Marijuana Legal Issues

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By Kyle Midura

Story Published: Nov 5, 2010 at 5:50 PM MDT

Story Updated: Nov 6, 2010 at 3:01 PM MDT

BILLINGS - Medical marijuana is expected to be a hot topic of debate during the 2011 legislative session in Montana.

Friday, about 130 employers heard from doctors and lawyers about what they can and cannot lawfully do regarding employees who use medical marijuana. Experts told employers that their company policies should explicitly spell out rules regarding the substance to avoid litigation. They said employees can be terminated for medical marijuana use if it violates policy, but they cannot be fired for possessing a medical marijuana card.

Former U.S. Attorney Bill Mercer said they tried to give business owners some direction. "Unfortunately there are enough gray areas that sometimes we can't give definitive answers," he said, "and I'm hopeful that the legislature is going to jump in and help rectify it."

Several legislators have already proposed bills addressing medical marijuana. The state legislature convenes January 3rd in Helena.

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Joe said on Friday, Dec 3 at 12:18 PM

Um, The people who abuse the system and overproduce the product actually help... many people who benefit from it won't put their name on "the list" because they don't trust the system. If you vote for the Erradication of a species then you are no better than Hitler himself.

randy said on Tuesday, Nov 9 at 8:45 PM

wow are you guys stupid .this pot plant has been here for decades and decades ;;;;to the people that think it should be gone well maybe you shouldnt take ur pain medicine then also .until you try it dont knock it it helps with all kinds of pain .maybe yoiu should try it other than taking youre lowertabs

kma said on Monday, Nov 8 at 1:38 PM

If you only read between the line im not responsible for your lack of attention.My REFRAIN statement is clearly for you to get your own call letters.Be your own and not someone else.

refrain? said on Saturday, Nov 6 at 12:31 PM

i like how you say we're allowed to our opinions yet you tell me to refrain, hypocrite.

kma said on Saturday, Nov 6 at 11:06 AM

To the imposter that used my letters please refrain.We are allowed to our opinions on here and not be set up by a phantom.Use your own not mine.This is in refernce to the 10,000 year comment it was not from me!

kma said on Friday, Nov 5 at 11:13 PM

you realize this plant has been here for well over 10,000 years right? (Facepalm)

ennuiDerby said on Friday, Nov 5 at 8:51 PM

It's hard to argue that it's not flat out sick and wrong to imprison a person for Cannabis possession, be the intent medical or recreational. It is simply terrible policy from a social, fiscal, and criminal justice standpoint. Montanans are known to be a rational, not reactionary people. Are we not a paragon of libertarian ideals? Seriously, this was the last state to ban open containers in vehicles (and so gloriously toothlessly, at that!) 'kma,' you will never every "get rid of this crazy drug" however the law. Worst case: medically grown marijuana finds its way to the black market and lots and lots of money stays "local" rather than funneled to a foreign crime syndicate. If we wish to continue to prosecute illegal users of marijuana, fine. Leave those who remain within the bounds of the law alone. Honestly, "not going to jail" should be a qualifying medical condition for physician recommendation. Prison should only be for people who hurt other people. Period.

kma said on Friday, Nov 5 at 6:08 PM

get rid of this crazy drug.There are people that have abused the system and are hurting the one who really need this stuff

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