Head of new marijuana advocates group steps aside

MISSOULA — The head of a new marijuana industry association has stepped down because he's facing felony drug charges.

Nathan Pierce, the former president of the Montana Cannabis Industry Association, was arrested during a February traffic stop.

Deputy Missoula County Attorney Andrew Paul says searches of Pierce and his vehicle turned up items believed to be hallucinogenic mushrooms and hashish. Court records say he also had four expired medical marijuana cards naming him as caregiver.

The Missoulian reports Pierce is contesting the charges.

The marijuana association formed several weeks ago to lead opposition to a strict overhaul of Montana's medical marijuana law that could become law by the end of the day Friday.

MCIA board member Kate Cholewa says the group can't afford criminal distractions and accepted Pierce's resignation on May 6.