S.B. 423 becomes law without Gov. Schweitzer’s signature

Published: May 14, 2011

It’s been 10 days since S.B. 423 was transmitted to Gov. Brian Schweitzer, thus Montana’s “repeal in disguise” bill became law without his signature last night at midnight.

Under S.B. 423, larger marijuana-growing operations and all dispensaries must shut down by July 1, and caregivers must instead register as providers starting June 1. Patients will have to grow their own or obtain it for free from a provider who can grow for only three people. A garden may not be shared, except for by close relations, and law enforcement may conduct unannounced inspections. Starting today, provider advertising of any kind (even websites) is prohibited.

Possession limits will be four mature plants, 12 seedlings, and one ounce of marijuana, and everyone must always carry an ID card. Patients’ existing ID cards are valid until expiration, but invasive new rules will apply to renewals. Doctors who certify 25 patients will have to pay to be investigated. Check out this summary for more details.

The Montana Cannabis Industry Association filed a referendum petition today to place S.B. 423 on the November 2012 ballot and is trying to get signatures to get the law suspended before its worst provisions go into effect on July 1.