said medical doctors must conduct hands-on physical examinations before signing off on someone receiving medical marijuana. "Initiating a new treatment... more »

• Medical pot provider seeks way around Helena ban

  October 18, 2010 4:04 PM

  HELENA, Mont. (AP) A medical marijuana provider is asking a judge to rule that his operation can't be regulated by the city of Helena. Paul Schmidt of Sleeping Giant Caregivers wants to operate within city limits despite a Helena ordinance prohibiting trade in anything that goes against the law of... more »

• Billings City Council to look at medical marijuana options on Monday

  September 26, 2010 8:04 PM

  BILLINGS, MT - The Billings City Council will consider zone changes for medical marijuana businesses, on Monday. One council member says whatever the council decides. it will be best to wait for the Montana state legislature. The council will consider recommendations from an ad hoc committee and the zoning commission.... more »

• Police arrest suspect in Los Angeles pot dispensary killing

  September 17, 2010 11:32 PM

  LOS ANGELES (AP) - Los Angeles police have arrested a second suspect wanted in the killing of an employee at a medical marijuana dispensary. The Los Angeles Times reports the U.S. Marshal's Service and Los Angeles police arrested Raymond Easter without incident Friday afternoon at a Van Nuys apartment. The... more »

• Medical marijuana industry to buck more regulation

  August 24, 2010 3:52 PM

  HELENA, Mont. (AP) The medical marijuana industry made it clear Tuesday it will buck an overhaul of the 2004 voter-approved initiative that made medical marijuana legal and that led to a backlash of concern amid skyrocketing enrollment. A legislative committee voted Tuesday to send the overhaul a long list of... more »

• Medical marijuana industry to buck more regulation

  August 24, 2010 3:52 PM

  HELENA, Mont. (AP) The medical marijuana industry made it clear Tuesday it will buck an overhaul of the 2004 voter-approved initiative that made it all legal. A legislative committee gave its approval to a long list of proposed changes to the medical marijuana law. The hard look was prompted by... more »

• Medical marijuana crackdown in front of lawmakers

  August 23, 2010 12:28 PM

  HELENA, Mont. (AP) Lawmakers are meeting to make final recommendations on a slate of proposals aimed at cracking down on medical marijuana. An interim legislative committee meeting Monday will be sending the draft laws to the full Legislature for consideration in early 2011. Through the end of July, about 23,500... more »

• Medical marijuana crackdown in front of lawmakers

  August 23, 2010 12:28 PM

  HELENA, Mont. (AP) Lawmakers are meeting to make final recommendations on a slate of proposals aimed at cracking down on medical marijuana. An interim legislative committee meeting Monday will be sending the draft laws to the full Legislature for consideration in early 2011. Through the end of July, about 23,500... more »

• Committee expected to approve medical pot overhaul

  August 23, 2010 12:28 PM

  HELENA, Mont. (AP) A legislative committee on Monday finalized details of a planned overhaul of the state's medical marijuana law, setting up a final vote to send the proposals to the 2011 Legislature. The panel did little tinkering with a slate of proposals that has taken months to develop with... more »

• Out-of-state residents can get medical pot cards

  August 6, 2010 6:47 PM

  HELENA, Mont. (AP) Montana health officials say a person doesn't have to live in the state to be on its medical marijuana registry. Health officials discovered what they call a loophole in state law after reviewing plans to require medical marijuana applicants to have a Montana driver's license or state-issued... more »

• Medical marijuana applicants will need Montana ID

  August 4, 2010 5:21 PM

  HELENA, Mont. (AP) Medical marijuana applicants will have to prove they are Montana residents before they can be added to the patient registry after health officials turned up several applications from people who live out of state. Starting Monday, new applicants and patients seeking renewals will have to provide a... more »

• Medical marijuana applicants now need Montana ID

  August 4, 2010 5:21 PM

  HELENA, Mont. (AP) Montana health officials have started requiring medical marijuana applicants to prove they are state residents before they can be added to the registry. Department of Public Health and Human Services spokesman Chuck Council says applicants must now have a driver's license number or state-issued identification number. Council... more »

• Mont. lawmakers focus on medical marijuana fixes

  July 12, 2010 1:44 PM

  HELENA, Mont. (AP) Lawmakers looking at ways to fix the state's medical marijuana law want to remove a provision that makes it tough on law enforcement to prove a crime is being committed one of dozens of proposed changes likely headed to the full Legislature next year. A legislative subcommittee... more »

• Lawmakers zero in on medical marijuana fixes

  July 12, 2010 1:44 PM

  HELENA, Mont. (AP) Lawmakers looking at ways to fix the state's medical marijuana law want to remove the affirmative defense provision. Police and prosecutors have been frustrated with what they see as a number of gray areas in the law that make it difficult for them to prove illegal marijuana... more »

• Panel offers ideas to change medical marijuana law

  June 21, 2010 4:03 PM

  HELENA, Mont. (AP) Lawmakers will be getting more than two dozen ideas for changing the state's medical marijuana law from a group that included advocates, law enforcement and others. The ideas include tougher restrictions on medical marijuana on school property, increased oversight and more regulations such as a requirement that... more »

• Both sides talk changes to medical marijuana law

  May 26, 2010 1:16 PM

  HELENA, Mont. (AP) Medical marijuana advocates and opponents worked Wednesday to reach an agreement on fixing a law that has come under heavy scrutiny even as a new initiative was in the works to repeal the measure altogether. A ballot initiative proposed a day earlier would ask voters to undo... more »

• Drug overdose: Medical marijuana facing a backlash

  May 21, 2010 5:23 PM

  HELENA, Mont. (AP) The vandals struck in the middle of the night, hurling Molotov cocktails through the windows of two medical marijuana businesses and spray-painting "NOT IN OUR TOWN" just before the Billings City Council was supposed to take up a ban on any new pot shops. Montana and other... more »

• Kalispell passes law banning marijuana providers

  May 4, 2010 8:15 PM

  HAVRE, Mont. (AP) The Kalispell City Council has approved a permanent ban on new medical marijuana providers within city limits. Federal law lists marijuana as an illegal drug, though the Obama administration says it won't prosecute medical marijuana cases. Kalispell City Attorney Charles Harball has said allowing medical marijuana businesses... more »

• Havre OKs 6-month ban on new marijuana providers

  May 4, 2010 8:15 PM

  HAVRE, Mont. (AP) The Havre City Council has placed a six-month ban on new medical marijuana providers within city limits and on those who want to expand. The emergency interim zoning ordinance also requires existing growers to certify with the city the number of marijuana plants in their possession and... more »

• Medical marijuana subject of Montana meetings

  April 13, 2010 8:51 AM

  MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) Government and medical groups have scheduled meetings this spring to discuss the regulation of medical marijuana as the industry grows in the state. Lawmakers are concerned about regulating the industry, cities are concerned about zoning issues and doctors are still learning what marijuana may or may not... more »

• Medical marijuana subject of upcoming meetings

  April 13, 2010 8:51 AM

  MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) Government and medical groups have scheduled meetings to discuss the regulation of medical marijuana as the industry grows in Montana. The legislative committee that oversees the Department of Public Health and Human Services is scheduled to meet on April 27 to identify issues that have emerged since... more »

• Billings medical marijuana business opens

  April 2, 2010 11:19 PM

  BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) A Billings man has opened a medical marijuana business that he says will eventually include an onsite doctor who can write recommendations for medical marijuana cards. Mark Higgins owns Montanabis Inc. He says he also plans a holistic health coach and a space to host marijuana growing... more »

• Belgrade sets medical marijuana moratorium

  March 22, 2010 6:01 PM

  The Belgrade City Council has passed a six-month moratorium on commercial medical marijuana growers to give city staff time to write a zoning ordinance for such shops. Meanwhile, the city of Columbia Falls last week decided it can manage medical marijuana shops as retail businesses under current zoning codes. City... more »

• Bozeman plans temporary zoning for marijuana

  March 2, 2010 12:01 PM

  BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) Bozeman city commissioners say they plan to adopt temporary zoning regulations for medical marijuana shops while permanent rules can be drafted. Commissioners told staffers Monday to draw up emergency interim zoning rules that would keep the shops at least 1,000 feet away from schools, daycares and Montana... more »

• Doctor starting medical marijuana survey

  February 20, 2010 11:53 AM

  GREAT FALLS - A Great Falls doctor who specializes in pain treatment is launching a statewide survey of medical marijuana users seeking to learn its benefits and side effects. Dr. K. Allan Ward, a pain specialist at Great Falls Orthopedic Associates, said he wants to find out why people use... more »

• Kalispell places moratorium on medical marijuana

  February 18, 2010 7:30 AM

  KALISPELL - The Kalispell City Council has voted for a 90-day moratorium on new medical marijuana businesses in the city so the planning board can craft new zoning regulations. The council voted 8-1 Tuesday night in response to the announcement that such a business was being planned to open half... more »

• Kalispell places moratorium on medical marijuana

  February 15, 2010 7:04 AM

  KALISPELL - The Kalispell City Council plans to consider an emergency ordinance placing a 90-day moratorium on medical marijuana businesses. Council members on Tuesday are scheduled to consider the moratorium in the wake of the announcement of such a business planning to open half a block from an elementary school.... more »

• Medical marijuana businesses in Yellowstone County Play Video

  February 9, 2010 7:10 PM

  BILLINGS - In Yellowstone County, leaders are taking a different approach to medical marijuana businesses. In the meantime, while they figure out if they need to regulate businesses, storefronts are beginning to pop up across the Magic City. In 2004, 60 percent of Yellowstone County residents said yes to legalizing... more »

• Another city sets tougher medical marijuana laws

  February 3, 2010 9:29 PM

  LOS ANGELES (AP) - The mayor of Los Angeles has signed an ordinance that will close hundreds of medical marijuana shops and banish the rest to industrial areas. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa signed the ordinance Wednesday, a week and a day after the city council approved the new law. ... more »

• Medical marijuana dispensary opens in Missoula

  November 29, 2009 6:07 PM

  MISSOULA - A medical marijuana dispensary has opened in Missoula. Montana Pain Management Inc. opened the clinic on South Third Street West earlier this fall. Rick Rosio, president of the company, became a state-licensed caregiver four years ago and can legally grow as many as six marijuana plants... more »

• Whitefish to decide zoning for medical marijuana

  November 23, 2009 9:42 AM

  WHITEFISH, Mont. (AP) Whitefish city leaders want some time to figure out what to do about proposed medical marijuana shops in the city. The city council last week proposed an emergency ordinance to ban all medical marijuana stores for six months, while the council develops zoning rules for such stores.... more »