I-124 would return state to chaos

Editor:

The Montana Cannabis Industry Association has organized an effort to repeal Senate Bill 423. Their initiative, I-124, will be on the November ballot and the language is confusing. Vote for SB 423 or Montana will revert back to having the uncontrolled, lawless, rapidly growing marijuana industry we experienced prior to the passing of SB 423.

The Legislature did not overturn the will of the people with SB 423, instead they took medical marijuana back to what voters initially voted for. The law allows seriously ill people to use and grow marijuana, but SB 423 does not allow for the selling of marijuana for profit. SB 423 effectively eliminates the industry that Montanans never voted for and don't want.

Senate Bill 423 is working. Since its passing, the number of registered medical marijuana users has dropped from 30,000 to 8,849; the number of providers has dropped from 4,800 to 395, and many of the storefronts are disappearing. With the law imposing additional requirements for minors to obtain cards, there are now only two card holders under the age of 18.

On Initiative 124, vote for Senate Bill 423, a bill which repeals I-148 and enacts a new medical marijuana program.

Please forward this message to family and friends.

Cherri Brady,

Laura Needham,

Susan Smith,

Safe Community Safe Kids

Billings