Montana Medical Marijuana Laws

Montana Marijuana Penalties

Offense

Penalty

Incarceration

Max. Fine

Possession
Personal Use
Less than 60 g. (First Offense)

Misdemeanor

6 months

$500

Less than 60 g. (Subsequent Offense)

Misdemeanor

3 years

$1,000

More than 60 g.

Felony

5 years

$50,000

Intent to Distribute
Any amount of marijuana

Felony

20 years

$50,000

Sale or Delivery
Any amount with or without compensation

Felony

*1 year-Life

$50,000

From an adult to a minor

Felony

*2 years

$50,000

Within 1,000 feet of school grounds

Felony

*3 years-Life

$50,000

*Mandatory minimum sentence.
Cultivation
Less than 1 lb. or 30 plants

Felony

10 years

$50,000

* Second or subsequent offense is punishable by twice the term of imprisonment and twice the authorized fine.
Hash & Concentrates
Possession of 1 g. or less

Misdemeanor

6 months

$500

Possession of more than 1 g.

Felony

5 years

$1,000

Manufacture

Felony

10 years

$50,000

Penalties for the sale or possession with the intent to sell hashish are the same as for marijuana. Please see the marijuana penalties section for further details.
Paraphernalia
Possession, manufacture, or delivery of paraphernalia.

Misdemeanor

6 months

$500

To a person who is under 18 who is at least three years younger

Misdemeanor

1 year

$1,000


Montana Medical Marijuana Facts

Montana Medical Marijuana Statistics and Facts

Montana legalized medical marijuana in 2004 via Initiative 148, which passed with 62% of the vote. The Montana Department of Health began registering patients in January of 2005. Official facts about medical marijuana in Montana indicate that as of September 2011, there were 24, 821 registered medical marijuana patients in the state. This is a significant number, a full 2.5 % of Montana’s entire population. Registration is mandatory for patients to receive a Montana medical marijuana card.

MONTANA MEDICAL MARIJUANA FACTS 2011

  • Montana’s medical marijuana law recently changed and replaced the caregiver category with the concept of a provider, who must be designated by the patient. Currently the statistics show that a majority of marijuana patients (19,039) have no provider.
  • Since the start of the program, 68 patients have passed away.
  • There are 378 providers and 356 doctors associated with current patients.
  • The facts about Montana marijuana show that prior to the new amendments to the law, which went into effect in July 2011, there were 30,036 patients and 4,438 caregivers.
  • The new medical marijuana rules caused a drop in registrations, resulting in the loss of over 5,000 patients. An even bigger drop occurred among caregivers/providers, which went from a peak of 4,438 to just 378 between June and September 2011.

MONTANA MARIJUANA STATISTICS AND FACTS: PROGRAM GROWTH DATA

Date Patients Caregivers Doctors
Mar-05 86 35 69
Jun-05 135 49 90
Sep-05 156 58 95
Dec-05 176 66 98
Mar-06 189 67 100
Jun-06 222 87 100
Sep-06 252 101 111
Dec-06 287 116 114
Mar-07 319 116 118
Jun-07 368 139 121
Sep-07 428 161 130
Dec-07 572 194 145
Mar-08 736 233 150
Jun-08 1,006 311 158
Sep-08 1,119 319 157
Dec-08 1,577 465 171
Mar-09 2,074 640 186
Jun-09 2,923 919 202
Sep-09 3,921 1,403 209
Dec-09 7,339 1,942 247
Mar-10 12,081 2,797 295
Jun-10 19,635 3,940 322
Sep-10 23,613 4,463 338
Dec-10 27,292 4,807 359
Mar-11 29,948 4,848 360
Jun-11 30,036 4,438 365
Sep-11 24,821 378 356


MONTANA MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD

In order to receive full legal protections of the Montana medical marijuana law qualified patients must register with the Quality Assurance Division Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to receive a registry ID card, aka medical marijuana card, medical cannabis card or pot card. The fee for applying for state medical marijuana registration is $25, and $10 for a renewal fee. Full payment, by check or money order, must be made at the time of the initial application and at renewal each year. The fee cannot be waived, and the department cannot accept installment payments.

HOW TO OBTAIN A MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD IN MONTANA

1. Fill out the Montana Medical Marijuana Program Application* Form.
2. Have a physician licensed in the state of Montana fill out the appropriate section of the Medical Marijuana Program Application, indicating that you are a qualifying patient. Find a medical marijuana doctor in Montana here.
3. If you are applying with chronic pain as a qualifying condition, your physician must fill out the Physician's Statement for a Chronic Pain Diagnosis**.
4. Additionally, minors must fill out a Minor Registry Application Packet, which must be requested from the department by contacting the Department of Public Health and Human Services, Licensure Bureau, 2401 Colonial Drive, P.O. Box 202953, Helena, MT 59620-2953.
5. UPDATE: Due to changes with SB 423, all caregivers must now register as “providers.” It’s imperative that growers and caregivers complete the necessary paperwork to become a registered provider. Here’s the application***.
6. Mail or fax the appropriate forms along with an application fee of $25 paid to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to:
DPHHS/MMP
PO BOX 202953
HELENA MT 59620-2953

OTHER MONTANA MARIJUANA PROGRAM FORMS:

  • Registered Cardholder (Patient) Application*
  • Physician's Statement for a Debilitating Medical Condition
  • Physician's Statement for a Chronic Pain Diagnosis**
  • Landlord Permission Form
  • Change Request Form
  • Minor Registered Cardholder (Patient) Application
  • Physician's Statement for Minors
  • Caregiver/Marijuana Infused Products Provider Application Form***

Montana Medical Marijuana Laws

FULL TEXT OF THE MONTANA MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT

SB423
On June 1, 2011, Senate Bill 423 made significant changes to Montana's existing medical marijuana law. Read the full text of SB423 here. However, on June 30, 2011 the Montana courts put a temporary injunction on many elements of the bill. The MTCIA is currently working on getting enough signatures to ban the bill entirely.

INITIATIVE NO. 148

Section 1. Short title. [Sections 1 through 9] may be cited as the "Medical Marijuana Act". Section 2. Definitions. As used in [sections 1 through 9], the following definitions apply:

(1) "Debilitating medical condition" means: (a) cancer, glaucoma, or positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or the treatment of these conditions; (b) a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following:

(i) cachexia or wasting syndrome;(ii) severe or chronic pain;(iii) severe nausea;(iv) seizures, including but not limited to seizures caused by epilepsy; or(v) severe or persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to spasms caused by multiple sclerosis or Crohn's disease; or (c) any other medical condition or treatment for a medical condition adopted by the department by rule.

(2) "Department" means the department of public health and human services. (3) "Marijuana" has the meaning provided in 50-32-101. (4) "Medical use" means the acquisition, possession, cultivation, manufacture, use, delivery, transfer, or transportation of marijuana or paraphernalia relating to the consumption of marijuana to alleviate the symptoms or effects of a qualifying patient's debilitating medical condition. (5) "Physician" means a person who is licensed under Title 37, chapter 3. (6) (a) "Caregiver" means an individual, 18 years of age or older who has agreed to undertake responsibility for managing the well-being of a person with respect to the medical use of marijuana. A qualifying patient may have only one caregiver at any one time.

(b) The term does not include the qualifying patient's physician. (7) "Qualifying patient" means a person who has been diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition. (8) "Registry identification card" means a document issued by the department that identifies a person as a qualifying patient or caregiver. (9) (a) "Usable marijuana" means the dried leaves and flowers of marijuana and any mixture or preparation of marijuana.

(b) The term does not include the seeds, stalks, and roots of the plant. (10) "Written certification" means a qualifying patient's medical records or a statement signed by a physician stating that in the physician's professional opinion, after having completed a full assessment of the qualifying patient's medical history and current medical condition made in the course of a bona fide physician-patient relationship, the qualifying patient has a debilitating medical condition and the potential benefits of the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks for the qualifying patient.

Section 3. Procedures -- minors -- confidentiality -- report to legislature. (1) The department shall establish and maintain a programfor the issuance of registry identification cards to persons who meet the requirements of [sections 1 through 9].(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), the department shall issue a registry identification card to a qualifying patient who submits the following, inaccordance with department rules: (a) written certification that the person is a qualifying patient;(b) an application or renewal fee;(c) the name, address, and date of birth of the qualifying patient;(d) the name, address, and telephone number of the qualifying patient's physician; and(e) the name, address, and date of birth of the qualifying patient's caregiver, if any.

(3) The department shall issue a registry identification card to a minor if the materials required under subsection (2) are submitted and the custodial parent or legal guardian with responsibility for health care decisions for the minor signs and submits a written statement that: (a) the minor's physician has explained to that minor and to the custodial parent or legal guardian with responsibility for health care decisions for the minor the potential risks and benefits of the medical use of marijuana; and (b) the custodial parent or legal guardian with responsibility for health care decisions for the minor:

(i) consents to the medical use of marijuana by the minor;(ii) agrees to serve as the minor's caregiver; and(iii) agrees to control the acquisition of marijuana and the dosage and frequency of the medical use of marijuana by the minor.

(4) The department shall issue a registry identification card to the caregiver who is named in a qualifying patient's approved application if the caregiver signs a statement agreeing to provide marijuana only to qualifying patients who have named the applicant as caregiver. The department may not issue are gistry identification card to a proposed caregiver who has previously been convicted of a felony drug offense. A caregiver may receive reasonable compensation for services provided to assist with a qualifying patient's medical use of marijuana.(5) (a) The department shall verify the information contained in an application or renewal submitted pursuant to this section and shall approve or deny anapplication or renewal within 15 days of receipt of the application or renewal. (b) The department may deny an application or renewal only if the applicant did not provide the information required pursuant to this section, the department determines that the information was falsified, or the applicant is not qualified to receive a registry identification card under the provisions of [sections 1 through 9]. Rejection of an application or renewal is considered a final department action, subject to judicial review.

(6) The department shall issue a registry identification card within 5 days of approving an application or renewal. Registry identification cards expire 1 year after the date of issuance. Registry identification cards must state: (a) the name, address, and date of birth of the qualifying patient; (b) the name, address, and date of birth of the qualifying patient's caregiver, if any; (c) the date of issuance and expiration date of the registry identification card; and (d) other information that the department may specify by rule. (7) A person who has been issued a registry identification card shall notify the department of any change in the qualifying patient's name, address,physician, or caregiver or change in status of the qualifying patient's debilitating medical condition within 10 days of the change. If a change occurs and is not reported to the department, the registry identification card is void.(8) The department shall maintain a confidential list of the persons to whom the department has issued registry identification cards. Individual names and other identifying information on the list must be confidential and are not subject to disclosure, except to: (a) authorized employees of the department as necessary to perform official duties of the department; or(b) authorized employees of state or local law enforcement agencies, only as necessary to verify that a person is a lawful possessor of a registry identification card.

(9) The department shall report annually to the legislature the number of applications for registry identification cards, the number of qualifying patients and caregivers approved, the nature of the debilitating medical conditions of the qualifying patients, the number of registry identification cards revoked,and the number of physicians providing written certification for qualifying patients. The department may not provide any identifying information of qualifying patients, caregivers, or physicians.

Section 4. Medical use of marijuana -- legal protections -- limits on amount -- presumption of medical use. (1) A qualifying patient or caregiver who possesses a registry identification card issued pursuant to [section 3] may not be arrested, prosecuted, or penalized in any manner,or be denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to civil penalty or disciplinary action by a professional licensing board or the department of labor and industry, for the medical use of marijuana or for assisting in the medical use of marijuana if the qualifying patient or caregiver possesses marijuana not in excess of the amounts allowed in subsection

(2).(2) A qualifying patient and that qualifying patient's caregiver may not possesses more than six marijuana plants and 1 ounce of usable marijuana each.

(3) (a) A qualifying patient or caregiver is presumed to be engaged in the medical use of marijuana if the qualifying patient or caregiver: (i) is in possession of a registry identification card; and (ii) is in possession of an amount of marijuana that does not exceed the amount permitted under subsection (2). (b) The presumption may be rebutted by evidence that the possession of marijuana was not for the purpose of alleviating the symptoms or effects of a qualifying patient's debilitating medical condition.

(4) A physician may not be arrested, prosecuted, or penalized in any manner, or be denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to civil penalty or disciplinary action by the board of medical examiners or the department of labor and industry, for providing written certification for the medical use of marijuana to qualifying patients.


(5) An interest in or right to property that is possessed, owned, or used in connection with the medical use of marijuana or acts incidental to medical use may not be forfeited under any provision of law providing for the forfeiture of property other than as a sentence imposed after conviction of a criminal offense. (6) A person may not be subject to arrest or prosecution for constructive possession, conspiracy, as provided in 45-4-102, or other provisions of law or any other offense for simply being in the presence or vicinity of the medical use of marijuana as permitted under [sections 1 through 9]. (7) Possession of or application for a registry identification card does not alone constitute probable cause to search the person or property of the person possessing or applying for the registry identification card or otherwise subject the person or property of the person possessing or applying for the card to inspection by any governmental agency, including a law enforcement agency. (8) A registry identification card or its equivalent issued by another state government to permit the medical use of marijuana by a qualifying patient or to permit a person to assist with a qualifying patient's medical use of marijuana has the same force and effect as a registry identification card issued by the department.

Section 5. Disclosure of confidential information relating to medical use of marijuana -- penalty. (1) A person, including an employee or official of the department or other state or local government agency, commits the offense of disclosure of confidential information relating to medical use of marijuana if the person knowingly or purposely discloses confidential information in violation of [section 3].(2) A person convicted of disclosure of confidential information relating to medical use of marijuana shall be fined not to exceed $1,000 or be imprisoned in the county jail for a term not to exceed 6 months, or both.

Section 6. Limitations of medical marijuana act. (1) [Sections 1 through 9] do not permit: (a) any person to operate, navigate, or be in actual physical control of any motor vehicle, aircraft, or motorboat while under the influence of marijuana; or (b) the smoking of marijuana: (i) in a school bus or other form of public transportation;(ii) on any school grounds;(iii) in any correctional facility; or(iv) at any public park, public beach, public recreation center, or youth center.

(2) Nothing in [sections 1 through 9] may be construed to require: (a) a government medical assistance program or private health insurer to reimburse a person for costs associated with the medical use of marijuana; or (b) an employer to accommodate the medical use of marijuana in any workplace.

Section 7. Affirmative defense. Except as provided in [section 6], it is an affirmative defense to any criminal offense involving marijuana that the person charged with the offense:(1)(a) has a physician who states that or has medical records that indicate that, in the physician’s professional opinion, after having completed a full assessment of the person’s medical history and current medical condition made in the course of a bona fide physician-patient relationship, the potential benefits of medical marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks for the person; or (b) provides marijuana to a person described in subsection (a) if the person does not provide marijuana to anyone for uses that are not medical; (2) is engaged in the acquisition, possession, cultivation, manufacture, use, delivery, transfer, or transportation of marijuana or paraphernalia relating to the consumption of marijuana to alleviate the symptoms or effects of the medical condition of the person identified in subsection (1)(a); and (3) possesses marijuana only in an amount that is reasonably necessary to ensure the uninterrupted availability of marijuana for the purpose of alleviating the symptoms or effects of the medical condition of the person identified in subsection (1)(a).

Section 8. Fraudulent representation of medical use of marijuana -- penalty. (1) A person commits the offense of fraudulent representation of medical use of marijuana if the person knowingly or purposely fabricates or misrepresents a registry identification card to a law enforcement officer.(2) A person convicted of fraudulent representation of medical use of marijuana shall be fined not to exceed $1,000 or be imprisoned in the county jail fora term not to exceed 6 months, or both.

Section 9. Rule making -- fees. The department shall adopt rules necessary for the implementation and administration of [sections 1 through 9]. The rules must address the manner in which the department will consider application for and renewals of registry identification cards for qualifying patients and caregivers. The department's rules must establish application and renewal fees that generate revenue sufficient to offset all expenses of implementing and administering [sections 1 through 9]. The department may vary the application and renewal fees along a sliding scale that accounts for a qualifying patient's income.

Section 10. Section 37-1-136, MCA, is amended to read: "37-1-136. Disciplinary authority of boards -- injunctions. (1) Subject to 37-1-138, each licensing board allocated to the department has the authority, in addition to any other penalty or disciplinary action provided by law, to adopt rules specifying grounds for disciplinary action and rules providing for:

(a) revocation of a license;
(b) suspension of its judgment of revocation on terms and conditions determined by the board;
(c) suspension of the right to practice for a period not exceeding 1 year;
(d) placing a licensee on probation;
(e) reprimand or censure of a licensee; or
(f) taking any other action in relation to disciplining a licensee as the board in its discretion considers proper.

(2) Any disciplinary action by a board shall be conducted as a contested case hearing under the provisions of the Montana Administrative Procedure Act.

(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a board may maintain an action to enjoin a person from engaging in the practice of the occupation or profession regulated by the board until a license to practice is procured. A person who has been enjoined and who violates the injunction is punishable for contempt of court.

(4) An action may not be taken against a person who is in compliance with [sections 1 through 9]." Section 11. Section 45-9-101, MCA, is amended to read:

"45-9-101. Criminal distribution of dangerous drugs. (1) A Except as provided in [sections 1 through 9], a person commits the offense of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs if the person sells, barters, exchanges, gives away, or offers to sell, barter, exchange, or give away any dangerous drug, as defined in 50-32-101.

(2) A person convicted of criminal distribution of a narcotic drug, as defined in 50-32-101(18)(d), or an opiate, as defined in 50-32-101(19), shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 2 years or more than life and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222.

(3) A person convicted of criminal distribution of a dangerous drug included in Schedule I or Schedule II pursuant to 50-32-222 or 50-32-224, except marijuana or tetrahydro cannabinol, who has a prior conviction for criminal distribution of such a drug shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 10 years or more than life and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222. Upon a third or subsequent conviction for criminal distribution of such a drug, the person shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 20 years or more than life and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222.

(4) A person convicted of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs not otherwise provided for in subsection (2), (3), or (5) shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 1 year or more than life or be fined an amount of not more than $50,000, or both.

(5) A person who was an adult at the time of distribution and who is convicted of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs to a minor shall be sentenced as follows:

(a) If convicted pursuant to subsection (2), the person shall be imprisoned in the state prison for not less than 4 years or more than life and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222.
(b) If convicted of the distribution of a dangerous drug included in Schedule I or Schedule II pursuant to 50-32-222 or 50-32-224 and if previously convicted of such a distribution, the person shall be imprisoned in the state prison for not less than 20 years or more than life and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222.
(c) If convicted of the distribution of a dangerous drug included in Schedule I or Schedule II pursuant to 50-32-222 or 50-32-224 and if previously convicted of two or more such distributions, the person shall be imprisoned in the state prison for not less than 40 years or more than life and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222.
(d) If convicted pursuant to subsection (4), the person shall be imprisoned in the state prison for not less than 2 years or more than life and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222.

(6) Practitioners, as defined in 50-32-101, and agents under their supervision acting in the course of a professional practice are exempt from this section."

Section 12. Section 45-9-102, MCA, is amended to read:

"45-9-102. Criminal possession of dangerous drugs. (1) A Except as provided in [sections 1 through 9], a person commits the offense of criminal possession of dangerous drugs if the person possesses any dangerous drug, as defined in 50-32-101.

(2) A person convicted of criminal possession of marijuana or its derivatives in an amount the aggregate weight of which does not exceed 60 grams of marijuana or 1 gram of hashish is, for the first offense, guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500 and by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 6 months. The minimum fine must be imposed as a condition of a suspended or deferred sentence. A person convicted of a second or subsequent offense under this subsection is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or by imprisonment in the county jail for a term not to exceed 1 year or in the state prison for a term not to exceed 3 years or by both.

(3) A person convicted of criminal possession of an anabolic steroid as listed in 50-32-226 is, for the first offense, guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500 or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 6 months, or both.

(4) A person convicted of criminal possession of an opiate, as defined in 50-32-101(19), shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 2 years or more than 5 years and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222.

(5) A person convicted of criminal possession of dangerous drugs not otherwise provided for in subsection (2), (3), or (4) shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term not to exceed 5 years or be fined an amount not to exceed $50,000, or both.

(6) A person convicted of a first violation under this section is presumed to be entitled to a deferred imposition of sentence of imprisonment.

(7) Ultimate users and practitioners, as defined in 50-32-101, and agents under their supervision acting in the course of a professional practice are exempt from this section."

Section 13. Section 45-9-103, MCA, is amended to read: "45-9-103. Criminal possession with intent to distribute.


(1) A Except as provided in [sections 1 through 9], a person commits the offense of criminal possession with intent to distribute if the person possesses with intent to distribute any dangerous drug as defined in 50-32-101.
(2) A person convicted of criminal possession of an opiate, as defined in 50-32-101(19), with intent to distribute shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 2 years or more than 20 years and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222.
(3) A person convicted of criminal possession with intent to distribute not otherwise provided for in subsection (2) shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not more than 20 years or be fined an amount not to exceed $50,000, or both.
(4) Practitioners, as defined in 50-32-101, and agents under their supervision acting in the course of a professional practice are exempt from this section."

Section 14. Section 45-9-110, MCA, is amended to read:

"45-9-110. Criminal production or manufacture of dangerous drugs.


(1) A Except as provided in [sections 1 through 9], a person commits the offense of criminal production or manufacture of dangerous drugs if the person knowingly or purposely produces, manufactures, prepares, cultivates, compounds, or processes a dangerous drug, as defined in 50-32-101.
(2) A person convicted of criminal production or manufacture of a narcotic drug, as defined in 50-32-101(18)(d), or an opiate, as defined in 50-32-101(19), shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 5 years or more than life and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222.
(3) A person convicted of criminal production or manufacture of a dangerous drug included in Schedule I of 50-32-222 or Schedule II of 50-32-224, except marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinol, who has a prior conviction that has become final for criminal production or manufacture of a Schedule I or Schedule II drug shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 20 years or more than life and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222. Upon a third or subsequent conviction that has become final for criminal production or manufacture of a Schedule I or Schedule II drug, the person shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not less than 40 years or more than life and may be fined not more than $50,000, except as provided in 46-18-222.
(4) A person convicted of criminal production or manufacture of marijuana, tetrahydro cannabinol, or a dangerous drug not referred to in subsections (2) and (3) shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term not to exceed 10 years and may be fined not more than $50,000, except that if the dangerous drug is marijuana and the total weight is more than a pound or the number of plants is more than 30, the person shall be imprisoned in the state prison for not less than 2 years or more than life and may be fined not more than $50,000. "Weight" means the weight of the dry plant and includes the leaves and stem structure but does not include the root structure. A person convicted under this subsection who has a prior conviction that has become final for criminal production or manufacture of a drug under this subsection shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term not to exceed twice that authorized for a first offense under this subsection and may be fined not more than $100,000.
(5) Practitioners, as defined in 50-32-101, and agents under their supervision acting in the course of a professional practice are exempt from this section."


Section 15. Section 45-9-127, MCA, is amended to read:

"45-9-127. Carrying dangerous drugs on train -- penalty.


(1) A Except as provided in [sections 1 through 9], a person commits the offense of carrying dangerous drugs on a train in this state if he the person is knowingly or purposely in criminal possession of a dangerous drug and boards any train.
(2) A person convicted of carrying dangerous drugs on a train in this state is subject to the penalties provided in 45-9-102." Section 16. Section 45-10-107, MCA, is amended to read:
"45-10-107. Exemptions. Practitioners, as defined in 50-32-101, and agents under their supervision acting in the course of a professional practice and persons in compliance with [sections 1 through 9] are exempt from this part."

Section 17. Codification instruction. Sections 1 through 9 are intended to be codified as an integral part of Title 50, and the provisions of Title 50 apply to sections 1 through 9.

Section 18. Severability. If a part of this act is invalid, all valid parts that are severable from the invalid part remain in effect. If a part of this act is invalid in one or more of its applications, the part remains in effect in all valid applications that are severable from the invalid applications.

Section 19. Effective date. This act is effective upon approval by the electorate.


Montana Medical Marijuana Qualification

Who Qualifies for Medicinal Marijuana in Montana

On November 2, 2004, 62% of Montana voters approved Initiative 148, which removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of medical marijuana (also referred to as medical weed, medical pot or medical cannabis) by patients who possess written documentation from their physicians authorizing the medical use of marijuana. Qualifying patients must register with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and obtain a medical marijuana card. On June 1, 2011, Senate Bill 423 made significant changes to Montana's existing medical marijuana law. However, on June 30, 2011 the Montana courts put a temporary injunction on many elements of the bill. The MTCIA is currently working on getting enough signatures to ban the bill entirely. These signatures are due on September 30, 2011. We will keep you posted on any new developments.

HOW TO BECOME A MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENT IN MONTANA

  • Must be a Montana Resident with a valid Montana I.D. as proof of residency.
  • Obtain a copy of your medical records indicating diagnosis of a qualifying condition, as listed below. Learn how to request your medical records and remember to bring these records with you to your marijuana evaluation appointment.
  • Obtain a Written Certification from a physician licensed in the state of Montana that you are a qualifying patient. Find a medical marijuana doctor in Montana here.
  • If you are applying for marijuana use for chronic pain, you must provide necessary and relevant x-ray, MRI or other diagnostics; OR have a second physician may confirm the chronic pain diagnosis, after performing a physical exam. Download Physician's Statement for a Chronic Pain Diagnosis here.
  • Register with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services by sending your application form, Written Certification and a $25 annual application fee to the address listed below. Patients can download the application form here.Please note that minors who are applying to qualify for medical marijuana on or after June 20, 2011 must have a recommendation from two physicians in order to be on the registry.
  • UPDATE: Due to changes with SB 423, all caregivers must now register as “providers.” It’s imperative that growers and caregivers complete the necessary paperwork to become a registered provider. Here’s the application.

WHAT AILMENTS CAN BE TREATED WITH MEDICAL CANNABIS IN MONTANA?

In Montana, the following debilitating medical conditions can be treated with Medical Cannabis:
a. cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome when the condition or disease results in symptoms that seriously and adversely affect the patient's health status;
b. cachexia or wasting syndrome;
c. severe chronic pain that is persistent pain of severe intensity that significantly interferes with daily activities as documented by the patient's treating physician and by:

  • objective proof of the etiology of the pain, including relevant and necessary diagnostic tests that may include but are not limited to the results of an x-ray, computerized tomography scan, or magnetic resonance imaging; or
  • confirmation of that diagnosis from a second physician who is independent of the treating physician and who conducts a physical examination;

d. intractable nausea or vomiting;
e. epilepsy or an intractable seizure disorder;
f. multiple sclerosis;
g. Crohn's disease;
h. painful peripheral neuropathy;
i. a central nervous system disorder resulting in chronic, painful spasticity or muscle spasms;
j. admittance into hospice care in accordance with rules adopted by the department; or
k. any other medical condition or treatment for a medical condition approved by the legislature.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACCESS

Some medical marijuana patients will claim they have a doctor's prescription for medical marijuana, but marijuana prescriptions are in fact illegal. The federal government classifies marijuana as a schedule I drug. Therefore doctors are unable to prescribe marijuana to their patients, and medical marijuana patients cannot go to a pharmacy to fill a prescription for medical marijuana. Instead, medical marijuana physicians will supply patients with a medical marijuana recommendation in compliance with state law.

According to Montana medical marijuana law, patients and their caregivers may grow medical marijuana for the patient's private use and each may possess 4 mature plants, 12 seedlings, and 1 ounce of usable marijuana.. The Montana Medical Marijuana Act does not allow for the purchase or sale of medical cannabis and caregivers must agree to supply cannabis to registered patients for free.

HOW TO CONTACT THE MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Mailing Address:
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Licensure Bureau?2401 Colonial Drive, P.O. Box 202953?Helena, MT, 59620-2953
Phone Number:406-444-2676


Montana Medical Marijuana

Montana Medical Marijuana Laws, Montana Medical Marijuana Qualifications and General Montana Marijuana Information

The State of Montana has a legalized medical marijuana program, which allows legal medical marijuana patients to receive a marijuana recommendation from a certified physician, apply for a State-issued Montana Medical Marijuana ID Card, and grow and/or purchase marijuana for medicinal use per state guidelines. We have compiled the following index of medical marijuana information in Montana to serve as a legal library to our users for legal reference of Montana's laws and guidelines regarding Medical Cannabis.

Please note that in order to become a legal medical marijuana patient you must first have a qualifying condition as outlined by the department of health services and/or department of justice. For a comprehensive list of Montana's medical marijuana qualifying conditions you can visit our qualifying conditions section located on the top of our menu under "legal states".

Since the Montana medical marijuana program is still changing their laws and new Montana medical marijuana laws are being enacted on a monthly basis, please be sure to visit our site frequently to get the most updated laws as it pertains to the Montana medical marijuana program. Please click a corresponding link to find out more about your Montana's Medical Marijuana Program.

MONTANA QUALIFICATION

Find out Who Qualifies for Marijuana in Montana in our definitive guide of Montana's qualification guidelines. Read up on medical conditions that are covered under Montana's medical marijuana program, age restrictions, criminal conviction restrictions, and more.

MONTANA MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAWS

Read Montana's Full Medical Marijuana Laws to gain full specific knowledge of Montana's exact legal guidelines without interpretation. We suggest that you print Montana's Full Medicinal Marijuana Laws for use with our MyDoc program in order to provide your physician full insight into Montana's laws for his knowledge.

MONTANA MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD

Find out how to obtain a{n} Montana Medical Marijuana Card with our guide to Montana's state medicinal marijuana ID program. Some states require that you obtain your card prior to obtaining your medicine, so read here first to ensure that you know Montana's requirements.


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