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April 13, 2011 in Region
Montana governor vetoes repeal of medical marijuana law
HELENA, Mont. — Gov. Brian Schweitzer has vetoed a Republican bill that would have repealed the state’s voter-approved medical marijuana law.
Schweitzer vetoed the bill Wednesday along with several others he called “frivolous, unconstitutional or in direct contradiction to the expressed will of the people of Montana.”
Voters in 2004 overwhelmingly approved the use of medical marijuana by the very sick. There are now more than 28,000 registered medical pot users.
Supporters of repeal say the boom has gone too far and that the voter initiative has too many holes to be effectively reformed.
A separate bill proposing to strengthen the law is now in conference committee. It may be this Legislature’s last chance of acting on the issue with little more than a week left in the session.
© Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Four dead, two wounded in Seattle shootings 
oneanddone on April 13 at 11:35 a.m.
To get my support for “medical” marijuana they’ll have to sell it ONLY in a pharmacy with a REAL doctor’s prescription. I can see a use for people who need to cope with pain and suffering from a debilitating disease but not Joe Stoner feeling anxious because his car needs a wash.
healinhand on April 13 at 11:42 a.m.
No one wants your support….eduacate yourself before making comments
nslopeofw on April 13 at 12:34 p.m.
I lived in Alaska when MJ was legal. Up to one ounce for personal use. No medical card needed. Funny thing, there was little to no crime associated with pot. Now that its illegal, people kill each other over it, and its a huge drain on law enforcement. Hmmmm!
It is better for you than booze, is less a “gateway” drug than booze, and most people just get mellow. Personally, it isnt my gig, as all i do is eat, then sleep, but i dont see much harm in it for others. Plus, there are many uses for the byproducts.
Legalize MJ, and save big money, and lives.
Thoreau on April 13 at 12:38 p.m.
How refreshing. An elected politician who has acted according to his constituents’ desire. Good for Montana!
Ed Byrnes on April 13 at 12:39 p.m.
Governor Schweitzer did the right thing through vetoing a bill which was “…in direct contradiction to the expressed will of the people of Montana.”
The people of Washington expressed their will 1998 so ditto with healinhand.
Many people who argue for less government reveal a logical inconsistency when they find it acceptable for the government to intrude into private behaviors that they personally don’t like, such as cannabis use or sexual preferences.
PhiltheBibliophil on April 13 at 12:50 p.m.
Schweitzer for President!! Inhale to the Chief!
Patanjali on April 13 at 12:54 p.m.
Marijuana should be legal for all purposes. When marijuana becomes legal hemp could be grown to be used in making pulp for paper. Millions of trees would be saved every year. Hemp grows faster than trees and is cheaper to produce into paper. There are many other uses for hemp. Marijuana was legal until about 1933 or 34. The use of marijuana grew during Prohibition. The initiative behind making it illegal came from the paper and alcohol industries.
DemoDriver on April 13 at 1:18 p.m.
I’ve got to agree with ebyrnes in that many who want a less intrusive government then go on to support onerous restrictions against groups with whom they personally disagree.
Like how a lot of “gun nuts” rail against the “pot heads” and vise versa.
If you don’t like weed, don’t smoke it.
If you don’t belive in firearm ownership, don’t buy a gun.
I have a problem with people like Michelle Bachman who’s saying we need to return to core, Constitutional values and a more literal interpetation of same while then supporting the “patriot” act at every turn (Ditto for Cathy McMorris Rogers on that issue).
ManleyPointer on April 13 at 1:18 p.m.
“Inhale to the Chief”. Very nice. I agree with ebyrnes on this one: in for a penny, in for a pound, I say. Being consistent with one’s libertarian impulses means examining each issue by itself, without regard to anyone’s agenda. Sometimes I run afoul of my liberal friends because of it, and sometimes my conservative friends are appalled. Oh, well.
empyrius on April 13 at 1:49 p.m.
God bless marijuana! Our Lord created the pot plant and then some government of fallible men is going to say God is wrong: I’ll take YHWH over any corrupt government every day of the week.
I don’t need any stinking card to smoke some weed; and if a law is unjust I shall vigorously break that law!
Like Bob Dylan sang, “everybody must get stoned”!
Amen
SpokaneLiberal on April 13 at 3:30 p.m.
Why can’t the US or Washington have a governor/president that Brands BS bills with a VETO.
sledmike on April 13 at 5:36 p.m.
I got such a laugh while reading these comments. Push Brian up to further office…why else do you think he has vetoed this bill…easy votes no less/no more. I don’t see any distinction between a shot of Wild Turkey and a hit of MJ and I do believe the legality should be equal. ..most of Montana agrees. The comments on this article demonstrate why our political system is so screwed up…I am pretty sure that the pro-pot posters are not in favor of burning coal for electricity..Brian is because he’s trying to sell a lot of it…I am pretty sure that most of the pro-pot posters are pro wolf….Brian is not, because most hunters are not. Try looking at everything he stands for before going ga-ga for him. He gorged himself on the fat of the taxpayer with agricultural welfare…he fought the contractors that built his private mansion at Georgetown Lake tooth and nail to keep from having to pay them. Brian always takes the easy way. Google a couple of questions and then post your support…if you are pro coal, anti wolf, pro corporate welfare…Brian is your guy. Take him to Washington state…you can have him.