Montana Medical Marijuana Allowance, Measure I-148 (2004)

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Montana I-48 was on the November 2, 2004 ballot in Montana as a citizens initiative, where it was approved.[1]
  • Yes: 276,042 (61.8%) Approved
  • No: 170,579 (38.2)

Support

The initiative was supported by Medical Marijuana Policy Project of Montana[1] (or MMPPM) and Montana NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws)[2].

The official proponent argument was prepared by Representative Ron Erickson, Paul Befumo of MMPPM, and Robin Prosser, a Montanan who used marijuana to relieve chronic pain associated with an immunosupressive illness.[2] They argued that I-148 would protect patients suffering from cancer, multiple sclerosis, AIDS and other serious illnesses from serving six months in prison and being fined $500 for using marijuana. It would also allow these patients to grow their own supply of the drug so they would no longer have to buy from the criminal market.

According to the official argument, I-148 is very similar to the laws in nine other states (Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington). In November of 2002, the investigative arm of Congress issued a report which found that these laws were working well and had not created problems for law enforcement officials. The argument also cited the American Nurses Association, the American Public Health Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians as supporters of the medical use of marijuana under physicians' supervision.[3]

Opposition

I-148 was opposed by Rep. Jim Shockley (R). The official opponent argument was prepared by Shockley, along with the Association for Addicition Professionals President Roger Curtiss, NCAC II, LAC. They argued that, as a federally designated Schedule I Drug, marijuana is dangerous, has a high potential for abuse and has no medical value. They also argued that the initiative undermined Montana's drug enforcment priorities and the Food and Drug Administration System's "rigorous scientific and medical process of approval of new drugs that protect the people of the United States from unsafe, ineffective drugs."

They also claimed that the legalization advocates' assertions over the past decade has led to a decrease in marijuana's perceived harmfulness, which has resulted in an increase in marijuana use, other drug use, and drug addiction. They also noted that even if the initiative passed, there are still federal laws in place making it illegal to grow, sell, purchase or use marijuana even with a doctor's prescription.[4]

Campaign financing

Major donors to the campaign for the amendment includes the Medical Marijuana Policy Project of Montana, who donated $555,082.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 2004 Montana General Election Results (PDF)p. 4
  2. ↑ Robin Prosser profile at Marijuana Policy Project
  3. ↑ 2004 Montana Voter Information Pamphlet (PDF) p. 30-31
  4. ↑ 2004 Montana Voter Information Pamphlet (PDF) p. 32
  5. ↑ 'Follow the Money, Montana I-148 Donations

External links

Retrieved from "http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Montana_Medical_Marijuana_Allowance,_Measure_I-148_(2004)"
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