From norml at montananorml.org Mon Jan 12 22:08:43 2009 From: norml at montananorml.org (Montana NORML) Date: Mon Jan 12 22:09:17 2009 Subject: [Mtnorml-list] How marijuana laws are created and destroyed in Montana Message-ID: <496C21DB.2060600@montananorml.org> In Montana, like other states, we have lots of laws, some of which are about marijuana. Like our medical marijuana law (which is threatened - keep reading), and the law that defines growing a single plant as a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. These laws don't just spring into being. They are invented and voted on by regular people who represent various communities in Montana, including yours. Every two years, these legislators convene in Helena and, over the course of a few short months, update 'the law of the land' in Montana. Two of them represent you and your neighborhood. You can call and email them and give them advice. In a moment I'll tell you how, but first here's a reason to care: By my count, there are SIX marijuana bills that will either be voted down or become the law of the land in Montana very soon. While the details aren't clear yet, it appears that three bills aim to restrict the scope of the medical marijuana law, or create new penalties for patients, or require roadside blood tests for patients, or even give law enforcement free access to the caregivers list, or the ability to inspect gardens at any time. On the other hand, two bills seek to improve the medical marijuana law, by allowing rural medical professionals like Nurse Practitioners and Physicians Assistants to sign the registration paperwork, and allow patients to grow enough plants and store enough medicine to ensure a continuous supply. And one seeks to remove criminal penalties for small amounts of marijuana. Montana's a small state, population-wise. That means your voice counts MORE. A simple voice mail or handwritten letter to the people that are deciding on these bills can have a big impact when it comes time for them to vote. I'll be sending out details of the bills in question as they become available. For now, I am asking you to nail down out who is representing *you* in Helena. Here's how: Click here: http://nris.mt.gov/gis/legislat/2009/ 1) Click down to your neighborhood and find the legislators' names (One from the House District, and one from the Senate District you live in). Write them down. Wait, you're not done yet. 2) Now find their contact info for each: http://leg.mt.gov/css/Sessions/61st/roster.asp?HouseID=1&SessionID=94 http://leg.mt.gov/css/Sessions/61st/roster.asp?HouseID=2&SessionID=94 3) Click on their names and collect their phones and email addresses. 4) Finally, bookmark this page: http://leg.mt.gov/css/sessions/61st/legwebmessage.asp We'll send out more info about these marijuana bills (the good, the bad, and the downright ugly) in the coming weeks. Be ready! -- John Masterson Montana NORML http://www.montananorml.org P.S. - be a friend and purchase something from our Marijuana Mega Mart (powered by Amazon): http://www.montananorml.org/store/ Thanks! From norml at montananorml.org Thu Jan 15 07:09:53 2009 From: norml at montananorml.org (Montana NORML) Date: Thu Jan 15 07:15:39 2009 Subject: [Mtnorml-list] Helena fundraiser for medical marijuana reform - this weekend Message-ID: <496F43B1.3000707@montananorml.org> From our friends at Patients and Families United ( http://mtpfu.org ): When: Saturday, January 17th ? 4 pm ? ? Where: Miller?s Crossing bar/restaurant on Park Avenue, downtown Helena. Click: http://tinyurl.com/millerscrossinghelena (this is cool) What: Silent auctions & informational displays, 4 pm ? 9 pm Live auctions, first of a series: 8:30 pm $5 cover charge begins: 9 pm Live music begins: 9 pm (two outstanding ?original alternative blues-rock bands? from Missoula, Viscosity Breakdown opened by Mighty Crevasse) Throughout: special raffles and surprise give-aways There's a good chance real live *Legislators* will attend portions of the event -- here's a chance to talk to them face to face. For more info, email: info@mtpfu.org If you're in (or near) Helena, please consider supporting this event! Thanks, - MT NORML Team From norml at montananorml.org Thu Jan 15 08:10:14 2009 From: norml at montananorml.org (Montana NORML) Date: Thu Jan 15 08:10:37 2009 Subject: [Mtnorml-list] Two marijuana bills to be voted on in a few days - how you can help Message-ID: <496F51D6.6070304@montananorml.org> All right folks, it is now time for you to act. We must urge our representatives in Helena to reject one bill and embrace another, immediately. Both of these will be heard by legislative committees next week. If you can attend either hearing in Helena, please coordinate with Patients & Families United: info@mtpfu.org 30-second summaries of each bill: Senate Bill 212 - We must reject this one. ------------------------------------------ * revokes medical card for any violation of # plants, amount of mj, etc * requires *roadside blood tests* for patients who get pulled over! HEARING: Tuesday Jan 20, 9AM, Room 303 (Helena Capitol) BILL LANGUAGE: http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2009/billhtml/SB0212.htm House Bill 73 - We support this one! ------------------------------------------ * allows additional medical professionals to sign registrations * extends card expiration date for permanent conditions HEARING: Wednesday, Jan 21, 3PM, Room 157 (Helena Capitol) BILL LANGUAGE: http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2009/billhtml/HB0073.htm =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- WHAT YOU SHOULD DO =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ** SHOW UP! ** If you can attend either hearing, PLEASE coordinate with Patients & Families United: info@mtpfu.org -- there is a limited amount of financial support to help people cover food, lodging, travel expenses. ** CONTACT LEGISLATORS ** Your message can be short and sweet: "Hi, this is [YOUR NAME] calling from [YOUR TOWN]. I am [CALLING/WRITING] to urge you to support HB 73, an act to improve Montana's medical marijuana laws." "Hi, this is [YOUR NAME] calling from [YOUR TOWN]. I am [CALLING/WRITING] to urge you to reject SB 212, an invasive proposal that would needlessly harm patients and damage Montana's medical marijuana laws." Or you can go into more detail -- the legislators are busy though, so keep it as short as you can. ** CALL ** Call the Session Information Desk at *406-444-4800* to leave a message for as many as five legislators or one legislative committee per call; 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 8 a.m. to adjournment on Saturdays. (Keep reading below for who to call!) ** EMAIL ** http://leg.mt.gov/css/sessions/61st/legwebmessage.asp It is particularly important for the legislators on the committees reviewing these two bills to hear from communities they represent, so here's an overview of whom to contact: *House Human Services Committee - "Please support HB 73!"* * Arlene Becker, chairperson (D-Billings) * Mary Caffero, vice-chair (D-Helena) * Pat Ingraham, vice-chair (R-Thompson Falls) * Bill Beck (R-Whitefish) * Julie French (D-Scobey) ? the bill?s sponsor! * Tim Furey (D-Milltown) * David Howard (R-Park City) * Chuck Hunter (D-Helena) * Dave McAlpin (D-Missoula) * Michael More (R-Gallatin Gateway) * Pat Noonan (D-Ramsay) * Ken Peterson (R-Billings) * Diane Sands (D-Missoula) * Cary Smith (R-Billings) * Ron Stoker (R-Darby) * Jeff Wellborn (R-Dillon) *Senate Judiciary Committee - "Please REJECT SB 212!"* * Sen. Gary Perry, chairman (R-Manhattan) * Sen. Jim Shockley, vice-chair (R-Victor) * Sen. Aubyn Curtiss (R-Fortine) * Sen. John Esp (R-Big Timber) * Sen. Greg Hinkle (R-Thompson Falls) * Sen. Larry Jent (D-Bozeman) * Sen. Carol Juneau (D-Browning) * Sen. Jesse Laslovich (D-Anaconda) * Sen. Dan McGee (R-Laurel) * Sen. Lynda Moss (D-Billings) * Sen. Terry Murphy (R-Cardwell) The five minutes it takes YOU to call or email might make all the difference needed! Most people expect "someone else" to get involved. *Why not you?* It takes 5 minutes. Make the call. Send the email. Show up! More news soon, John Masterson Montana NORML http://www.montananorml.org http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4730742559 From norml at montananorml.org Thu Jan 22 08:38:53 2009 From: norml at montananorml.org (Montana NORML) Date: Thu Jan 22 08:40:33 2009 Subject: [Mtnorml-list] URGENT Call for ACTION -- from PATIENTS & FAMILIES UNITED Message-ID: <4978930D.6050707@montananorml.org> Skipped content of type multipart/alternative-------------- next part -------------- An embedded message was scrubbed... From: Doebare@aol.com Subject: URGENT Call for ACTION -- from PATIENTS & FAMILIES UNITED Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:27:56 EST Size: 77911 Url: http://mailapp.modwest.com/pipermail/mtnorml-list/attachments/20090122/c61aefde/URGENTCallforACTION--fromPATIENTSFAMILIESUNITED-0001.eml From norml at montananorml.org Mon Jan 26 11:41:21 2009 From: norml at montananorml.org (Montana NORML) Date: Mon Jan 26 11:41:47 2009 Subject: [Mtnorml-list] Action Alert: Medical Marijuana bills to be voted on this week! Message-ID: <497E03D1.9060407@montananorml.org> Time to make a phone call folks. As you might recall, there are two medical marijuana bills being considered right now. The bad one (SB 212) would require roadside blood tests of patients and take away patient cards. The good one (HB 73) would allow Nurse Practitioners and Physicians Assistants (who can already prescribe medicines) to sign the medical marijuana recommendation papers. It is likely both will come a vote THIS WEDNESDAY, and so it is important that YOU take action before then! Here's what to do, it's easy and takes 5 minutes: *CALL: 406-444-4800* If you need an idea of what to say: "Hi, I'd like to leave a message for the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee: Please vote NO on SB 212. It is unnecessary and unfairly targets medical marijuana patients. Please vote NO on SB 212. I also want to leave a message for the House Human Services Committee: Please vote YES on HB 73. HB 73 is a common sense bill to help patients in rural communities. Please vote YES on HB 73!" Easy enough. You can read the bills in question here: SB 212 (blood tests, please vote no): http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2009/billhtml/SB0212.htm HB 73 (rural providers, please vote yes): http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2009/billhtml/HB0073.htm Please make the call today or Tueday morning. You can call as early as 7:30AM. Our previous alert on these two bills is here: http://mailapp.modwest.com/pipermail/mtnorml-list/2009-January/000087.html Most people expect "someone else" to get involved. *Why not you?* It takes 5 minutes. Make the call. More news soon, John Masterson Montana NORML http://www.montananorml.org http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4730742559 From norml at montananorml.org Tue Jan 27 07:41:57 2009 From: norml at montananorml.org (Montana NORML) Date: Tue Jan 27 07:42:43 2009 Subject: [Mtnorml-list] HB73 (might be) dead, SB212 still looming Message-ID: <497F1D35.9070907@montananorml.org> Friends, Two newspapers are reporting this morning that HB73, the bill that would have allowed nurse practitioners and physician's assistants to sign medical marijuana recommendation papers, is "probably dead". The House Human Services Committee unexpectedly took up the bill yesterday (rather than Wednesday) and voted. All eight Democrats supported the bill. All eight Republicans opposed it. You can help by calling 406-444-4800 to say THANK YOU to the legislators who voted YES on HB73: Arlene Becker, chairperson (D-Billings) Mary Caffero, vice-chair (D-Helena) Julie French (D-Scobey) ? bill sponsor Tim Furey (D-Milltown) Chuck Hunter (D-Helena) Dave McAlpin (D-Missoula) Pat Noonan (D-Ramsay) Diane Sands (D-Missoula) http://leg.mt.gov/css/sessions/61st/legwebmessage.asp allows you to send email to specific legislators too. It's still possible to revive HB73 and we should not lose hope; we will let you know how we can help make that happen. In the meantime, to prevent any backwards motion, we must help defeat several bad medical marijuana bills still pending. The first looming threat, which we've told you about before: SB 212, the roadside blood test (a.k.a "Patient Bloodletting") law. You can help defeat it by calling 406-444-4800 and leaving a message for the Senate Judiciary Committee as described in a previous email here: http://mailapp.modwest.com/pipermail/mtnorml-list/2009-January/000089.html If you haven't already done so -- today would be a great day to call and help defeat SB 212. Thanks for your interest and assistance, John Masterson Montana NORML http://www.montananorml.org http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=4730742559 http://montananorml.org/store/ Marijuana Mega-Mart! From norml at montananorml.org Wed Jan 28 19:52:21 2009 From: norml at montananorml.org (Montana NORML) Date: Wed Jan 28 19:52:50 2009 Subject: [Mtnorml-list] Vote on SB212 delayed again - still time for you to call/email Message-ID: <498119E5.2000003@montananorml.org> Friends, We expected SB212, the "Patient Blood-Letting Bill", to be voted on this afternoon, but the vote has been delayed until Friday. That means there's still time for *you* to call and urge Senate Judiciary Committee members to vote NO. Our friends at Patients & Families United (http://mtpfu.org) believe that two members are particularly important to reach: Sen. Aubyn Curtiss (R-Fortine) Sen. Terry Murphy (R-Cardwell) If you have friends near Fortine or Cardwell, please forward this message to them and urge them to make the call. Hearing from your hometown can make a big impact. This "bloody" bill could become the law of the land if we don't help shoot it down now. Here's what to do: Call 406-444-4800. Say you want to leave a message for the Senate Judiciary Committee, or Terry Murphy (for example). Your message can be as short as: * Please vote NO on SB 212. Or a little more (or via email): SB 212 is unnecessary ? Montana law already allows law enforcement to require blood tests of any driver suspected of impaired driving as a result of drugs. SB 212 is grossly unfair ? it targets only legal medical marijuana patients, a tiny number of people, while doing nothing to address the many tens of thousands of Montanans using other legal medications that are much more likely to cause impaired driving. You can EMAIL members here: http://leg.mt.gov/css/sessions/61st/legwebmessage.asp Don't spam them. Be brief, professional, and respectful. Here's the bill if you'd like to read the details: http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2009/billhtml/SB0212.htm And here's our little write-up of how this all works and why it should matter to you: http://montananorml.org/legislation/2009/ Onwards, John Masterson Montana NORML http://montananorml.org From norml at montananorml.org Fri Jan 30 17:15:37 2009 From: norml at montananorml.org (Montana NORML) Date: Fri Jan 30 17:21:33 2009 Subject: [Mtnorml-list] Victory: SB-212 is dead - Thank you! Message-ID: <49839829.2020407@montananorml.org> Victory. SB-212, the "Patient Blood-Letting Bill", was "tabled" in the Senate Judiciary Committee today. Basically, that means they decided it wasn't worth voting on. It's DEAD. I have heard from many people who called to encourage committee members to kill this bill, and have heard repeatedly that the legislative services folks who take the calls knew exactly what message they needed to take -- because they'd taken the same message over and over from numerous informed, concerned Montanans. Outstanding! The (dead) bill is here: http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2009/billhtml/SB0212.htm Well done folks, thanks for helping! There are still a couple more bills coming down the road which will interest you, and we'll send another update when your help is needed again. For now, have a great weekend, and celebrate this victory! =) -- John Masterson Montana NORML http://www.montananorml.org Shop Cheech & Chong, Cannabis Cookbooks and Growers Guides in our Marijuana Mega Mart: http://montananorml.org/store/ From norml at montananorml.org Fri Jan 30 19:28:22 2009 From: norml at montananorml.org (Montana NORML) Date: Fri Jan 30 19:28:47 2009 Subject: [Mtnorml-list] Ever busted for pot in Montana? Tell me your story. Message-ID: <4983B746.1030909@montananorml.org> One more email before the weekend. Anti-marijuana drug warriors often try to excuse marijuana prohibition by saying that nobody goes to jail for pot, and really it's only ever a slap on the wrist. We know that's not true, but there's another subtle myth I'm aiming at here. There are tens of millions of regular people who choose to consume marijuana regularly, and many of them are successful, otherwise-law-abiding, tax-paying, patriotic citizens. I personally know bankers and lawyers and real estate agents and counselors and computer techs who break the law regularly with this harmless weed. (See http://www.cannabisconsumers.org/ if you're interested in "coming out"). The subtle myth, even among some of my colleagues, is that the people who actually get busted for pot are all dirtbags, wife-beaters and meth-addicts who 'had it coming' anyway. My theory is that this is part of the reason that the harassment and arrest of nearly a million people a year for marijuana (http://drugwarfacts.org/cms/?q=node/53) earns little more than a snicker from the average citizen. So, I want to hear real stories from real people about their (or their loved ones') Montana marijuana bust experiences. Do it here: http://busted.montananorml.org/ We'll compile these stories in a public education/media campaign later this year. Please tell your story, anonymously if you prefer. http://busted.montananorml.org/ And forward this email to your friend who got busted, too. Onwards, -- John Masterson Montana NORML http://www.montananorml.org