2016 Updates

Dear Members:
MTCIA held a statewide meeting in Missoula on the 16th of January. The primary purpose of that meeting was to get acquainted with members in that area and to organize a chapter to provide better representation for those members. Much interest was shown and some industry leaders are currently involved with forming a chapter in Missoula.

We currently have MTCIA Chapters in the Flathead area, Butte, Bozeman and Billings. All Chapter Presidents are board members with MTCIA. We would like to see chapters formed in Helena and Great Falls. For further information on the requirements for forming chapters, please contact any of our board members.

As some of you are aware, MTCIA is involved in the process of passing a ballot initiative that protects legal access of cannabis for cardholders who have debilitating medical conditions and qualify through the state-sponsored marijuana program. We are currently only a short time away from a Montana Supreme Court decision that could end the marijuana program in Montana.

MTCIA has worked vigorously to produce an initiative that creates a well-regulated and balanced business model that serves the best interest of the marijuana cardholders and their providers. I am including the proposed amendments to the current law in this posting. We will launch the signature-gathering drive in Billings tentatively scheduled for March 5. We will confirm the date, time and location in a subsequent posting.

Amendments: INITIATIVETEXTREV1.26.16

Earlier this week, I met with representatives from Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP). They have expressed a desire to assist in the ballot initiative drive by mobilizing the students in 5 colleges in Montana. They will be registering students to vote in Billings, Bozeman, Missoula and Helena.

UPCOMING EVENTS

There will be a statewide meeting in Bozeman on February 6, at the Hilton Garden Inn at 2023 Commerce Way at 1:00 pm. All Montana marijuana providers are urged to attend. We hope to see you at the meeting.

Yours in Solidarity,
Mort Reid
President, MTCIA