Judge may block parts of new marijuana law

HELENA — A Helena judge has indicated he may temporarily block at least parts of a restrictive medical marijuana law before it takes effect July 1.

District Judge James Reynolds concluded a three-day hearing Wednesday by saying he is wrestling with the new Montana law. He specifically mentioned concerns with a provision that bars marijuana providers from making a profit or being reimbursed for their expenses.

A medical marijuana industry group is asking Reynolds to block the entire law, saying it violates patients' constitutional right to pursue good health.

Assistant Attorney General Jim Molloy says blocking the law on those grounds would be unprecedented. He says the right to health care does not give patients access to an unbridled, unregulated scope of options.

Reynolds plans to make a decision before July 1.